Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

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Faithandpeace
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:25 pm
Location: California

Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Faithandpeace » Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:36 pm

Hi All,

My husband has stage IV rectal cancer with mets to liver and lungs. His rectal tumor is starting to cause problems (diarrhea and as of yesterday, blood) The surgeon at USC said surgery is too risky due to the time he would have to be out of treatment. Does anyone know of an excellent colorectal surgeon who performs minimally invasive surgery?


John, age 57
Diagnosed 12/9/16
5 Folfox + Avastin + trial drug treatments
3 months NK cell/immunotherapy + 3 TACE procedures on liver + 2 trans-pulmonary chemo embolizations on lungs + 1 chemo perfusion on rectal tumor. All in Germany
DH dx 12/16, age 56, stage IV, mets to liver and lungs
5 tx Folfox + Avastin + clinical trial, 1/17-3/17, good results
Immunotherapy in Germany + 3 TACE, 2 TPCE (3/17-6/17)
Folfox + Avastin 8/17, 4 tx
10/17 xeloda + Avastin
12/17 PET negative in liver and lungs. Primary tumor thriving
1/6/18 LAR, temp loop ileostomy, horrible complications, 10 weeks in hospital, still recovering, 4/18.
4/30/18: Y90 to left lobe of liver
6/18: ablations to liver + lung mets

veckon
Posts: 131
Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2017 7:44 am

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby veckon » Thu Aug 17, 2017 3:36 pm

Contact Memorial Sloan Kettering. Dr. Philip B. Paty is an expert at this. But there are also many more there who are as well.
27 yo male
Metastatic rectal cancer diagnosed 12/16
Liver metastases and peritoneal carcinomatosis
Lynch syndrome, MSI-H
Failed liver resection 3/17
FOLFOX6 12/16 - 05/17
Keytruda 5/17 - present
@Memorial Sloan Kettering

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby NHMike » Thu Aug 17, 2017 3:42 pm

Faithandpeace wrote:Hi All,

My husband has stage IV rectal cancer with mets to liver and lungs. His rectal tumor is starting to cause problems (diarrhea and as of yesterday, blood) The surgeon at USC said surgery is too risky due to the time he would have to be out of treatment. Does anyone know of an excellent colorectal surgeon who performs minimally invasive surgery?


John, age 57
Diagnosed 12/9/16
5 Folfox + Avastin + trial drug treatments
3 months NK cell/immunotherapy + 3 TACE procedures on liver + 2 trans-pulmonary chemo embolizations on lungs + 1 chemo perfusion on rectal tumor. All in Germany


I noticed that the treatments were in Germany. This is somewhat of a US-centric board though there are members from outside the US. Does your husband have access to services in the United States? The best hospitals are fairly well known here but may not be useful if he can't travel and stay for recovery.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

Faithandpeace
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:25 pm
Location: California

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Faithandpeace » Thu Aug 17, 2017 4:29 pm

I should have clarified! We live in California and started the chemo and clinical trial at USC. Then we went to Germany for the NK/immunotherapy and TACE procedures, and now we are back. The surgeon we consulted was at USC. We are currently trying to decide whether to go back on chemo or continue the German protocol. But my main question right now is about finding a surgeon who can do high-tech, minimally invasive surgery in order to minimize the down time.
Thank you!
DH dx 12/16, age 56, stage IV, mets to liver and lungs
5 tx Folfox + Avastin + clinical trial, 1/17-3/17, good results
Immunotherapy in Germany + 3 TACE, 2 TPCE (3/17-6/17)
Folfox + Avastin 8/17, 4 tx
10/17 xeloda + Avastin
12/17 PET negative in liver and lungs. Primary tumor thriving
1/6/18 LAR, temp loop ileostomy, horrible complications, 10 weeks in hospital, still recovering, 4/18.
4/30/18: Y90 to left lobe of liver
6/18: ablations to liver + lung mets

Basil
Posts: 275
Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2017 12:33 pm

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Basil » Thu Aug 17, 2017 7:15 pm

Dr. Chang (see below) performed a robotic LAR on me July 31. I walked out of the hospital after 48 hours, was back at work in 7 days (had some half days in there due to fatigue) and am feeling 90% after two and a half weeks. Best I know, robotic is the least invasive surgery they can perform. He's also the colorectal surgery chief at MDAnderson. Doesn't hurt to have those credentials after your name. I have the utmost confidence in his judgment and another medical provider told me, "Chang's not a brain surgeon but if I get brain cancer, he's who I'm calling to take it out"

https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles ... chang.html
40 y/o male (now 46), kids 11 & 14.
Dx 3/16/17, rectal cancer s3,t3,n1,m0
PROSPCT trial (FOLFOX in lieu of chemorad)
FOLFOX 4/5/17 - 6/26/17
LAR 7/31/17, temp ileo
pathological complete response
Adjuvant chemo cancelled (IDEA Study)
Ileo reversed 9/25/17
NED
1 year scans - clear
2 year scans - clear
3 year scans - clear
4 year scans - clear
5 year scans - clear (considered cured)

