Overview

Overview

Our colorectal surgeons are world leaders in treating benign and cancerous diseases of the colon and rectum. We have the largest colorectal surgery center in Florida, and our surgeons have an international reputation for excellence.

Our high level of expertise allows us to run one of the largest colorectal residency training programs in North America. Here, our surgeons treat colorectal disease and train the next generation of specialists.

Why choose Cleveland Clinic Florida for Colorectal surgery?

When you come to us, you receive care from surgeons who established the national standards for colorectal surgery. Patients from around the world come to us for our expertise and skill in the most advanced colorectal surgeries. Highlights of our care include:

  • Respected surgeons: Ours was the first program in Florida and second in the U.S. to earn accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). We are also among the most experienced in J-pouch surgery, which avoids a permanent ileostomy. Meet our team.
  • Leading innovators: Our colorectal surgeons were the first to research and provide the colonic J-pouch procedure. This surgery uses your own tissue to make a new rectum and is the standard of care throughout the world today.
  • Comprehensive care: Colon and rectum diseases can be complex and require care from a team of specialists. Our colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and nutritionists work together to provide you with all the medical and surgical care you need. Learn more about our gastroenterology and nutrition care.
  • Minimally invasive options:
    • We were among the first centers in the world to embrace, teach, and popularize laparoscopic colorectal surgery. We have been offering this patient-friendly surgery since 1991.
  • Seamless cancer care: If you need chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you have access to our colorectal cancer experts, including medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. We work closely with the team in our comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Program to coordinate all your care.
  • Fecal incontinence expertise: We’re one of the few programs in the nation experienced in every innovative surgery for fecal incontinence. You receive care from world-leading specialists who provide alternatives to a permanent colostomy.
Colon and Rectum Conditions We Treat

Colon and Rectum Conditions We Treat

Patients come to us from across Florida and the nation because of our reputation and expertise. Our team treats all types of colon cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer and non-cancerous colorectal diseases:

Colon & Rectal Procedures

Colon & Rectal Procedures

We diagnose and treat any type of colon or rectal condition and perform complex reoperations after previous colorectal surgery. Our specialists provide:

  • Colonoscopy.
  • Colorectal cancer surgery.
  • Enterostomal care.
  • HPV-related anal disease.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery.
  • Laparoscopic and robotic colon and rectal surgery.
  • Ileal pouch (J-pouch) surgery.
  • Pelvic floor disorder diagnosis, therapies and surgery.
  • Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS).

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the most effective way to diagnose and prevent colorectal cancer or precancers. We use the most detailed high-definition imaging for a clear, accurate diagnosis. Learn how to self-schedule your colonoscopy online.

Colorectal cancer surgery

We provide the most advanced colorectal cancer surgeries in the world. With our innovative methods, many patients avoid a permanent colostomy. Learn more about colorectal cancer surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

Enterostomal care

Our certified enterostomal therapists and nurses care for patients with all types of colostomies and ileostomies. We explain what to expect before your procedure and answer questions. You receive compassionate support and guidance after your procedure and for years to come.

HPV-related anal disease

We screen for and treat HPV-related diseases such as anal warts and anal dysplasia (microscopic pre-cancerous lesions). This proactive approach helps prevent anal cancer. We work closely with our infectious disease experts to provide the best care.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery

We are a premier center in the United States for treating IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients from around the world come to us with the most complex IBD cases.

Our surgeons use innovative surgical techniques and provide complex reoperations. You receive care from leading colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists. Together, we create your optimal treatment plan. Learn more about our gastroenterology care for IBD.

Laparoscopic and robotic colon and rectal surgery

Our surgeons have been leaders in research studies on laparoscopic colorectal surgery for decades. The technique has gained worldwide acceptance thanks to our pioneering surgeons at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. We’re among the most experienced in the world in using this minimally invasive technique.

We provide laparoscopic and robotic surgery for benign and malignant colorectal conditions, including:

  • Colon cancer and polyps.
  • Crohn’s disease.
  • Diverticulitis.
  • Rectal cancer.
  • Rectal prolapse.
  • Ulcerative colitis.

Ileal pouch (J-pouch) surgery

An ileal pouch (J-pouch surgery) provides an alternative to permanent ileostomy. We pioneered modifications of the ileal pouch for people who have undergone colon and rectum removal. The success of our innovation has helped make ileal pouch surgery a worldwide standard of care following colorectal surgery. Learn more about our ileal pouch surgery.

