Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Fellow, Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Member, Surgical Section Serbian Medical Association
Dr. Maher Abbas is an American Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon who performs the latest and most advanced procedures to treat conditions affecting the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. He is a leader in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery. With over 18,000 operations and procedures experience, he provides state of the art treatment to his patients.
All of the body’s cells normally grow, divide, and then die in order to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Sometimes this process gets out of control: cells keep growing and dividing even when they are supposed to die. When the cells lining of the rectum multiply uncontrolled, cancer can ultimately develop in the rectum [Figure 1]. Colorectal cancer ranks as the second to third most common cancer in the world depending on the geographic location. It affects both men and women. In the USA approximately 1 in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer.
Figure 1 – Cancer of the rectum
It is important to know that most patients with rectal cancer do not have any family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. Furthermore, most patients with early rectal cancer or precancerous polyps have no symptoms [Figure 2]. Therefore, it is very important for any person over the age of 40 to undergo Screening for Colorectal Polyps and Cancer.
Figure 2 – A colon or rectal growth presents initially as a polyp in most patients and eventually grows deeper into a cancer
It is very important to tell your doctor if you have of the following symptoms which can be caused by colorectal cancer or polyps:
Colonoscopy is the best test to diagnose rectal cancer. A tiny flexible tube with a video camera attached to its tip is inserted through the anus and advanced inside the colon [Figure 3]. If a growth is detected it can be removed in its entirety if small and at the precancerous stage. If there is suspicion for cancer, it is biopsied and sent for evaluation.
Figure 3 – Colonoscopy
When rectal cancer is confirmed, special blood tests called tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9) are obtained. Imaging of the chest and abdomen and pelvis with a special XRAY called CT scan (computed tomography) is obtained. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan) of the pelvis is recommended to check for the depth of the tumor and for any enlarged lymph nodes surrounding the rectum. Staging of the cancer is undertaken to determine how far the cancer has spread: stage 1 (superficial cancer in the bowel wall surface), stage 2 (deep cancer in the bowel wall), stage 3 (cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes outside the rectum), stage 4 (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body including liver or lungs).
Rectal cancer can be cured when caught in the early stages. The main treatment modality for most patients with early cancer is surgery although some patients with very early cancer or precancerous polyps can be treated with endoscopic removal without scars, a technique offered by Dr. Maher Abbas (Endoscopic Resection of Polyps and Tumors, Transanal Endoscopic Surgery). For more advanced rectal cancer, often patients need to receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the cancer then surgery is performed to remove the cancer along with the lymph nodes (glands) for a potential cure. Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopic camera (keyhole surgery) are offered by Dr. Maher Abbas, a highly specialized surgeon and leader in minimally invasive surgery techniques and Laparoscopic Camera Surgery. During surgery, the rectum is removed along with the blood vessels and attached lymph nodes. Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, some patients may require a temporary Ileostomy bag which is typically closed 6 to 8 months after surgery and completion of additional chemotherapy. Patients with cancer involving the anal sphincter muscles need a permanent Colostomy bag.
Cancer confined to the lining of the rectum is associated with the highest likelihood of cure. For patients with deep tumors or cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes or other internal organs such as liver, lungs, or abdomen, chemotherapy or biological therapy is added following the surgery (often in addition to receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery). Depending on your condition and cancer stage, Dr. Maher Abbas will refer you to a trusted medical oncology colleague for additional treatment. It is very important to monitor you long-term for any signs of recurrence as cancer can come back in some patients. A combination of physical examination, blood work, colonoscopy, and special XRAY studies such as CT scan or PET CT is advisable. Dr. Maher Abbas will customize your care based on your condition.
Cancer of the rectum requires a high degree of expertise in cancer care. The cancer needs to be treated properly for best long-term outcome and a chance for cure. Dr. Maher Abbas is an American Board Certified colon and rectal surgeon with extensive expertise in colon and rectal surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. To date, Dr. Maher Abbas has performed over 15,000 operations and procedures. He is globally known for his colon and rectal surgery expertise and skills in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maher Abbas to learn more about the surgical and treatment options for your cancer condition, click here.