Basil
Posts: 275
Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2017 12:33 pm

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Basil » Thu Aug 17, 2017 7:17 pm

Oh, and he also has this in his bio:

Director of Clinical Operations, Division of Minimally Invasive and New Technologies in Oncologic Surgery Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston

Associate Medical Director, Colorectal Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
40 y/o male (now 46), kids 11 & 14.
Dx 3/16/17, rectal cancer s3,t3,n1,m0
PROSPCT trial (FOLFOX in lieu of chemorad)
FOLFOX 4/5/17 - 6/26/17
LAR 7/31/17, temp ileo
pathological complete response
Adjuvant chemo cancelled (IDEA Study)
Ileo reversed 9/25/17
NED
1 year scans - clear
2 year scans - clear
3 year scans - clear
4 year scans - clear
5 year scans - clear (considered cured)

Faithandpeace
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:25 pm
Location: California

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Faithandpeace » Thu Aug 17, 2017 8:11 pm

Basil,
Thank you! We will look into this doctor....he sounds like he fits the bill. Congratulations on NED!
DH dx 12/16, age 56, stage IV, mets to liver and lungs
5 tx Folfox + Avastin + clinical trial, 1/17-3/17, good results
Immunotherapy in Germany + 3 TACE, 2 TPCE (3/17-6/17)
Folfox + Avastin 8/17, 4 tx
10/17 xeloda + Avastin
12/17 PET negative in liver and lungs. Primary tumor thriving
1/6/18 LAR, temp loop ileostomy, horrible complications, 10 weeks in hospital, still recovering, 4/18.
4/30/18: Y90 to left lobe of liver
6/18: ablations to liver + lung mets

prs
Posts: 201
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 7:09 pm
Location: Central California

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby prs » Fri Aug 18, 2017 9:07 am

PM sent.
Peter, age 65 at dx
DX 4 cm x 4 cm very low rectal adenocarcinoma into the sphincters 01/15
Stage III T3 N1 M0 with two suspicious lymph nodes
26 sessions IMRT radiation with 1,000 mg Xeloda twice per day 03/15 to 04/15
Complete clincal response to the chemoradiation...the tumor shrank completely away 06/15 :D
No surgery...Habr-Gama watch and wait protocol instead
Xelox chemotherapy 07/15-12/15
MRI and rectal exam every three months starting 07/15
MRI and rectal exam every six months starting 07/17
NED

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ocstacy
Posts: 264
Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2017 11:29 pm
Facebook Username: stacy

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby ocstacy » Sat Sep 09, 2017 9:33 pm

Hi John!

My mom has Stage 3A rectal cancer. I found a wonderful colorectal surgeon at USC KECK in L.A. You should read his reviews. It took me awhile to find a surgeon for my mother. Dr. Sang Lee is the chief surgeon and his fellow Dr's have good reviews too. Some use the 3D robotic surgery. You should really read their reviews and check out their site. We live in Orange County, CA and we have to drive one hour to get there but all worth it! I have researched a lot and all the Dr's point to USC. I even talked to fellow patients and they really love Dr. Sang Lee and Dr. Chin, they all are great so I hear! My mom's Oncologist is also a Keck USC Dr. (Dr. Hanna) Dr. Shin is the one who does the 3D robotic, Dr. Lee does not. Here is the site: http://www.surgery.usc.edu/index.html. and here is their Yelp Site: https://www.yelp.com/biz/usc-colorectal ... colorectal

My will have her surgery Dec. 2017. She is very nervous and she has NEVER had surgery her entire life! She will have Laparoscopic Proctectomy coloanal "hand sewn" anastomis & diverting loop ileostomy. My mom isn't too happy about the temp "BAG". Yep, he is going to "Hand Sew" her a new rectum. We wont know until after 09/25. Prayers for you :shock:
Last edited by ocstacy on Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Caregiver/daughter to dear mother age 78, dx 5/09/17 because of me!! :wink:
Rectal CA Stage 3 low-grade adenocarcinoma- 6 cm
Neoadjuvant start 7/10/17 ended 08/16/17
3D Lap. surgery @ Keck USC, Dr. Sang Lee 10/17/17 temp ileostomy
11/1 hospitalized abscess/hernia - home 11/06/17 antibiotics
NO LYMPHS INVOLVED! NEAR PATHOLOGICAL RESPONSE! YAY! :shock:
Took her last chemo med 05/10/18! Ileo reversal 07/24/18
1st BM after reversal 07/25/18 Anal Fissure 8/15/18
Me:1st Colonoscopy age 38. 08/17 Benign polp.