Pelvic floor disorder diagnosis, therapies and surgery

Our Pelvic Floor Physiology Laboratory diagnoses and treats pelvic floor dysfunction and fecal incontinence. We work closely with our urogynecology and urology teams, so you have multiple specialists coordinating your care. Learn more about our Pelvic Floor Disorders Program.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)

TEM is also known as transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). This minimally invasive technique treats certain types of rectal tumors. With TEM, our surgeons remove rectal tumors without an abdominal operation. You have small incisions, less pain and a faster recovery.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Surgery is a key part of colorectal cancer treatment. And for decades, surgeons at Cleveland Clinic in Florida have been paving the way for newer, better colorectal surgeries.

Our surgical innovations provide many patients with an alternative to colostomy. Your care team consists of surgeons who helped establish the surgical standards for treating colorectal cancer.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic in Florida for Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

We work closely with the experts in our Colorectal Cancer Program to provide comprehensive treatment. Highlights of our surgery program include:

  • World leaders in laparoscopic surgery: Our surgeons were among the first in the world to gain international recognition for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. With our minimally invasive method, we remove colorectal tumors with small incisions. Meet our surgeons.
  • Excellent outcomes: Ours was the first Florida program to meet the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) standards. We earned NAPRC accreditation because of our low rates of infection, cancer recurrence and permanent colostomies.
  • Comprehensive care: Patients across Florida and the world come to us for our expertise with all types of colon cancer, rectal cancer and anal cancer. We treat even the most challenging cases, including complex reoperations. And if you need additional cancer treatment, you receive seamless care at our nationally recognized Commission on Cancer accredited Cancer Center.
  • Advanced imaging tools: Before surgery, we perform tests to collect highly detailed images of the tumor. Our MRI coil provides precise measurements of the tumor’s size and depth so you get the best possible results from your surgery.
  • Compassionate support: A team of social workers, counselors and psychologists help you cope with a cancer diagnosis. We provide mental health care, community resources and support for daily challenges. Learn more about our cancer support services.

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Our colorectal surgeons are innovators in surgery techniques that improve your quality of life. We were among the first in the world to perform laparoscopic surgery to remove colorectal tumors, which we continue to use today. This surgery was a breakthrough in colorectal cancer surgery, which previously required large incisions.

Robotic-Assisted Colorectal Surgery

We also use robotic-assisted colorectal surgical techniques. Only surgeons who are specially trained in the surgical robot can provide these procedures, which offer:

  • Enhanced steadiness and precision during surgery.
  • Powerful magnification to see the tumor and surrounding tissue clearly and in real time.
  • Tiny keyhole incisions.

Colorectal Cancer Surgeries We Perform

Our surgeons are skilled in treating all types of colorectal tumors, no matter the stage or complexity. Procedures we provide include:

  • Ileal pouch (J-pouch) surgery.
  • Colon cancer surgery.
  • Rectal cancer surgery.
  • Hereditary colorectal neoplasia treatment.
  • Metastatic colorectal cancer surgery.

Ileal pouch (J-pouch) surgery

Our surgeons were the first to modify ileal pouch (J-pouch) reconstruction. This surgery provides new hope for people with ulcerative colitis who previously needed a permanent ileostomy. Learn more about ileal pouch surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

Colon cancer surgery

We use the least invasive method possible to remove colon cancer. You have access to advanced reconstructive techniques that avoid a permanent colostomy. Your surgery plan is based on your needs, including your overall health and the size, location and type of tumor.

Colon surgeries we provide include:

  • Polypectomy: We remove cancerous polyps (growths) and leave your colon intact.
  • Rectal removal with anastomosis: Also called proctectomy and coloanal pull-through, we remove part of your colon and reconnect the healthy parts. This surgery avoids a permanent colostomy.
  • Complete proctocolectomy with J-pouch: We remove a section of your colon and create an ileal pouch. An ileal pouch uses a section of your small intestine to make a new colon to avoid a permanent ileostomy.
  • Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: We perform most colorectal surgeries with laparoscopic technology. Our surgeons are among the most experienced in the world in this procedure. You have small incisions and a faster and easier recovery than traditional surgery.

Rectal cancer surgery

Our NAPRC-accredited center is one of the highest-volume rectal cancer programs in the U.S. We also have some of the best results in the world.

