Each year, nearly 300,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a type of gastrointestinal cancer. Many of these cancers are too complex or difficult to be treated with just one type of treatment. The Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center provides patients with gastrointestinal cancers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of complex disease. As experts in the treatment of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, bile ducts, rectum, and anus, we collaborate with diagnostic and interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists, and pathologists to provide the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. Our advanced diagnostic imaging services, including Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), MRI/MRCP (ERCP in conjunction with MRI), high-resolution CT scans, Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration, allow for patients to be comprehensively evaluated at the onset of their diagnosis. Surgical Oncology Surgery is commonly used to effectively manage certain types of gastrointestinal cancers, including malignant and premalignant tumors in the stomach, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, small intestine, and colorectum. Our team of surgeons incorporate a variety of state-of-the-art surgical techniques into procedures when necessary. These include: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for stomach, small bowel, and colorectal tumors, as well as for primary and metastatic liver tumors and biliary tumors Cytoreduction and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy Pancreatectomy (Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, total pancreatectomy, central pancreatectomy, pancreas preserving enucleation) Medical Oncology In addition to chemotherapy, our medical oncology experts provide innovative nonsurgical treatment options including: Targeted Therapy, in which a special type of chemotherapy targets the changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread Immunotherapy, which uses a patient’s own immune system to find and destroy cancer cells Yale Cancer Center emphasizes the importance of clinical trials for all stages of disease. Many of these drugs are exploring new types of therapy and new combinations of therapies, and many of our studies are available as part of our network of Care Centers. We perform state-of-the-art genomic profiling and laboratory explorations to determine the biologic weaknesses of the tumors and to develop better therapies for patients. Radiation Oncology Patients who need radiation oncology to treat their gastrointestinal cancers can feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality care from the most experienced team of radiation oncologists in Connecticut. We offer innovative therapies including: Three-dimensional Conformal Radiation: This technique may be used to target radiation to tumors by matching their particular shapes. Four-dimensional (4-D) CT simulation makes CT scans f

In 2001, the Yale Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program was formed to address the challenges faced by patients with complex, lifelong, gastrointestinal, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Our team-based approach employs a gastroenterologist, physician assistant, and a team of nurses and medical assistants to share the responsibilities of our patients’ medical care. Following evidence-based guidelines, the IBD team will work closely together to plan and coordinate a comprehensive plan of care personalized to each patient, who will have the opportunity to meet the IBD team members during a visit. The key to effective management of the disease is coordinated care among specially trained, internationally recognized physicians with expertise in inflammatory bowel disease. Our experienced team also includes nutritionists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. Our medical and surgical specialists are available at the same visit to provide comprehensive care. Our enterostomal nurses work with families to manage ostomy care and provide support. Treatment for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease usually begins with medical therapy. While surgery can be a primary therapy for certain symptoms of IBD, it is usually reserved as a supplement to medical therapy. The goal of GI surgery is to restore function, using bowel-conserving surgery, including minimally invasive surgery where appropriate. In order to properly diagnose and treat patients with IBD, doctors must perform visual examinations of the gastrointestinal tract through procedures known as endoscopies. The three most common procedures are as follows: colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy. Each procedure visualizes a different section of the gastrointestinal tract. Colonoscopy—Sigmoidoscopy: These procedures allow doctors to evaluate the entire large intestine and the end of the small intestine called the ileum. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a colonoscopy is required for evaluation of the disease activity and for colon cancer screening. Some patients may undergo a sigmoidoscopy, which only views the first third of the large intestine. Upper Endoscopy (EGD): This procedure allows evaluation of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, an upper endoscopy evaluates disease involvement in the upper region of the digestive tract. Capsule Endoscopy: The newest diagnostic procedure, it allows evaluation of the small intestine not accessible by upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. A tiny camera contained in a capsule passes naturally through the digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder. Images of the small bowel are downloaded to a computer and reviewed by a physician. Chromoendoscopy: Chromoendoscopy is a technique performed during colonoscopy to enhance the detection of pre-cancerous areas in the colon. It uses a blue dye that temporarily stains the colon wall du

At Yale Medicine, our colorectal surgery team specializes in surgical care for conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract which includes your colon, rectum, and anus. We treat a complete array of conditions that range from non-cancerous (benign) disorders to cancerous (malignant) diseases, and they can involve surgical and non-surgical treatments. Expert physicians may also perform routine screening procedures, such as colonoscopies, to detect colon and rectal abnormalities, including cancer at an early stage. They work closely with gastroenterologists, oncologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for patients with diseases affecting the lower digestive tract. About Us Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Colon and Rectal Cancer: Surgical removal of tumors in the colon and rectum. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which may require surgery to remove diseased portions of the intestinal tract. Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the intestinal wall, sometimes requiring surgical intervention. Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that can cause discomfort and bleeding. Anal Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause pain and bleeding. Anal Fistulas and Abscesses: Infections in the anal gland that can form an abscess and may lead to an abnormal channel (fistula) between the inside of the anus and the skin. Rectal Prolapse: When part of the rectum protrudes from the anus. Fecal Incontinence: Inability to control bowel movements, which may be improved with surgery. Bowel Obstruction: Blockages in the colon or rectum that may require surgery to remove the obstruction. Polyps: Abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can be benign or precancerous and are often removed to prevent cancer. Ostomy Surgery: Procedures that create an opening (stoma) for the body to eliminate waste, such as a colostomy or ileostomy, which may be temporary or permanent. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Disorders affecting the coordination of pelvic floor muscles and rectum, which may involve surgical repair. Colon and Rectal Trauma: Injury to the colon or rectum that requires surgical intervention to repair. Pilonidal Disease: A chronic skin infection in the crease of the buttocks near the coccyx.