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Preventive colorectal care

Colorectal cancer prevention is key to protecting your health

From preventive screenings to surgical treatment, our team of colorectal surgeons and specialists will work with you every step of the way.

Colorectal Q&A

If you’ve got a colorectal disease that requires surgery, we’ll work with you to create a treatment path for the best outcome, preventing and fighting cancer right alongside you. 

What is colorectal surgery?

Colorectal surgery involves the treatment of conditions affecting the lower digestive tract (your small intestine, colon, rectum and anus), including colorectal cancer. 

Colorectal surgeons treat conditions including:

  • Anal cancer
  • Anal condyloma
  • Anal fissures
  • Anal fistula
  • Colon cancer
  • Colorectal polyps (malignant and premalignant)
  • Constipation
  • Crohn's disease
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Diverticulitis
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Hemorrhoids
  • High-grade squamous anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)
  • Lynch syndrome
  • Pelvic floor disorders
  • Rectal cancer
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Ulcerative colitis

If colorectal cancer is detected, colorectal surgery is often required. This can happen at any stage of cancer, but when colorectal cancer is caught early, survival rates are as high as 90%. That’s why it’s important to have your regular colonoscopy screenings.

When should you start having colonoscopy screenings?

Colonoscopies are minimally invasive screening procedures and the best way to screen for colon cancer. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most people go home within a few hours and can return to normal activities the following day.

A colonoscopy can help detect early signs of colon cancer including colorectal polyps, which can turn into cancer if not removed. It’s recommended that most people receive regular colonoscopies starting at age 50. However, your family doctor may recommend a colonoscopy sooner depending on your family history and any possible symptoms. 

Other ways to help you determine your risk of colorectal cancer include genetic testing and sharing any family history of colorectal cancer with your doctor.

Colorectal cancer treatment at Geisinger

When you come to Geisinger for colorectal cancer care, you’re backed by an entire team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. Together, our team will review every aspect of your health and condition to determine your most effective treatment plan.

If your cancer care requires further surgical treatment, our surgeons are trained in minimally invasive procedures with the use of surgeon-controlled da Vinci® robotic surgery.

Robotic surgery enables surgeons to use “arms” that hold a camera and surgical tools. The surgeon controls the robotic arms, which allow for a wider range of motion than traditional surgery. Minimally invasive surgery means you’ll experience a quicker recovery, so you can get back home sooner. 

Learn more about colorectal surgery care near you. Fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch soon!

Request a consultation

Call us today to schedule an appointment with our colorectal surgeons at 570-214-7833.
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