Colorectal Surgery at UCLA Health: Comprehensive and Advanced Care

UCLA Health offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for patients with colon and rectal conditions. Their colorectal surgeons expertly diagnose and treat all types of colon and rectal disease, utilizing advanced surgical techniques and research-driven treatments. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, recognizing the uncomfortable and distressing nature of colorectal conditions.

Patient-Centered Approach

UCLA Health surgeons prioritize patient well-being by actively listening to concerns and ensuring a clear understanding of treatment options. This patient-centered approach is crucial in managing conditions that can significantly impact daily life.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

UCLA Health is at the forefront of surgical innovation, employing a wide range of advanced surgical approaches, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery. The surgeons consistently opt for a minimally invasive approach whenever possible, offering patients numerous benefits.

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

Minimally invasive surgical techniques can lead to a shorter recovery, lower risk of infection, and less scarring. When minimally invasive surgery (MIS) isn’t the safe or appropriate approach, UCLA surgeons also have the skills and expertise to perform complex open procedures.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Instead of one long incision down the abdomen, the surgeon makes a few small incisions around the belly button (navel). They insert a long, flexible tool called a laparoscope and a camera through the incisions.

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Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery. But instead of placing a laparoscope and surgical tools through the incisions, the surgeon guides a robotic arm with surgical tools through the incisions. The surgeon controls the robotic arm from a specialized computer console in the operating room.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery

UCLA Health may use this advanced, minimally invasive procedure to remove rectal tumors or cancer. The surgeon uses highly specialized surgical instruments placed through the anus.

Research-Driven Treatments

As a leading academic center, UCLA Health consistently participates in and conducts research studies to improve care. These studies drive their treatment options, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advancements in colorectal surgery.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Program

Surgeons in the UCLA Health Colorectal Cancer Treatment Program offer state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for patients with colon and rectal cancer. They use an efficient, integrated approach that involves the expertise of multiple specialists. Some genetic factors or conditions can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Cancer genetic counselors in the UCLA Hereditary Cancer Risk Program offer personalized risk assessments to help you and your family be proactive with your health.

Treatment of Specific Conditions

UCLA Health provides comprehensive treatment for a wide array of colorectal conditions, including:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

UCLA Health treats inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, with a team-based approach. IBD symptoms can be unpredictable and disrupt your day-to-day life. They aim to help you find effective treatment options so you can live a high quality of life.

Anorectal Conditions

Anorectal conditions may affect the anus and anal canal, the short tube that connects to your rectum and passes stool out of your body. They may also include conditions that affect the rectum, the lower portion of the large intestine (colon).

Pilonidal Sinus

A small hole in the skin at the top of the buttocks.

Retrorectal Tumors

Irregular masses of cells that grow and divide uncontrollably in the retrorectal space.

Abdominal Conditions

Abdominal conditions can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the anus, rectum, and large intestine.

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Appendiceal Tumors

Tumors that start in the appendix, a small pouch on the right side of the colon.

Appendicitis

Inflammation in the appendix. If not treated right away, the appendix may burst and spread infection.

Carcinoid Tumors

Tumors that form from neuroendocrine cells, cells that produce hormones.

Colon Polyps

A small growth that forms on the inner lining of the colon.

Colonic Volvulus

An emergency condition that occurs when the colon twists around the tissue that surrounds it.

Enterocutaneous Fistula

An irregular connection that forms between the stomach or intestinal tract and the skin.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

A rare, inherited syndrome that causes the growth of hundreds or thousands of polyps inside the colon and rectum.

Surgical Procedures Offered

UCLA Health colorectal surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures, tailored to the specific needs of each patient. These include:

Colectomy

The surgeon removes all or part of the colon. They typically make an incision in the abdomen over the large intestine. They may remove a section of the colon and reattach the two remaining ends, or they may remove the entire colon and connect the small intestine to the rectum. A partial colectomy may be a treatment for cancer, IBD, or diverticulitis.

Colostomy

The surgeon creates a small hole in the abdomen and places one end of the colon through the opening. Patients who have this procedure need a colostomy bag that lies outside the body to collect waste. Some people need a temporary colostomy to allow a portion of the colon to heal.

Hemorrhoidectomy

The surgeon removes hemorrhoids using several small incisions around the anus. A hemorrhoidectomy is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning patients return home the same day.

Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (J-Pouch Surgery)

This surgery can restore bowel function after colon removal. The surgeon creates a small pouch at the end of the small intestine and attaches the pouch to the anus.

Internal Sphincterotomy

Anal fissures typically resolve without surgery. But if they don’t, patients may need an internal sphincterotomy. The internal anal sphincter is the muscle that tightens or opens to allow stool to pass through the anal canal during a bowel movement. During an internal sphincterotomy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the internal anal sphincter to weaken the muscle temporarily.

Polypectomy

The surgeon removes colon or rectal polyps by inserting a long, thin tool with a camera (colonoscope) into the rectum.

Rectopexy

Colorectal surgeons use rectopexy to treat rectal prolapse.

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