USC Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders

Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders

The Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders at USC is staffed by academic colorectal and pelvic floor surgeons, who combine advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques with innovative surgical approaches to treat and manage patients suffering from benign and malignant disorders of the colon, rectum, anus, and pelvic floor. A central theme of the unit is multidisciplinary collaboration with colleagues from other specialties. This collaboration allows for state-of-the-art care that crosses traditional referral boundaries.

Our office is located in the Healthcare Consultation Center I.

Specialties

Physicians at the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders have clinical expertise in treating patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as expertise in a variety of benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus including cancer, ulcerative colitis, constipation, loss of bowel control, diverticulitis, and common anorectal disorders including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulae, abscesses.

Anorectal Disorders - Hemorrhoids, fissures, pilonidal disease, and other similar anorectal disorders are also treated by our specialists.

Bowel Control - The loss of control of bowel movements or gas is known as fecal incontinence. This condition can be embarrassing and socially debilitating. Our colorectal specialists work with patients to find the causes of this condition, which may include disorders of the colon and rectum, the anus, and/or the pelvic floor. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of fecal incontinence, and may include medication, dietary changes, biofeedback and exercise programs to strengthen anal and pelvic muscles, or surgery may be required. In addition to evaluation of the muscles and nerves of the anus and rectum, we offer the latest therapies available in clinical trials for patients who have failed traditional types of therapy.

Cancer - Patients with colon, rectal, or anal cancer will be treated by a multidisciplinary team of experts including colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, enterostomal therapists, and nurse specialists. High-risk patients and their families have the opportunity to meet with genetic counselors to assess risk and discuss genetic testing if desired. In consultation with the patient and referring physicians, the optimal treatment plan for eradication and management of cancer is discussed and planned. Treatment plans may include neoadjuvant chemo and radiation therapy for rectal cancer, advanced techniques in anal sphincter preservation with rectal reconstruction, and participation in clinical trials offering the latest advances in chemotherapeutic agents. Postoperative care may be augmented by pelvic floor physical therapy to hasten functional recovery.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which can result in diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, bloody bowel movements, and abdominal pain. Crohn’s disease may occur at any location in the digestive tract and involves the full thickness of the intestinal wall. This disease pattern can result in bowel obstruction from scarring, painful inflammatory masses in the abdomen, abscesses, and fistulae (communication between structures that should not be connected). Alternatively, ulcerative colitis usually affects the mucosa (lining) of the colon and rectum and presents with bloody diarrhea. Medical therapy is the initial treatment for both types of IBD. For Crohn’s disease, new drugs such as Remicade may delay surgical management, or it can used in association with surgery.

Pelvic Floor Disorders - The effects of childbirth, aging, menopause, and chronic straining on the female pelvic floor have led to a national epidemic of pelvic floor disorders. Symptomatic patients experience pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and bowel and bladder dysfunction such as obstruction and/or incontinence. Patients will be treated by a multidisciplinary team of experts including colorectal surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and nurse specialists.

Obesity is an additional risk factor for pelvic floor disorders. Excessive body weight adds extra strain to the pelvic floor resulting in pelvic organ prolapse, loss of bowel/urinary control, and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Kaufman has special interest in researching the effects of morbid obesity on the pelvic floor. He is a member of the USC Bariatric Surgery team, offering open and laparoscopic surgical options for patients suffering from morbid obesity.

Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is curable with early detection. In randomized clinical trials, screening for colorectal cancer has proven to decrease mortality. Routine tests such as colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema with contrast, are used to detect early development of colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, most individuals are not screened due to either fear or lack of adequate education regarding the benefits.

Recommendations for screening begin at age 50 for the average risk population, and at 40 years of age (or younger) for higher risk groups.

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For More Information
Members of the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders are available to meet with patients, referring physicians, and nurses to discuss a patient’s condition and help them make an informed decision about a treatment plan. A dedicated USC Clinical Assistant is available to schedule your appointment.

Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders
1510 San Pablo Street
Suite 514
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone: (323) 442-6860
Fax: (323) 442-5756