The Colorectal Disorders Program at USC University Hospital is staffed by academic colorectal surgeons who combine advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques with innovative surgical approaches to treat and manage patients suffering from benign and malignant disorders of the colon, rectum, anus, and pelvic floor. A central theme of the unit is multidisciplinary collaboration with colleagues from other specialties. This collaboration provides advanced care that crosses traditional referral boundaries.

Specialty Areas

The physicians at the Colorectal Disorders Program treat many conditions of the colon, rectum, anus, and pelvis including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, anal fistulas, abscesses, loss of bowel control, constipation, pelvic floor disorders, and other colorectal disorders.

The University Hospital Anorectal Physiology Laboratory provides comprehensive anorectal physiology testing. Anorectal physiology is the study of the function of the lower bowel, the anus and the anal sphincter mechanism. The imaging equipment in the Anorectal Physiology Lab is utilized to look at the anal canal anatomy for sphincter tears, chronic anal infections, recta/anal tumors, staging of rectal/anal cancers, follow-up for cancer recurrence, evaluation of loss of bowel control and other disorders.

Cancer - Patients with colorectal cancer will be treated by a multidisciplinary team of experts including colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, enterostomal therapists, and nurse specialists. In consultation with the patient and referring physicians, the appropriate treatment plan for eradication and management of cancer is discussed and planned. Treatment plans may include neoadjuvant chemo and radiation therapy for rectal cancer, advanced techniques in anal sphincter preservation with rectal reconstruction, and participation in clinical trials offering some of the latest advances in chemotherapeutic agents.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract which can result in diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, bloody bowel movements, and abdominal pain. Crohn's disease may occur at any location in the digestive tract and involves the full thickness of the intestinal wall. This disease pattern can result in bowel obstruction from scarring, painful inflammatory masses in the abdomen, abscesses, and fistulae (communication between structures that shouldn't be connected). Alternatively, ulcerative colitis usually affects the mucosa (lining) of the colon and rectum and presents with bloody diarrhea. Medical therapy is the initial treatment for both types of IBD. We work closely with your gastroenterologists to explore surgical options when medications no longer control disease activity.

Pelvic Floor Disorders - The effects of aging, childbirth, obesity, menopause, connective tissue disorders, prior pelvic surgery, and chronic straining on the female pelvic floor have led to an increase in pelvic floor disorders. Symptomatic patients experience bowel and bladder dysfunction such as obstruction and/or incontinence, prolapsing pelvic organs, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. At the Colorectal Disorders Program, we recognize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treat these disorders. Therefore, our team of specialists is led by colorectal surgery with the collaboration of gynecology, urology, gastroenterology, physical therapy, radiology and behavioral sciences.

Incontinence - The loss of control of bowel movements or gas is known as fecal incontinence. This condition can be embarrassing and socially debilitating. Our colorectal specialists work with patients to find the causes of this condition which may include disorders of the colon and rectum, the anus, and/or pelvic floor. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of fecal incontinence, and may include medication, dietary changes, surgery, biofeedback and exercise programs to strengthen anal and pelvic muscles. In addition to evaluation of the muscles and nerves of the anus and rectum, we offer some of the latest therapies available in clinical trials for patients who have failed traditional types of therapy. Many patients with problems of bowel control may also have an overactive bladder and suffer from urinary incontinence as well. Your doctors will screen for such associated problems and make the appropriate referrals as needed.

Colonosocopy - This procedure allows your physician to look inside your large intestine to look for early warning signs of colon or rectal cancer. Using a colonoscope, abnormal growths can be viewed and removed using special instruments that work through the colonoscope.

Before the procedure, you must drink a laxative to clean out your bowels. This allows the doctor to see the surfaces lining the colon without stool being present. During the procedure, you will lie on your left side of the examining table. You will be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the exam. The physician will insert a flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope (koh-LON-oh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help the physician move the scope. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician see better.

If anything abnormal is seen in your colon such as a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove all or part of it using tiny instruments passed through the scope. That tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. If there is bleeding in the colon, the physician can pass a laser, heater probe, or electrical probe, or inject special medicines through the scope and use it to stop the bleeding.

Bleeding and perforation of the colon are possible complications of colonoscopy. Surgery may be required to treat these complications.

Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will need to remain at the endoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off.

For More Information

Members of the Colorectal Disorders Program are available to meet with patients, referring physicians, and nurses to discuss a patient's condition and help them make an informed decision about a treatment plan.

For a referral to one of our specialists, please call 1-888-700-5700.