Colorectal surgery
Our highly trained, board-certified colorectal surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of patients with colon and rectal conditions including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, polyposis syndromes, anorectal problems and pelvic floor disorders such as rectal prolapse. Our colorectal surgeons are skilled in specific innovative techniques to perform minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery. Advantages include less incisional pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery to return to work and normal activity. Our surgeons perform the majority of their abdominal surgery with minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Robotic surgery offers the advantages of enhanced 3-D visualization, greater precision through ‘wristed’ instrumentation, improving access to difficult areas such as the pelvis to treat rectal cancer.
An ostomy (colostomy or ileostomy) or “bag” is on the mind of every patient undergoing colorectal surgery. This is especially important in cases involving the removal of the rectum (proctectomy). Our surgeons are experts in techniques to avoid the creation of a permanent stoma. These include minimally invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, as well as transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). TEM and TAMIS are similar transanal techniques allowing surgeons to remove benign rectal polyps and early stage rectal cancers without the use of invasive abdominal surgery.
Referrals and consultations
- EpicCare Link
- Great Lakes Health Connect
- Colorectal Surgery Phone: 616.267.7100
- Colorectal Cancer Multispecialty Clinic Phone: 1.855.SHCANCER
- Inherited Colorectal Cancer Program Phone: 616.486.6218
- Ostomy Clinic Phone: 616.391.8635
Specialty programs and clinics
Our colorectal surgeons are part of an experienced, dedicated team of colorectal cancer subspecialists ready to care for your patients. The colorectal cancer multispecialty clinic, part of the Spectrum Health Cancer Center at Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion, provides the opportunity for your patient to see this team of experts in a single visit. Each patient is reviewed in our colorectal multispecialty conference, or tumor board, to develop a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan. As the referring physician, you are invited to attend your patient’s multispecialty team conference or any of our disease site-specific tumor boards.
This comprehensive program provides patients a personalized treatment plan using the very latest innovations in care. Every patient has access to a nurse navigator, who provides practical and emotional support to help them in every aspect of their cancer journey. Advanced minimally invasive and robotic techniques, genomic tumor analysis with targeted chemotherapy, advanced radiation techniques, and a broad offering of clinical trials, as well as our supportive and integrative services, are all available to your patients. Referrals are processed within 24 hours. We will see your patient at the very next Colorectal Cancer Multispecialty Clinic, or sooner upon request.
In collaboration with the Spectrum Health Cancer Genetics Clinic, we offer personalized cancer risk assessments and medical recommendations based on each patient’s personal and family cancer histories. Our program provides tumor evaluation to screen for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, as well as testing for familial adenomatous polyposis.
Specially-trained wound, ostomy and continence nurses help patients with ostomy management and skin issues. The clinic provides specialized care for stoma and peristomal complications and product concerns.
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