Faithandpeace
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:25 pm
Location: California

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Faithandpeace » Thu Sep 21, 2017 6:11 pm

Thank you, ocstacy. We also live in OC and get treatment at USC. Unfortunately, because of the location of the tumor and the fact that my hubby is stage IV, the surgeon at Keck (Dr. Cologne) said it' s just too risky at this time. Maybe if chemo gets rid of most of his cancer. Good luck to your mom and blessings and strength to you...you're a good daughter!
DH dx 12/16, age 56, stage IV, mets to liver and lungs
5 tx Folfox + Avastin + clinical trial, 1/17-3/17, good results
Immunotherapy in Germany + 3 TACE, 2 TPCE (3/17-6/17)
Folfox + Avastin 8/17, 4 tx
10/17 xeloda + Avastin
12/17 PET negative in liver and lungs. Primary tumor thriving
1/6/18 LAR, temp loop ileostomy, horrible complications, 10 weeks in hospital, still recovering, 4/18.
4/30/18: Y90 to left lobe of liver
6/18: ablations to liver + lung mets

User avatar
ocstacy
Posts: 264
Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2017 11:29 pm
Facebook Username: stacy

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby ocstacy » Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:40 pm

We also live in OC and get treatment at USC. Unfortunately, because of the location of the tumor and the fact that my hubby is stage IV, the surgeon at Keck (Dr. Cologne) said it' s just too risky at this time. Maybe if chemo gets rid of most of his cancer. Good luck to your mom and blessings and strength to you...you're a good daughter!


Yes, Dr. Cologne I have seen there too. We find out on Monday 09/25 the MRI results, which I really don't like going in person hearing the results. I just got bad news that my 5 year old has two cavities and I took that very personally. I think you are in good hands @ USC, they are known for the best of the best in medical. I trust with whatever decision they make. It takes us about 50 min to get there but the drive isn't that bad. Prayers for positive results for your hubby and my mama. We are good caregivers, we just got to be there for them. I just hate seeing my mama in pain. :roll:
Caregiver/daughter to dear mother age 78, dx 5/09/17 because of me!! :wink:
Rectal CA Stage 3 low-grade adenocarcinoma- 6 cm
Neoadjuvant start 7/10/17 ended 08/16/17
3D Lap. surgery @ Keck USC, Dr. Sang Lee 10/17/17 temp ileostomy
11/1 hospitalized abscess/hernia - home 11/06/17 antibiotics
NO LYMPHS INVOLVED! NEAR PATHOLOGICAL RESPONSE! YAY! :shock:
Took her last chemo med 05/10/18! Ileo reversal 07/24/18
1st BM after reversal 07/25/18 Anal Fissure 8/15/18
Me:1st Colonoscopy age 38. 08/17 Benign polp.

Rainykatie
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 2:58 pm

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Rainykatie » Tue Sep 26, 2017 12:38 pm

My mom has a surgery scheduled to remove an ovarian tumor with Dr. Phillip Paty at MSK in NY, and I see someone else recommended him above too. Although we have not yet had the surgery, my mom really liked him and the way the team approach at MSK has been impressive. Apparently he is world renowned and it sounds like his skill set might be what you are looking for.

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/philip-paty

It sounds like she will only have to postpone her chemo treatments for one week as a result of the surgery, which is what we were hoping for. Apparently her oncologist wanted to do more surgery while he was "in there", but Dr. Paty felt that it would be best to be as minimally invasive as possible during this crucial time of her treatment.

I should also note that we are on the west coast too (Oregon), but my mom is traveling to NY for some aspects of her treatment since the approach at MSK has really been unparalelled. It does help that we have some family there to stay with.

Good luck in your search!
Caregiver to my mom (73)
Dx Stage IV w/ liver, bone mets 4/14/17
Folfox started 4/25/17 - 8 rounds
Took a 6 week break to check some things off the bucket list - great response from chemo - everything shrunk and liver tumors virtually gone
CT scan 9/2017 showed spread to ovaries- laparoscopic surgery at MSK
Resumed Folfox 10/23/17 - 1 round
Surgery to remove primary tumor due to discomfort, 11/7/17. Trouble with recovery, numerous mets to abdomen area found
Passed 12/5/17

Faithandpeace
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:25 pm
Location: California

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Faithandpeace » Thu Sep 28, 2017 6:21 pm

Thank you, Rainykatie. Dr. Paty does look like a good option, I looked him up after the first recommendation.

