Clinical Services
Anorectal Disease
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of anorectal diseases, including hemorrhoids, complex anal fistulas, infections, incontinence, and cancer.
Our physicians are involved in the development of a number of diagnostic technologies, including ultrasound for staging rectal cancers. Rectal ultrasound, which is performed in the office, creates three-dimensional images of the pelvic areas, the rectal wall, and tumors. With this information, physicians can characterize the stages of growth and guide treatment recommendations. The philosophy of using combined modalities, such as the integration of the latest immune therapies with surgical techniques, is especially beneficial to patients with rectal cancer. Radiation oncologists have new techniques for the treatment of rectal cancer as well, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or intraoperative brachytherapy.
Patients who have compromised sphincter nerves or muscles can benefit from newer fecal continence preserving procedures, including nerve stimulation, implantation of an artificial sphincter mechanism, or biofeedback techniques to help patients sense the presence of stools and strengthen anal muscles. Surgeons also can perform many procedures laparoscopically, or with the aid of a tiny fiber-optic camera, to create a new rectum from healthy intestines.
In addition, the Hospital offers new procedures for evaluating complex pelvic floor problems and has initiated a new program in anorectal physiology to assess the muscles that control the pelvic floor.
