Our primary division offices are located at the Doheny Eye Institute adjacent to USC University Hospital. The University Hospital Anorectal Physiologic Laboratory is located in the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders medical suite.

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, incontinence, diverticulitis, and common anorectal disorders (including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulae, abscesses). The Anorectal Physiology Laboratory is one of two centers on the west coast to be equipped with 3-D state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. This equipment is used to more precisely stage rectal cancers and evaluate patients suffering from loss of bowel control. The Lab offers anal and rectal ultrasound, manometry, anoscopy, and pudendal nerve latency testing.

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 genetics 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.

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.

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, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Kaufman has special interest in researching the effects of morbid obesity on the pelvic floor.

Dr. Kaufman is a member of the USC Bariatric Surgery team, offering open and laparoscopic surgical options for patients suffering from morbid obesity.

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.

We work closely with your gastroenterologists to explore surgical options when medications no longer control disease activity. Options include open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Incontinence – 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. Many patients with problems of bowel control also have an overactive bladder and suffer from urinary incontinence as well. Your doctors will screen for such associated problems and make the appropriate referrals as needed.

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

Colorectal Cancer Screening
Screening for colorectal cancer has been proven to decrease mortality in randomized clinical trials. 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.

Colonoscopy – This short preventative procedure allows your physician to look inside your large intestine using a colonoscope in order to look for early warning signs of colon or rectal cancer. If anything abnormal is seen in your colon such as a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove all or part of it using tiny instruments passed through the scope. That tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes.

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.