Our Services

ABSCESSES & FISTULAS

A peri-rectal abscess is a bacterial infection arising in an anal gland. They typically produce symptoms of progressively worsening pain, swelling and sometimes drainage in the anal area. Once the infection drains either spontaneously or surgically, a persistent opening from the external drainage site to the internal gland is called an anal fistula. Abscesses are best treated with surgical drainage, as antibiotic therapy alone is not effective. If an anal fistula develops, there are a number of options for treatment.

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ANAL MANOMETRY

Anal manometry measures pressures in the anal canal at various levels under different conditions such as rest straining and squeezing. Sensation in the rectum and anal area can also be evaluated during this painless outpatient test. The information gained during manometry is helpful in evaluating incontinence and measuring response to therapy.

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COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is a disorder of the large intestine resulting in inflammation, ulceration and bleeding. Symptoms can include diarrhea, increased stool frequency and urgency, abdominal and pelvic pain/cramping, and weight loss. It most commonly occurs in young adults or later in life and tends to be hereditary. The exact cause is unknown. There is a broad spectrum of the disease from mild to severe rapidly progressive forms. The initial treatment is medications to reduce the inflammation and symptoms. Although this is often successful, some patients have chronic or refractory disease and may need to be considered for surgical referral. Chronic colitis also increases the risk of colon cancer and close surveillance of the colon is indicated.

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COLON CANCER

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined. Although it can occur at almost any age, the incidence of colon cancer increases with age and average risk people over 50 should be considered for screening. It is believed that 90% of colon cancers begin as benign polyps in the colon. Therefore, detection of polyps and their removal with screening colonoscopy is an effective way to prevent colon cancer.

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COLON POLYPS

Colon polyps are considered to be pre-cancerous growths inside the lining of the colon. Most polyps can be removed endoscopically at the time of a colonoscopy. However, some are located where endoscopic removal is not possible, or they may be too large for this procedure and will require surgical resection.

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COLONOSCOPY

The most thorough and effective means of screening the colon for polyps and cancer is with colonoscopy. A colonoscope is a flexible optic scope which can be used to comfortably examine the length of the colon. This is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with sedation and is painless and safe for most people. Patients at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age SO and if normal every 10 years.

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DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

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FECAL INCONTINENCE

Fecal incontinence is the loss of voluntary control of stool, liquid or gas or loss of the ability to defer defecation until a socially acceptable time. This can result in significant social embarrassment and limitations in lifestyle. Incontinence varies greatly in severity and frequency. Our multi-modality approach to evaluation and treatment of fecal incontinence offers the best chance of success.

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FISSURE & ANAL ULCERS

Anal fissures or ulcers are superficial tears in the skin of the anal canal. They produce symptoms of severe pain and bleeding which can commonly be mistaken for hemorrhoids. Once identified, they are treated primarily with local and dietary therapy. Compounded ointments may be used to heal fissures, surgical treatment is reserved for chronic or recurrent fissures. All of these treatment modalities are available with our office.

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HEMORRHOIDS

Hemorrhoids are cushions of vascular tissue located both externally under the perianal skin and internally under the lower rectal mucosa. Although they are normally present, when enlarged or irritated, hemorrhoids may become symptomatic with bleeding, pain, protrusion or discharge.

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HEMORRHOID BANDING

Banding or rubber band ligation of internal hemorrhoids is usually an office-based procedure which can be effective for isolated symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. It is not always appropriate for more extensive hemorrhoids and may not provide long-lasting symptom relief.

PILONIDAL DISEASE

Pilonidal disease is a common disease in younger men and women occurring in the intergluteal cleft, just on top of the sacrum or upper part of the tail bone. It occurs due to an accumulation of hair in a skin lined cavity. It can become infected, leading to significant pain and drainage. Surgical excision can solve this problem.

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PRURITIS

Pruritis ani, or anal itching, is a common complaint seen in the office and is frequently misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids. The etiology is usually diet related and can be resolved with counseling and moderate lifestyle changed.

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RECTAL PROLAPSE

Rectal prolapse is a full thickness protrusion of the rectum which can be present only intermittently or continuously. This often results in discomfort, bleeding, difficulty with hygiene or incontinence. Surgical repair is required to eliminate rectal prolapse.

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ROBOTIC COLORECTAL SURGERY

Robotic colorectal surgery is minimally invasive and requires just a few small incisions. The combination of a skilled surgeon and advanced technology yields a long list of potential benefits. Patients often experience less pain, have a faster recovery and quickly r3turn to regular diet and bowel function. In addition, robotic surgeries reduce the length of hospital stays and the risk of major complications.

SACRAL NERVE STIMULATION

During sacral nerve stimulation, a surgically implanted device delivers electrical impulses to the nerves that regulate rectal function (sacral nerves). The unit is placed beneath the skin of the buttocks, near the tailbone.

You can find more details on the Axonics and Medtronic websites.