Gastroenterology
Main Line Health gastroenterology works to resolve digestive issues and GI conditions. Find the right solution for your digestive conditions at one of our Philadelphia locations.
Colorectal Surgery
About colorectal surgery
At Main Line Health, we're leading the fight against colorectal cancer—our team is setting the standards for diagnosing and treating both colon and rectal cancer. Our surgeons are able to perform 90–95 percent of colorectal cancer surgeries using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy. In 93 percent of cases, our patients keep their normal bowel function after surgery—without having to use a colostomy bag.
With higher survival rates and lower recurrence rates than the national average, we're a leader when it comes to treating colorectal cancer, attracting patients from around the world. And with convenient locations just minutes from Philadelphia, we're making it easier than ever to get high-quality, colorectal care.
Types of colorectal cancer screenings
Colorectal cancer starts out as a small, benign (non-cancerous) growth called a polyp. By staying up to date on routine screenings, you have a head start at stopping cancer before it starts.
Talk to your doctor today about routine screenings like:
- Rectal exam
- Fecal occult blood test – checking for blood in the stool
- Barium enema – X-ray exam
- Sigmoidoscopy – a procedure that looks at the large intestine area closest to the rectum
- Colonoscopy – a procedure that looks at the entire colon and rectum
These screenings also are important because colorectal cancer often shows no symptoms. Explore commonly asked questions about the colon test for cancer.