In many cases, we combine rectal cancer surgery with sphincter preservation. You don’t need a permanent colostomy with these methods. Our rectal cancer surgeries include:

  • Transanal excision (TAE): We remove early stage rectal tumors through the anus without an abdominal incision.
  • Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM): We use a magnifying scope to locate the tumor and remove it with anal incisions. Only a select group of colorectal surgeons have the experience to provide this advanced procedure.
  • Low anterior resections (LAR): We remove a portion of your rectum. Then, we connect your colon to the remaining part of your rectum or anus.
  • Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR): This surgery removes your anus, rectum and colon. With laparoscopic APR, you have a few small incisions rather than one large one.
  • Proctectomy with coloanal anastomosis: We remove your entire rectum and connect your colon to your anus or create an ileal pouch. With both methods, you have bowel movements in the usual way.
  • TAMIS: We use laparoscopic instruments and high-definition cameras to remove early stage rectal tumors through a single port without incisions.

Hereditary colorectal neoplasia treatment

Our colorectal surgeons are part of the Sanford R. Weiss, MD Center for Hereditary Colorectal Neoplasia (The Weiss Center) in Ohio. The Weiss Center is a highly respected team of multiple specialists dedicated to hereditary colorectal cancer. At our Florida locations, our surgeons successfully remove hereditary colorectal tumors with advanced techniques. After your surgery, we provide ongoing care to manage future tumor risk.

You receive comprehensive treatment for even the most complex, inherited colorectal tumors. We screen for hereditary conditions that cause colorectal cancer, including:

After we remove the colorectal tumor, we work with other specialists, including geneticists, medical oncologists and pathologists, to identify whether the tumor is hereditary. You receive comprehensive care now and for years to come. Our team provides:

  • Advanced cancer screening tests.
  • Follow-up care after treatment.
  • Genetic testing of all colorectal tumors.
  • Patient and family education.
  • Support and counseling.

Metastatic colorectal cancer surgery

If colorectal cancer has metastasized (spread), we work with specialists in our cancer center to provide comprehensive care. We provide all the treatment you need, from advanced surgery with our hepatobiliary surgeons to the most innovative chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Rates of colorectal cancer are on the rise in people younger than 50. Our experts focus on the unique treatment needs of younger patients.

At our center, you receive customized care from a team that understands the best treatment options for young-onset colorectal cancer. We provide seamless care from multiple specialists, including geneticists and fertility preservation specialists.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic in Florida for Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer?

Our surgeons partner with specialists in our cancer centers to care for colorectal cancer in younger people. As our patient, you benefit from:

  • Surgical expertise: Surgery is an important part of your treatment, and our colorectal surgeons are among the best in the world. Our advanced surgical techniques provide low rates of cancer recurrence and the need for a permanent colostomy. Meet our colorectal surgeons.
  • Multidisciplinary care: Our team of experts provides comprehensive care for young people with colorectal cancer. Your team includes specialists in surgery, oncology, radiation therapy, genetics and gastroenterology. Learn more about our colorectal cancer care.
  • National recognition: Our center was the second in the U.S. to earn accreditation from the National Association Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). The NAPRC awards this distinction to centers consistently providing exceptional outcomes for rectal cancer patients.
  • Mental health focus: Cancer can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. You have access to our compassionate social workers, counselors and psychologists throughout your treatment and beyond. Learn more about our cancer support services.
  • Genetic testing: Many early onset colorectal cancers are hereditary, so having access to genetic testing improves treatment outcomes. Our geneticists provide the latest genetic tests, and our compassionate genetic counselors explain your results and next steps.
  • Personalized support: You receive a dedicated patient care coordinator who makes it easier to navigate your care. Your coordinator answers your questions, helps you schedule visits and ensures your physical and mental needs are covered.

Young-Onset Colorectal Surgeries We Provide

Our surgeons have specialized training in removing colorectal tumors to prevent cancer recurrence. We also care for many patients with complex cases and metastatic cancer.

Our colorectal surgery techniques preserve bowel function and provide you with a faster recovery. We provide:

  • Minimally invasive approach: Our surgeons were among the first in the world to treat colorectal cancer with laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic tools allow for several small incisions rather than one large one. After this surgery, you have a faster recovery, less scarring and less pain.
  • Advanced reconstruction: We helped pioneer modifications to ileal pouch (J-pouch) surgery, which uses part of your own intestine to make a new colon. When you have an ileal pouch, you don’t need a permanent ileostomy. Learn more about ileal pouch surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

Types of colon surgeries we perform on young patients include:

  • Polypectomy: We remove cancerous polyps (growths) and leave your colon intact.
  • Coloanal pull-through: Also called a rectal resection with anastomosis, our surgeons remove the cancerous portion of your rectum. Then, we reconstruct it by connecting the healthy parts together.
  • Total proctocolectomy with J-pouch: Our surgeons remove the damaged part of your colon and reconstruct it with a J-pouch.

