- Medical Weight LossColorectal cancer typically begins in benign, non-cancerous polyps. Finding and removing these polyps will prevent colorectal cancer. If the cancer is found before symptoms develop, it is 90% curable. However, once symptoms (including rectal bleeding, bowel habit changes, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss) occur, only 50% of cancers can be cured.
- Primary CarePrior to your procedure, you’ll likely need to obtain a pre-operative clearance from your primary care physician. This clearance consists of a medical history and a physical examination, as well as additional tests and blood work. A by a cardiologist or pulmonologist might be required as well. Other tests and preoperative evaluations may be ordered to assist in planning the procedure.
- Emergency CarePatients are seen in the office by appointment, usually scheduled on Monday through Friday. The telephone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During regular business hours, the secretary in the office will answer the telephone. Outside of regular business hours, an answering service will transmit emergency messages to the doctor on call. If the medical problem is such that you must be seen immediately, every effort will be made to have you come to the office or an Emergency Room. If you are taken to the Emergency Room at any local hospital, you are entitled to request that we be notified and called to provide any indicated medical care for you.
- ColonoscopyColon and rectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the country, affecting 140,000 people every year. It is responsible for 56,000 deaths annually – the second-most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Fortunately, screening procedures (including colonoscopy) help to prevent colorectal cancer, or to identify it at an earlier, more treatable stage.
- Constipation
- DiarrheaBowel control issues. There are many possible causes of bowel incontinence, including diarrhea or constipation, muscle or nerve damage, childbirth, and hemorrhoids. Treatment can range from simple changes in diet to more complex surgical procedures.
- Labor and Delivery
- Ovarian CancerColorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the country, affecting up to 5% of the population over the course of a lifetime. Those with a family history of the disease or who have had breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer are at a higher risk, as are those who have a history of extensive inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative or Crohn's colitis.
- Colon CancerI was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer back in October 2020. I had no idea what to do next, so I started calling colorectal surgeons in my area. Patty and Anne are the sweetest duo you could ever meet. Patty went above and beyond to fit me into the schedule. And within two business days, I had my consult with Dr. Cifello. It was something about his delivery, knowledge of the subject, and confidence, that won me over on the first day. From one medical professional to another, Dr. Cifello you are a RockStar. He wasted no time confirming my diagnosis. And within a week, the entire tumor was removed from my colon, before it was able to spread. So, thank you Dr. Cifello for saving my life. I never would have guessed at the age of 42, I would be saying I am now cancer-free. That is why I am convinced that God picked you for me. Thanks Monique S.
- Endoscopy
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyScreening procedures include a barium enema (BE), virtual colonoscopy (CT scan), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. The BE and CT Scans are x-ray tests which can visualize the entire colon; they do not, however, remove polyps or take biopsies. Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and the left half of the colon; colonoscopy examines the entire colon and rectum. Both sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy can remove polyps or take biopsies; however, if a polyp is found by sigmoidoscopy, a colonoscopy is typically recommended to remove the polyp and to search the remaining colon for other polyps or cancers.
- ChemotherapyColon and rectal cancer. While the exact course of treatment for colon or rectal cancer depends on the extent of the cancer itself, most treatments involve surgery to remove it. In some cases, chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment is advised. Many of our colorectal cancer patients are referred to the practice by their internists or general physicians. Others come to CRSA seeking a second medical opinion on their condition.
- General SurgeryThe specialty of Colon and Rectal Surgery, formerly known as Proctology, is dedicated to the care and treatment of diseases or ailments of the colon (large intestine), rectum, or anus. Surgeons in this field complete a five-year General Surgery residency, followed by an additional one to two years in specialty training.
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryPatients undergoing minimally invasive surgery may start consuming clear liquids in the evening after the procedure. Over the next day or two, as bowel function returns, we will advance your diet so that you will be on solid food by the time you return home. Open surgery typically lags 24-36 hours behind this time frame.
- Laparoscopic SurgeryShorter hospital stays. Patients typically require no more than two to four days in the hospital after laparoscopic surgery.
- Allergies