At this point, we are going to wait until my husband's tumors shrink a bit more before pursuing surgery. I will look into the treatment options at MSK. I do like their "About Herbs" database for herbs and supplements. What is it about their treatment program that you like enough to travel to NY?

Best of luck with your mom's surgery!
DH dx 12/16, age 56, stage IV, mets to liver and lungs
5 tx Folfox + Avastin + clinical trial, 1/17-3/17, good results
Immunotherapy in Germany + 3 TACE, 2 TPCE (3/17-6/17)
Folfox + Avastin 8/17, 4 tx
10/17 xeloda + Avastin
12/17 PET negative in liver and lungs. Primary tumor thriving
1/6/18 LAR, temp loop ileostomy, horrible complications, 10 weeks in hospital, still recovering, 4/18.
4/30/18: Y90 to left lobe of liver
6/18: ablations to liver + lung mets

Rainykatie
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2017 2:58 pm

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Rainykatie » Fri Sep 29, 2017 11:01 am

Faithandpeace wrote:Thank you, Rainykatie. Dr. Paty does look like a good option, I looked him up after the first recommendation.

At this point, we are going to wait until my husband's tumors shrink a bit more before pursuing surgery. I will look into the treatment options at MSK. I do like their "About Herbs" database for herbs and supplements. What is it about their treatment program that you like enough to travel to NY?

Best of luck with your mom's surgery!


The best part about their treatment program from what I can tell is that there are so many specialists on staff- one for almost every little nuance related to colon cancer. My mom's oncologist is one who specializes (and does research in) colon cancer that has metastasized to the liver. Where we live here in Oregon- the cancer center oncologist we work with sees a wide variety of patients and the treatment plans don't seem especially customized. MSK also seems to have so many trials and progressive options available, the care there seems very cutting edge. It also seems the oncologists and surgeons work so closely together in a team approach- making coordinating care really easy. My mom also loved her oncologist there right away- which definitely helps.

I know there are other great hospitals for colon cancer- MD Anderson is another top notch spot- but for us having family (and thus ample places to stay) in NY was why we ended up there for a second opinion. They will work with my mom's oncologist in Oregon on her treatment plan as part of a team, and it feels great to have such expertise on our side!

I hope your husband's tumors shrink enough for surgery. That hasn't happened yet with my mom unfortunately- the surgery she is having (today actually) is for new tumors that appeared in her ovaries that seem really aggressive. But her primary tumor has shrunk enough to make her more comfortable, and they are talking about surgery down the road after more treatment. Another good thing (from what I can tell) about MSK, is that they seem more willing to consider surgery as part of a treatment plan than the cancer center back home. I think the top notch surgeons able to perform minimally invasive procedures as part of the oncology team makes that all possible. Here in Oregon, they simply told her she wouldn't be a candidate.
Caregiver to my mom (73)
Dx Stage IV w/ liver, bone mets 4/14/17
Folfox started 4/25/17 - 8 rounds
Took a 6 week break to check some things off the bucket list - great response from chemo - everything shrunk and liver tumors virtually gone
CT scan 9/2017 showed spread to ovaries- laparoscopic surgery at MSK
Resumed Folfox 10/23/17 - 1 round
Surgery to remove primary tumor due to discomfort, 11/7/17. Trouble with recovery, numerous mets to abdomen area found
Passed 12/5/17

Faithandpeace
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:25 pm
Location: California

Re: Looking for excellent colorectal surgeon for minimally invasive surgery

Postby Faithandpeace » Wed Oct 04, 2017 10:46 pm

rainykate,

Thanks for your response. I hope your mom's surgery went well. God bless you!
DH dx 12/16, age 56, stage IV, mets to liver and lungs
5 tx Folfox + Avastin + clinical trial, 1/17-3/17, good results
Immunotherapy in Germany + 3 TACE, 2 TPCE (3/17-6/17)
Folfox + Avastin 8/17, 4 tx
10/17 xeloda + Avastin
12/17 PET negative in liver and lungs. Primary tumor thriving
1/6/18 LAR, temp loop ileostomy, horrible complications, 10 weeks in hospital, still recovering, 4/18.
4/30/18: Y90 to left lobe of liver
6/18: ablations to liver + lung mets


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