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Frequently Asked Questions
What will take place during my consultation visit?
Before you see the doctor, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire that details your current reason for a visit, past medical and surgical history, medications, and as well as other questions about your health history. Patients with pelvic floor disorders (such as bowel and or bladder control problems) will be asked to complete other additional questionnaires to identify other pelvic health issues and determine the impact of these disorders on quality of life. These forms are available for you online to download and complete before your visit. We can fax you the papers, or you may complete them in our waiting area. If you chose to complete them in the office, please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
After your doctor reviews the information that you have completed, he/she will discuss your condition with you, and then allow you to change into a gown so that an examination can be performed. Afterwards, you will have ample opportunity to discuss your diagnosis and suggestions for treatment with your doctor.
The surgeons in our practice are not only dedicated to providing excellent and compassionate patient care, but also to educating medical students, residents, fellows, and other trainees. You may see one of these individuals as part of your experience in our office, and we hope that you will enjoy allowing them to participate in your evaluation and care.
Should I bring my medical records to an appointment?
Medical records can be sent to our office prior to your first appointment. If this is not possible, your medical records need to be hand carried to your first visit so that Dr. Kaufman can become acquainted with your medical history. Once Dr. Kaufman reviews your records, he may require additional records to be sent to our office. If this is the case, we will have you sign a Request for Medical Records form so that doctors who have treated you may send/fax us your records.
Must I have a bowel prep prior to a consultation or any other office visit?
If you have a condition of the anus or rectum, the doctor may need to look into this area with a small scope. Two Fleet enemas should be taken and evacuated prior to arriving at USC. If this is not possible, the enemas can be given in the office setting. Please ask for instructions regarding your specific condition when you make your appointment.
What is the difference between a pelvic floor disorder and a colorectal disorder?
Pelvic floor disorders may include bowel problems. However, some patients will have weakness of areas of the pelvic floor that only cause bladder or vaginal problems.
What is the pelvic floor and what does it do?
The "pelvic floor" refers to the pelvic diaphragm, the sphincter mechanism of the lower urinary tract, the upper and lower vaginal supports, and the internal and external anal sphincters. It is a network of muscles, ligaments and other tissues that hold up the pelvic organs (vagina, rectum, uterus and bladder).
When I exercise, laugh or sneeze, feces and/or urine leak onto my undergarment, is this indicative of a colorectal disorder or a pelvic floor disorder?
Leakage of feces and/or urine due to exercise, laughter or a sneeze, may be indicative of either a colorectal disorder or a pelvic floor disorder. During your office visit, our physicians will discuss your history, and may order anorectal testing so that your condition can be thoroughly evaluated.
What type of surgery do you offer to correct loss of bowel control?
There are different options available to treat/manage loss of bowel control (incontinence). Since every case is unique, our physicians will recommend an individualized treatment plan once consultation and testing take place.
What is the difference between the colon and the rectum?
The large intestine is made up of the colon and the rectum. The rectum is the last 5-6 inches of the large intestine and sits in the pelvis. It leads to the anus, which is the outlet for us to eliminate stool. The colon is 4-6 feet in length and receives liquid waste products from the small intestine. Further absorption of water occurs in the first part of the colon. More solid stool is stored in the left side of the colon until it passes through the rectum during a bowel movement.
What causes colon or rectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is caused by genetic changes that occur in the cells lining the large intestine. These changes occur slowly over time, and usually form a polyp before a frank cancer develops. While we cannot yet change genes to prevent colon cancer, screening for colorectal cancer can detect earlier cancers or allow your doctor to remove polyps, so that they cannot become cancers.
Which cancer is more difficult to cure, colon or rectal cancer?
Cure of cancer depends upon stage at presentation as well as surgical technique and response to adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy and/or radiation) as indicated. Your surgeons are trained in specialized techniques to provide the best chance of cancer cure and work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to tailor therapy to the individual patient based upon cancer staging and tumor characteristics.
What is a colostomy or ileostomy, and will either one be necessary? Are they reversible?
Uncommonly during colon and rectal surgery, the intestines will be need to be brought out to the abdominal wall, and an appliance, or "bag" placed to catch stool. A colostomy may be necessary for treatment of low rectal cancer or advanced anal cancers, certain forms of diverticulitis, and in patients with bowel control problems that have failed all other types of therapy. A colostomy might also be needed in severe forms of Crohn's disease that involve the anus and rectum when all other medical management options have been exhausted.
An ileostomy is made more commonly, especially in the course of "protecting" a complex reconstructive procedure in the abdomen or pelvis for inflammatory bowel disease, certain types of hereditary conditions, or in the treatment of advanced rectal cancer. In these cases, the ileostomy allows stool to be diverted from the reconstructed area, so that it can heal properly. Temporary ileostomies are reversible, usually through a small incision around the ileostomy.
Certain types of diseases may require the formation of a permanent ileostomy, or if the colon and/or rectum is not able to be saved.
Why do patients come to USC?
People visit USC due to the expertise of our physicians and our international reputation for excellent healthcare management. Our physicians offer advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques with innovative surgical approaches which directly benefit our patients
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