Our rectal cancer surgeries include:

  • Transanal excision (TAE): We remove rectal tumors through an anal excision, providing a faster recovery than abdominal surgery.
  • Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM): We are among the few in the nation with the skill and experience to perform TEM. This surgery removes deep rectal tumors without abdominal incisions.
  • Low anterior resections (LAR): After removing a portion of your rectum, we connect the healthy parts for normal bowel function.
  • Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR): For more advanced rectal cancer, we remove your anus, rectum and colon with laparoscopic methods.
  • Proctectomy with coloanal anastomosis: We remove the entire rectum and connect your colon to your anus to avoid a permanent colostomy.
  • Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS): Our surgeons remove early-stage rectal tumors using thin, laparoscopic instruments and high-definition cameras. With TAMIS, our surgeons work through a single port and you don’t have any incisions.

Comprehensive Care for Early Onset Colorectal Cancer

Our surgeons partner with specialists in our nationally accredited cancer centers to provide leading-edge treatment. You receive a personalized plan based on your age, genetic test results, lifestyle and specific diagnosis. We provide compassionate care and support your physical and mental health needs at every step.

Our early onset colorectal cancer care includes:

  • Genetic testing and counseling.
  • Fertility preservation.
  • Gastroenterology.
  • Hormonal health.
  • Maternal-fetal medicine.
  • Mental health care.
  • Radiation oncology.
  • Surgery for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Genetic testing and counseling

Inherited colorectal cancer is more likely in younger people than in people over 50. Our geneticists look for specific gene changes in your blood. We tailor your treatment to the tumor’s genetic traits if the cancer is inherited.

Hereditary cancer can also have an impact on your family members. Our compassionate genetic counselors explain what the diagnosis means for you and your relatives. We map out your future screening needs and walk you through your care plan.

Fertility preservation

Our team builds your care plan around your fertility needs and family planning preferences. We provide:

  • Medications to preserve your ovaries during chemotherapy.
  • Specialized radiation therapy techniques that minimize damage to your reproductive organs.
  • Targeted therapies that reduce the risk of fertility side effects.

Gastroenterology

Our gastroenterologists have specialized expertise in caring for young people with colorectal cancer or those at high risk. You receive a care plan designed to prevent future colorectal cancer or catch it early, when it’s most treatable. Learn more about our gastroenterology care.

Hormonal health

Colorectal cancer at a young age can cause hormonal changes. Experts in our endocrinology, gynecology and urology programs care for your hormonal needs during and after treatment, including:

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED).
  • Menopausal health, including hormonal and non-hormonal treatments.
  • Osteoporosis screening and treatment.

Maternal-fetal medicine

Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists care for people who:

  • Are diagnosed with colorectal cancer during pregnancy.
  • Become pregnant after colorectal cancer treatment.

Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and obstetrics and maternity care experts work together to provide seamless care. You receive a combination of exceptional cancer treatment and high-risk pregnancy care that includes:

  • Cancer treatments that maximize safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Close monitoring of you and your baby throughout your pregnancy.
  • Detailed labor and delivery plan that meets your preferences and medical needs.

Mental healthcare

We focus on your physical and mental health from your first visit. Our compassionate social workers provide referrals to mental health and community resources. Your dedicated patient care navigator helps you schedule appointments and coordinate your care. Learn more about our cancer support services.

Radiation oncology

Our board-certified radiation oncologists customize radiation therapy for your needs. We provide the latest methods that target the tumor while minimizing side effects. Learn more about radiation oncology.

Surgery for metastatic colorectal cancer

If the cancer has spread, you receive care from experts who specialize in metastatic cancer. Liver and thoracic surgeons remove colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver or lungs. Our surgeons provide:

  • Liver transplant.
  • Microwave ablation (MWA) for liver cancer.
  • Minimally invasive liver resection.
  • Minimally invasive lung resection (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or VATS).
Ileal Pouch Surgery

Ileal Pouch Surgery

The ileal pouch anal anastomosis (J-pouch) is one of the most important breakthroughs in colorectal surgery. We are pioneers in J-pouch surgery and remain world leaders in this treatment today.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic in Florida for Ileal Pouch Surgery?

