Colorectal Cancer Care at Columbia
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If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, we’re here to help. Columbia’s colorectal surgery program offers the most up-to-date treatment options for colorectal cancer, including advanced and complex cases. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the most effective care while maintaining their quality of life. Our surgeons are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in minimally invasive, robotic, and laparoscopic surgery, and our surgical outcomes consistently beat national averages, despite taking on many of the most difficult cases.
If you or someone you love is in need of care for a colorectal issue, we’re here to help. Our team is available for consultations, second opinions, and to perform any colorectal procedure, should one be necessary. Call us at (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer forms in the lower part of the digestive system, in either the colon or rectum. While it is one of the most common and aggressive cancers, it is also highly treatable. Because colorectal cancer can progress without symptoms and treatment is much easier in the initial stages of the disease, screening for early diagnosis is very important.
Learn More About Colorectal Cancer
Our Services
Interventional Endoscopy
Our gastroenterologists and surgeons are leaders in the development of endoluminal procedures, allowing for complex techniques to be accomplished endoscopically instead of using traditional surgery.
Surgery
We perform complex operations to preserve continence and avoid an ostomy. These include:
- Intersphincteric proctectomy and reconstructive colonic J-pouch and coloplasty
- Repairs to previously created pouches.
- Pelvic exenteration of locally advanced cancers
- Robotic and other minimally invasive surgery, such as single-incision laparoscopic colorectal surgery (SILS) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS).
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
We offer chemotherapy and immunotherapy for advanced disease, including heated abdominal therapy for people with abdominal metastases.
Precision radiation therapy for rectal cancer
We provide intraoperative radiotherapy during the surgical procedure, to eliminate any cancer cells that may be left behind from the operation.
Highlights of Our Program
Work With a Team of Experts
Our surgical team works closely with experts all across Columbia, including gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized support staff trained to provide care based on your specific needs.
Partner With a Leading Cancer Center
As part of one of the nation’s top cancer centers, the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer the most comprehensive treatment options for colon and rectal cancer available—including access to the latest clinical trials.
Minimally Invasive Care That Helps Maintain Quality of Life
Our surgeons are leaders in the use of minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. These specialized techniques provide patients with the highest level of care while maintaining continence and avoiding permanent ostomy, even in advanced and complex cancers.
A Dedicated Center for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
For people whose colorectal cancer is caused by genetic conditions like Lynch Syndrome and FAP, our specialized Columbia Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Center delivers personalized treatment plans and works with family members to proactively identify and treat potential problems before they develop into cancers.
Visit the Columbia Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Center
Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Care
The Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the first of its kind dedicated to young people who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Visit the Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Program
Help Along the Way
When undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer, it’s understandable to feel a little overwhelmed. Columbia offers patients with colon and rectal cancer a dedicated nurse navigator to help streamline and manage your care experience.
Stories & Perspective
Columbia Researchers Seek Answers for Rise of Colon Cancer in Younger Patients
A puzzling rise in colon cancer cases among younger people has spurred researchers at Columbia to launch a comprehensive investigation into the underlying causes and potential treatments for this concerning trend. Read More »
Our Team
Our surgeons have earned national and international recognition for their expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, and routinely train other surgeons across the country. Our overall surgical outcomes are highly favorable compared to national averages.
Colorectal Surgeons
Our surgeons have earned national and international recognition for their expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, and routinely train other surgeons across the country. Our overall surgical outcomes are highly favorable compared to national averages.
Cary B. Aarons, MD
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Usama Ahmed Ali, MD | book an appointment online »
Debbie Bakes, MD | Chief, Colorectal Surgery/Westchester Section
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Marco Bertucci Zoccali, MD | book an appointment online »
Beatrice Dionigi, MD | book an appointment online »
Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse
Nutrition
Sabrina Oliver, MS, RD | (347) 712-0894
Our Locations
Washington Heights-NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10032-3784
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- Providers at this facility: Cary Aarons, MD, Usama Ahmed Ali, MD, Marco Bertucci Zoccali, MD, Beatrice Dionigi, MD, Bo Shen, MD, Le-Chu Su, MD, PhD, Princy Daniel, FNP-BC, Louella Escoto-Ortaliz, NP, Gerthy Michel, NP, Anna Varghese, NP
Midtown West
51 West 51st Street, Suite #380
New York, NY 10019
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Upper East Side
12 East 86th Street, Suite #1
New York, NY 10028
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- Providers at this facility: Le-Chu Su, MD, PhD, Princy Daniel, FNP-BC, Gerthy Michel, NP
Riverdale
3050 Corlear Avenue, Suite #204
Bronx, NY 10463
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- Providers at this facility: Beatrice Dionigi, MD
Westchester
ColumbiaDoctors Bronxville
1 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
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- Providers at this facility: Beatrice Dionigi, MD
NewYork-Presbyterian The One
1111 Westchester Ave
White Plains, NY 10604
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- Providers at this facility: Cary Aarons, MD, Usama Ahmed Ali, MD, Debbie Bakes, MD
Hudson Valley
NYP/Hudson Valley Hospital
1985 Crompond Road, Building E
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
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- Providers at this facility: Debbie Bakes, MD
New Jersey
Practice Locations:
300 Frank W Burr Blvd, Suite 130
Teaneck, NJ 07666
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- Providers at this facility: Marco Bertucci Zoccali, MD
Surgical Locations:
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
230 East Ridgewood Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652
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Holy Name Medical Center
718 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
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Hoboken University Medical Center
308 Willow Avenue
Hoboken, NJ 07030
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Make an Appointment
Our team of colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, nurses and more are here to answer all your questions and work with you on developing a personalized treatment plan.
To get started with our team, call (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online today.