Colorectal Surgery Services

We understand that facing a colorectal disease diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you're not alone.

With one of the highest volumes of colorectal surgeries in the U.S. and a nationally accredited program, you can trust us for expert care.

Our approach to colorectal surgery

At the UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute, we’re dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care. From diagnosis through recovery, our experienced team of colorectal surgeons and specialists work together to create a personalized treatment plan for you. 

Our nationally recognized colon and rectal surgeons specialize in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries. These procedures reduce pain and blood loss, allow you to recover faster and help you avoid colostomy bags after surgery. 

We offer leading-edge treatments for conditions like colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and more.

Your care journey with us

Multidisciplinary care for personalized treatment

Your treatment plan will be developed by our multidisciplinary care team, which includes colorectal surgeons, oncologists and other specialists. Our tumor board meets weekly to discuss cases, ensuring that every aspect of your care is specifically tailored to you. After your initial treatment, we’ll continue to follow your progress through surveillance and cancer prevention programs.

Advanced surgical techniques for faster recovery

UCI Health is at the forefront of innovative surgical techniques, including: 

• Minimally invasive surgery: We use advanced laparoscopy and robotics for smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery.
• Trans-anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS): A specialized technique for certain rectal cancers that results in less discomfort and a faster return to daily activities.

Expertise in complex cases

Our colorectal surgeons are leaders in treating colon and rectal cancer, particularly with complex cases, including redo surgeries and challenging cancer treatments. We often receive referrals from other surgeons who trust our expertise in difficult cases.

We take a multi-disciplinary approach to advanced cases, involving specialists in:

• Plastic surgery
• Urogynecology
• Urology
• Gynecologic oncology

This collaborative approach ensures that you receive the best care possible for even the most complex situations.

Why choose UCI Health for colorectal surgery?

Nationally accredited

We are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). This makes us the first rectal cancer program in Orange County to hold this designation and one of just 45 nationwide. Our surgeons also use various surgical methods and a multidisciplinary approach to avoid a permanent colostomy in the treatment of rectal cancer.

Clinical research for new treatments

As physicians at Orange County's only university medical center, many of our team members actively conduct clinical trials. You have access to new treatments before they are available elsewhere.

Pioneering techniques

Our surgeons were the first in Orange County to use hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This procedure involves bathing the abdominal cavity with a heated solution of chemotherapy drugs immediately after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. 

We also were the first in Southern California to use a sacral nerve stimulator to correct fecal incontinence. We strive to embrace innovation. This sacral nerve stimulator treatment has since become widely available.

No cancer is rare to us

Our colorectal surgeons specialize in treating rare conditions. For example, we treat Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), and other inherited cancer syndromes.