Colorectal and Intestinal Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood and stool samples can reveal signs of infection, inflammation and hormone disorders that affect the small and large intestines.

Our imaging and radiology team uses a spectrum of imaging tests that include traditional X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound to reveal possible conditions within your colon, rectum and small intestine. 

This procedure is a colorectal cancer screening test that also helps us diagnose or rule out diverticulitis and IBD. We perform a high volume of colonoscopies and are a regional leader in this procedure.

During a colonoscopy, we examine the colon for inflammation, polyps (precancerous growths) and tumors. You have no abdominal incisions and usually go home within hours of your procedure.

High-resolution anoscopy is a highly specialized procedure that can identify early signs of anal cancer in people who have certain risk factors. Only the most experienced colorectal teams provide HRA because it requires a high level of skill and practice.

A capsule endoscopy is a pill that takes pictures of your digestive tract. We use this leading-edge procedure to diagnose:

• Bleeding in your small intestine
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Polyps (growths)

This procedure allows our team to remove precancerous polyps without surgery. We remove polyps that are large, numerous or in difficult locations that would often require surgery at other centers.

We start with nonsurgical treatments like medications and lifestyle changes whenever possible. These methods may be the first step in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diverticulitis treatment. We also prescribe the newest medicines for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis treatment, including those that provide disease remission (no symptoms). 

Our gastroenterologists evaluate your needs and customize your care plan to provide the best results. You may also be eligible for groundbreaking new medications through our clinical trials.

Chemodenervation uses injections of botulinum toxin to treat anal fissures and pelvic muscle dysfunction. The injections reduce pressure in the sphincter (muscle in the anus that controls bowel movements) to prevent spasms and pain.

We have a high level of experience in advanced colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures for gastrointestinal conditions. These procedures are noninvasive and offer a faster, easier recovery.

Our techniques include endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection. These advanced endoscopy procedures remove tumors and precancerous cells, including those under the GI tract lining.

We are a major referral center in the Pacific Northwest for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We perform a high volume of these procedures. FMT helps you regain natural defenses against the Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) bacteria. Fecal transplants cure up to 95% of recurrent C. diff infections that have resisted other treatments.

Our team includes surgeons who specialize in laparoscopic and robotic colorectal resections (removal of part of your colon or rectum). These minimally invasive techniques offer extremely high-quality outcomes and come with a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery than traditional colorectal surgery.

The J-pouch procedure is a treatment for severe cases of ulcerative colitis and certain inherited cancer syndromes. This surgery involves removing the entire colon and rectum and creating a new bowel reservoir of your own small intestine.

J-pouch surgery avoids the need for a permanent ostomy bag. Our surgeons are highly skilled in this procedure, and we provide expert follow-up care to ensure the best possible results.

Colorectal resection is an effective treatment for Crohn's disease, but the disease can recur (come back) after surgery. The Kono-S anastomosis method helps preserve blood supply and nerves in the area that is reconnected during surgery. This method significantly reduces the chance of Crohn's recurrence.

We use a team approach to provide complete care if fecal incontinence or constipation is related to pelvic organ prolapse. Our colorectal surgeons offer a range of minimally invasive and trans-anal prolapse repairs. We partner with urogynecologists (doctors who specialize in female pelvic organs) to correct pelvic and colorectal issues in one procedure.

Sacral neuromodulation, also called sacral nerve stimulation, uses a tiny, pacemaker-like device to treat bowel incontinence. This device stimulates the nerves near your sacrum (bone at the base of your spine), giving you better control over bowel movements.

Our specialists start with a temporary device that you wear outside your body. If the temporary device works well for you, we implant an internal device near your tailbone during a minimally invasive surgery. The device lasts up to 15 years. Most patients go home the same day as their procedure, and the treatment provides improvement or complete continence for most patients.

Anal fistula almost always requires surgery, but sphincter damage can lead to devastating, life-long effects. We offer customized sphincter-preserving fistula surgery to keep your sphincter function and minimize the risk of bowel incontinence. Options include flap coverage, ligation or closing or opening the fistula, depending on your needs.

With our advanced techniques, we remove rectal tumors and polyps without external incisions. This surgery allows you to use the bathroom as usual, with no permanent ostomy bag. You also have a faster, easier recovery.