Division of Colorectal Surgery

City of Hope is ranked among the Highest Performing Hospitals for Colon Cancer Surgery by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24

The skilled, board-certified experts in City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery have deep experience in techniques at the leading edge of their field. We serve the entire spectrum of colorectal diseases — both cancerous and noncancerous — with a combination of expertise, the most advanced technology and, most importantly, compassion. We aim to not only fight disease, but also bring patients hope.

“Our patients often have consulted with centers throughout the country but elect to come to City of Hope for their surgery and treatment because we analyze every individual situation in a multidisciplinary team and push the envelope where others might stop.”
Andreas M. Kaiser, M.D. , Professor and Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery
 

City of Hope was a pioneer of robotic surgery and, today, our colorectal specialists continue that legacy. On the one hand, we have a strong focus on robotic, laparoscopic and other minimally invasive surgeries that are gentler and involve smaller incisions to minimize side effects. On the other hand, we also perform more intricate, open surgeries, removing larger amounts of tissue or tissue from sometimes several involved organs when the most complex and advanced diseases call for it.

OR robot surgery in action
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We are the specialists and thought leaders for surgical and nonsurgical management of cancers of the lower gastrointestinal tract, including colon cancer, as well as a variety of benign conditions of the anus, colon and rectum.

Our Treatment Philosophy

The Division of Colorectal Surgery is committed to providing individualized care in City of Hope’s patient-centered tradition. We recognize the dignity of each patient and their family, and aim to guide them through their surgical experience, giving them the help that best meets their needs and values.

 

Committed to collaboration, our faculty members work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, radiologists, gastroenterologists, urologists, gynecologists, geneticists, liver surgeons and supportive care specialists.

Dr Kaiser in the OR
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Saving lives and achieving the best possible quality of life are our top priorities. We understand patients’ fears and do everything in our power to cure cancer and other diseases while also safeguarding or restoring continence.

When possible, our surgeons strive to preserve the sphincter and avoid a permanent colostomy or ileostomy that diverts the waste to an external opening, or stoma. Our expertise also includes anorectal and sphincter reconstructions.

More than that, City of Hope is one of only a handful of U.S. centers with surgeons experienced in the construction and management of a continent ileostomy. In this type of procedure, which includes the T-pouch, Kock pouch or Barnett continent intestinal reservoir (BCIR), an internal storage space is created that is equipped with a valve mechanism (or reservoir) such that the stool does not leak out. Such patients will insert a tube every few hours to empty their bowels, offering them the chance to avoid an external bag and retain control over their bowels — a key concern for many when it comes to quality of life.

Our Research Innovation

City of Hope colorectal surgeons are active in pushing forward the state of the art in their field. We lead research into colorectal cancer and other conditions, and we explore new surgical technologies that hold the promise of better patient outcomes.

 

Our biomedical research connects us with scientists and physicians from a variety of disciplines across City of Hope, as well as at leading organizations across the nation. In this way, we play an active role in turning powerful science into lifesaving new treatments for our patients.

Colorectal surgery being performed