Colorectal Cancer Surgery

The colorectal surgery program at Stanford Health Care is one of the most distinguished programs in the nation. Stanford's colorectal surgeons are leaders in colorectal surgery, providing clinical excellence in the management of complicated colorectal cancer, pre-malignant and malignant conditions of the anus, and less common tumors of the rectum such as carcinoids and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Our surgeons work closely with patients and families to maximize treatment success as well as quality of life for each individual.

Surgical expertise

A specialty of the Stanford program is total mesorectal excision (also known as sharp mesorectal excision), a technique heralded as a significant advance in the treatment of rectal cancer, reducing the risk that the cancer will come back. . Our colorectal cancer surgeons are experienced at sphincter sparing techniques with low pelvic reconstructions and transanal excision for low rectal cancers or polyps. Most cancer operations can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can also reduce pain and expedite recovery.

A multidisciplinary approach

The colorectal surgeons work closely with other prominent Stanford specialists in gastroenterology, radiology, and medical and radiation oncology to offer a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to patient care. They meet with their colleagues in medical oncology, radiation oncology, liver surgery, radiology, and pathology every week in the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board to discuss the best management for colorectal cancer cases. For complex cancer operations, the colorectal cancer surgeons frequently work with surgeons from other specialties including liver surgery, gynecologic oncology, urology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery, to offer the best possible oncologic and functional results.

Preventing anal cancer

Our colorectal surgeons are national leaders in the treatment of premalignant conditions of the anus as a means of preventing cancer of the anus. These lesions are often referred to as Bowen's disease, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), high-grade anal dysplasia, or carcinoma in situ. We work with physicians in the community and at Stanford to treat these lesions and monitor patients for recurrence of disease or progression to cancer.