Before the ileal pouch, colon and rectum removal included a permanent ileostomy (opening in the belly with a bag to collect stool). Our surgeons pioneered modifications in J- pouch surgery, which uses part of your small intestine to create a new colon and rectum. At our center, you benefit from:

  • Surgical expertise: Cleveland Clinic surgeons were the first to modify J-pouch surgery. Our surgeons are among the most experienced in the world in this surgery. Meet our team.
  • Comprehensive care: We treat all bowel conditions, including Crohn’s disease, colitis, colorectal cancer and fecal incontinence. Our colorectal surgeons partner with our gastroenterologists, oncologists, pelvic floor specialists and radiologists to provide all the care you need.
  • Surgical options: We’re experienced in several types of pouch surgeries for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You receive a customized care plan that includes the best procedure for you.

Conditions We Treat with Ileal Pouch Surgery

We have provided thousands of ileal pouch procedures for patients with:

We may recommend J-pouch surgery if medications and noninvasive treatments haven’t been successful. During your consultation, we explain all your options and the pros and cons of the procedure. We explain ileostomy and how it compares to a J-pouch so you have the information you need to make your decision.

 
Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Our pelvic floor team diagnoses and treats the range of pelvic floor and fecal incontinence issues. You receive care from world-leading specialists who offer the full range of treatments for these conditions.

Why choose Cleveland Clinic Florida?

Patients from across the U.S. come to Cleveland Clinic in Florida for our advanced pelvic floor dysfunction treatment. Highlights of our program include:

  • Leading experts: Our program is dedicated to the unique challenges of pelvic floor disorders and fecal incontinence. You receive care from specialists who are among the most experienced in the nation. Meet our team.
  • Surgical expertise: We are one of the few centers in the world to regularly perform the most advanced surgeries for pelvic floor repair. Our innovative techniques allow you to have bowel movements the usual way instead of having a colostomy.
  • Minimally invasive options: We perform laparoscopic and robotic techniques for rectal prolapse. Our methods provide you with less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.
  • Advanced testing: Our team performs the latest imaging tests for bowel and pelvic floor disorders, including anorectal manometry and defecography. These tests provide detailed information that isn’t widely available at other centers.
  • Team approach: You receive a comprehensive, seamless care plan created by multiple specialists. Our team includes colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, pelvic floor therapists, urogynecologists and urologists.

Pelvic floor conditions we treat

Multiple specialists collaborate to create a personalized care plan based on your specific diagnosis and preferences. We provide medical and surgical treatments for:

Pelvic floor dysfunction treatments

Our team constantly evaluates the newest therapies for pelvic floor dysfunction and bowel control issues. We often start with nonsurgical treatments like pelvic floor physical therapy or medications.

If nonsurgical treatments alone aren’t successful, we discuss procedures or surgeries. We explain what to expect and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision. Our innovative procedures offer alternatives to a permanent colostomy.

Our department is one of only a few centers worldwide to offer all these procedures in high volumes. Our specialized pelvic floor treatments include:

  • Graciloplasty: We take a piece of muscle from your thigh and place it around the anal canal. This muscle allows you to control bowel movements.
  • Sacral nerve stimulation: This device acts like a pacemaker to stop unwanted nerve signals that cause fecal incontinence.
  • Sphincter repair: Our surgeons repair and tighten your anal sphincter.
Our Doctors

Our Doctors

Appointments & Locations

Appointments & Locations

To schedule an appointment with a colorectal specialist at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, please call 1.877.463.2010.

Schedule a Colonoscopy

To learn more about how to schedule your colonoscopy at a Cleveland Clinic Florida location, please visit clevelandclinic.org/colonoscopy or choose from the options below:

Want to schedule your colonoscopy in Florida without an office visit?

If you’re a Cleveland Clinic Florida patient, you may be eligible to self-schedule your colonoscopy without an initial office visit. This option is available for healthy people, ages 45 and older with an average risk of colon cancer.

Virtual Visits

You can now stay connected to your healthcare team through virtual visits, using your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Why go virtual? It's an easy, convenient and secure way to see your provider face-to-face without having to leave home. This saves you travel time, parking fees and time spent in the waiting room — and you can also have a loved one or caregiver join you. If appropriate, you can also get a prescription sent to the pharmacy of your choice.

Many insurance companies cover the cost of virtual visits, so check with your insurance company ahead of time. Interested in getting started? Call your provider to find out what virtual visit options are available.

Locations