Colorectal Conditions Treated

The Division of Colorectal Surgery at Newton-Wellesley Hospital treats a full range of conditions affecting the colon and rectum.

• Anal Fissures and Anal Fistulas
• Colon Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Anal Cancer
• Colorectal Polyps
• Diverticulitis and Other Diverticular Diseases
• Fecal Incontinence
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Intestinal Volvulus
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pelvic Floor Disorders
• Pilonidal Disease and Pilonidal Cysts
• Rectal Prolapse
• Rectovaginal Fistulas

Common questions about colorectal surgery

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Anal Fissures and Anal Fistulas

An anal fissure is a small tear in the anus that sometimes develops after a hard bowel movement. An anal fistula is a small channel that forms between the inside of the anal canal and an outside opening in the skin near the anus.

Colon Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Anal Cancer

Newton-Wellesley colon and rectal surgeons work with colleagues at Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital to provide expert care of patients diagnosed with cancer of the colon, rectum, and anus. They use the latest surgical techniques, including sphincter-sparing procedure, to treat cancer thoroughly and in the least invasive way possible. This includes organ preserving techniques such as TEM (Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery)

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are small growths that can form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Most colon polyps or rectal polyps are harmless and don’t cause any symptoms, but certain types can turn into cancer.

Diverticulitis and Other Diverticular Diseases

Diverticulitis is a condition in which small pouches form in the digestive tract, usually in the colon (large intestine). In diverticular disease, the muscles in the colon will spasm due to the presence of these pouches, causing abdominal pain and disturbing bowel function.

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence, also called bowel incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in stool leaking unintentionally from the rectum.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins around the anus that bulge from a buildup of pressure, such as straining during a bowel movement or during childbirth. Hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable and may sometimes itch or bleed.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is ongoing inflammation within parts of the digestive tract, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two common types of IBD.

Intestinal Obstruction

An intestinal obstruction is a blockage that can occur for various reasons that keeps food and liquids from passing through your digestive tract.

Intestinal Volvulus

Volvulus refers to a condition when the intestine twists on itself, resulting in an obstruction. It is most often associated with a birth defect called malrotation, but may occur in adults with constipation or in the presence of abdominal adhesions.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to symptoms like belly pain, bloating, and changes in the frequency and appearance of bowels. Many people experience IBS during their lives, and it can significantly impact daily activities.

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders are conditions caused by tears, weakness, or poor function of the muscles and nerves in the pelvic floor, such as pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and constipation.

Pilonidal Disease and Pilonidal Cysts

Pilonidal disease is an infection that develops in the crease of the buttocks at the tailbone. A pilonidal cyst is a growth that may develop in that area that becomes infected and uncomfortable.

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a relatively uncommon condition in which the lower part of the rectum protrudes out through the anus, often making it difficult for people to control their bowels.

Rectovaginal Fistulas

A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection that can occur in women between the rectum and the vagina. Bowel contents may leak through this opening and pass out of the vagina. This sometimes is a result of injury during childbirth.

Contact Us/Appointments

For an appointment with one of our colorectal surgeons, including for second opinions, you may either:

• Call 617-219-1285 Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm EST