Colorectal Surgery: Treatment options for colon cancer, diverticulitis, IBD, prolapse and more

Inova’s Colorectal Surgery Program offers an unparalleled level of care

Although preventive, regular colorectal screening is recommended beginning at age 50, conditions related to the colon and rectum can happen at any age. Fortunately, help is close at hand.

The Colorectal Surgery Program at Inova brings patients a breadth of treatment options. Helming the program are the area’s top fellowship-trained surgeons, who specialize in the surgical treatment of conditions related to this area of the body. The most common conditions include diverticulitis and colon cancer.

Inova performs over 700 inpatient colorectal cases every year. Physicians use research studies to implement systemwide initiatives such as C. diff protocols that lower incidence of that problem. They also use genetic marker IDs for rectal cancer, since colorectal cancer has a high risk of heritability. Another strong focus is implementation of protocols that reduce readmissions so colorectal issues do not become a chronic problem for patients.

These are just a few of the distinctive features of the Colorectal Surgery Program, setting Inova apart when it comes to treating these patients, according to Othon Wiltz, MD, FACS, FASCRS, a colon and rectal surgeon at Inova Alexandria Hospital. “Inova has one of the fastest growing colorectal robotics programs in the state,” he says. “Using this type of innovation allows us to increase our precision for surgeries, as well as improve recovery time frames.”

Helpful recovery services after colorectal surgery

Also helpful is Inova’s Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program, which focuses on the reduced need for narcotics thanks to lower pain levels, decreased length of stay and early mobilization to get patients back to normal activities faster.

“As a patient, the sooner you can go home and get back to your life, the better your outcome will be,” says Dr. Wiltz. “That’s why we make that such a priority.”

Common Colorectal Conditions

These are a few examples of conditions that benefit from the latest surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment in colorectal treatment:

• Colon cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Complex colon, rectal and anal conditions
• Rectal prolapse
• Fecal incontinence
• Pelvic floor disorders

Colorectal surgery options and physicians in Northern Virginia

Learn more about colorectal surgery at Inova and get a list of board-certified Colon and Rectal Surgery doctors at inova.org/colorectal