Colorectal Department
If you need colorectal surgery, you'll be reassured to learn that Stamford Hospital offers a truly extraordinary level of care. Our staff is highly trained, proactive and dedicated to delivering a superior level of care in a patient-centered environment. We work closely with gastroenterologists, oncologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, genetic counselors, primary care physicians, general surgeons, radiation therapist, radiologists, and other specialists to manage colon and rectal diseases as required by each individual patient.
Many of the screenings, such as colonoscopies, and treatments, such as anal-rectal surgery, can be performed in the relaxed atmosphere of the Tully Center on an outpatient basis.
Stamford Hospital colorectal surgeons have a large experience in using laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery.
Stamford Hospital has one of only 21 familial colorectal cancer registries in North and South America. In addition to treating and helping you manage your disease, we teach prevention techniques to lower your risk, including diet, exercise and regular screenings.
Colon and rectal surgeons at Stamford Hospital diagnose and treat a wide variety of colon and rectal diseases such as:
- Anorectal disease:
- Anal cancer
- Anal condyloma
- Anal Fissure
- Anal Fistula
- Anal incontinence
- Anal sphincter repair
- Hemorrhoids
- Rectal prolapse
- Colon cancer
- Diverticular disease
- Hereditary colon and rectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Polyps
- Rectal cancer
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Where appropriate, we offer a minimally-invasive surgical approach to the treatment of colorectal cancer, which helps reduce post-operative pain and medication levels, speed the return of bowel function, and deliver a smaller incision, and therefore, improved cosmetic results.
It is important to remember, however, that not all patients are candidates for laparoscopic or other minimally invasive forms of surgery. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with the most appropriate treatment options for your individual situation.
Screening and Early Prevention
Proper screening and early detection can go a long way in preventing and treating colon cancer. The first step in treating colorectal cancer is accurate diagnosis and staging. Our patients have access to the most sophisticated radiology imaging technology and diagnostic systems, including positron emission tomography (PET) and 64-slice CT scans. These are noninvasive and painless testing procedures used sometimes in conjunction with one another to confirm a patient's diagnosis.
Your doctor will choose among several different types of screenings, taking into consideration whether a hereditary cancer syndrome may be present. Genetic testing may also be recommended. Some of this testing is performed via blood tests and others directly on tissue/tumor samples. Your individual risk factors will help your doctor determine the appropriate screening method for you.
Common screening procedures include:
- Barium enema
- Colonography
- Colonoscopy
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Stool DNA test
- Virtual colonoscopy (computerized tomography—CT)
Treatments
There are many innovative treatments such as HIPEC—Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion. This process is used to address cancers—such as those that have spread to the lining surfaces of the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity from primary colorectal cancer—that would otherwise be difficult to treat.
Where appropriate, we offer a minimally-invasive surgical approach to the treatment of colorectal cancer, which helps reduce post-operative pain and medication levels, speed the return of bowel function, and deliver a smaller incision, and therefore, improved cosmetic results.
It is important to remember, however, that not all patients are candidates for laparoscopic or other minimally invasive forms of surgery. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with the most appropriate treatment options for your individual situation.
Second Opinion Program
Patients who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer at another institution may want a comprehensive evaluation of their treatment options. Our team of colorectal surgeons, radiologists and pathologists, in cooperation with medical and radiation oncologists at the Bennett Cancer Center, is available is available to help identify and prioritize a patient's treatment options.
Our Physicians
Charles E. Littlejohn, MD,FACS, FASCRS
Director of ColoRectal Surgey
Dartmouth Medical School
Residencies: University of Rochester- Affiliated Hospitals
Fellowships: University Medical School New Jersey - Rutgers, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Board Certifications: Colon & Rectal Surgery; Surgery
Certifications: D.A.B.S., D.A.B.C.R.S., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S. (Colo-Rectal)
Steven J. McClane, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Cornell University Medical College
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Fellowships: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Board Certifications: Colon & Rectal Surgery; Surgery
Certifications: D.A.B.S., D.A.B.C.R.S., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S.(Colo-Rectal)
Teaching Appointment: Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery - Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons
James M. McClane, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Cornell University Medical College, New York
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Pennsylvania
Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Florida- Colon-Rectal Surgery
Board Certifications: Colon-Rectal Surgery; Surgery
Certifications: D.A.B.S., D.A.B.C.R.S., F.A.C.S., E.A.S., C.R.S.