The Department of Colorectal Surgery physicians are internationally recognized for their expertise in managing cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and benign disorders of the colon, rectum and anus.

They offer anal manometry, defecating programs, anal EMG's and other tests to help specialists determine which patients with symptomatic problems of defecation, including diarrhea, constipation, or incontinence, would benefit from medications, or advanced surgical techniques to reconstruct the sphincter muscle and perineal floor.

A multi-disciplinary team of specialists in surgery, gastroenterology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, nursing, diagnostic radiology, physical therapy, enterostomal therapy and social services is dedicated to providing compassionate, individually tailored patient care. Every care plan is carefully reviewed and fully coordinated with the referring physician.

The department's team is especially sensitive to the anxieties and concerns of patients who have benign or malignant colorectal disease. At each stage of care, team members work closely with patients to alleviate any physical and/ or emotional stress they may experience.

Close Contact with Referring Physicians

Physicians at the center are actively involved in academic research and educational activities which facilitate timely translation of the latest advances in research to the clinical setting, much to the benefit of the department's patients.

When patients are referred to the USC Department of Colorectal Surgery for evaluation and treatment, the department's staff maintains close contact with referring physicians, ensuring continuity of care. Referring physicians receive timely reports summarizing their patients' clinical course and care, and patients are returned to their personal physician once treatment is completed. The center's team is very willing to work with physicians or case managers at medical groups who would like to provide a portion of their patients' care-such as pre-operative testing or on-going follow-up care.

Community Outreach

As an academically based program, the Department of Colorectal Surgery is dedicated to providing continuing education and support for physicians practicing in the community. Physicians are encouraged to contact 1-800-USC-CARE for patient consultation or program information.

National and International Recognition

"America's Top Doctors"*

• Robert Beart, MD.

*New York: Castle Connolly Medical Ltd; 2004

USC/Norris celebrates its colorectal cancer survivors, extols progress against disease»
For six years, physicians, nurses and volunteers at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital have invited colorectal cancer survivors back to the center for a celebration of life. And as a testament to the improvements in modern-day cancer treatment, many of those same patients return year after year.

“This army has gotten bigger, stronger and more active,” said Robert W. Beart Jr., the Charles W. and Carolyn Costello Chair in Colorectal Diseases, Audrey Skirball-Kenis Chair for Colorectal Diseases and chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine.

College of Surgeons lauds Keck School instructor»
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently recognized Glenn Ault, assistant professor in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, for his excellence in teaching.