Colorectal Surgery

For Gastroenterology related requests:

For all other requests:: 1-800-777-8442

Latest Surgical Treatments of the Colon, Rectum, and Anus

University of Iowa Health Care's surgical team includes the only fellowship-trained colorectal surgeons in the region. They have extensive experience in minimally invasive approaches to complex disorders in addition to skills in traditional surgery. These approaches can reduce the time you spend in the hospital and the risk of infection and hospital re-admission.

In some cases, innovative approaches can avoid the need for major surgical resection. Our colorectal surgeons work carefully with the gastroenterologists to offer you the least invasive procedures, including calling the surgeons in to a colonoscopy if needed so that if a problem is found it can be fixed during the screening procedure.

The UI Health Care Difference

Multidisciplinary care for complicated disorders of the colon and rectum
All of our surgeons are dual board-certified in both colorectal surgery and general surgery.
Access to the most advanced treatments for colorectal conditions
The only hospital in Iowa that is part of the American College of Surgeons Enhanced Recovery in NSQIP (ERIN) collaborative
Participating hospital in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project
A four-star hospital according to Hospital Compare, a consumer-oriented website created through Medicare and the Hospital Quality Alliance

Conditions Treated

Anal cancer
Benign anorectal disease:
- Anal fissure
- Benign anal strictures
- Fecal incontinence
- Hemorrhoids
- Rectal prolapse
Colon cancer
Diverticular disease of the colon
Fistulas:
- Anorectal fistula
- Rectovaginal fistula
Hereditary colon cancer syndromes
Rectal cancer
Surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis

Current Research

Artificial intelligence approach to improving surgical safety
Enhanced surgical recovery programs

Techniques Offered

Anal sphincter repair
Anoplasty
Colonoscopy
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoidal ligation
Laparoscopic, robotic, and open surgery options:
- Ostomy construction
- Resection of the colon and rectum
- Rectopexy for rectal prolapse
- Restorative proctocolectomy (J-pouch)
Lateral internal sphincterotomy
Removal of challenging polyps using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
Sacral neuromodulation

Minimally Invasive Options

Our team offers a minimally invasive approach to gastrointestinal surgeries, enhanced with robotic surgical technology. This new technology enhances a surgeon’s ability to perform the fine suturing required for these procedures. The more accurate and delicate the suturing can be, the less scar tissue will form at the reattachment site.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery