Colorectal Center
The Colorectal Center at the Massachusetts General Hospital Digestive Healthcare Center offers comprehensive detection, treatment and management options for patients with acute and chronic colorectal conditions.
- Phone: 617-643-5166
Using state-of-the-art technology and leading-edge medical and surgical interventions, the Colorectal Center provides patients with advanced and timely diagnosis of their condition as well as individualized, ongoing care for the entire spectrum of colorectal disease.Colorectal Care With a Multidisciplinary Approach
Each patient’s treatment is overseen by a personal care team of colorectal specialists and includes:
- Gastroenterologists
- Colorectal surgeons
- Gastrointestinal and interventional radiologists
- Endoscopists
- Oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Pathologists
- Nurse practitioners
- Nurses
The care team works with both the patient and the referring physician to coordinate a care plan designed to offer the best outcomes.
Innovative Colorectal Cancer-Screening Technologies
The Colorectal Center offers the most advanced colon cancer screenings and treatments currently available. In addition to standard screening procedures, including colonoscopy, we offer patients access to cutting-edge techniques, some of which we have helped to pioneer, including:
- Virtual CT colonoscopy
- Genetic testing patients who are at high-risk for colorectal cancer
- Chromoendoscopy, a technique used to enhance imaging
The Center for Risk Analysis – Cancer Genetics offers genetic testing, genetic counseling and preventative treatments for high-risk patients with colon polyps and colorectal cancers. These technologies save lives by helping assess the patient’s risk for developing cancer, developing risk-reducing strategies and providing early diagnosis of cancer when it does occur.
Learn more by visiting the Division of Gastroenterology's colorectal medical program.
Specialized Treatment Begins With Advanced Diagnostics
We offer inpatients a quick turnaround and expert analysis of their test findings, 24 hours a day, for a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Our endoscopists are available around the clock to confer with referring physicians.
Our diagnostic radiology team is composed of dedicated imaging specialists whose practice focuses specifically on GI scans. They are nationally recognized for expertise in all forms of sophisticated imaging, including:
- CT - CAT scans
- PET scans
- MRI scans
- GI interventional radiology
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Minimally invasive treatments often present additional options for patients who required traditional open surgery in the past. These new techniques have the benefit of faster recovery times, smaller surgical scars and greater nerve preservation. A leader in developing minimally invasive treatments, we were among the first hospitals in the region to offer:
- Laproscopic colorectal surgery, surgery performed using a small camera that leaves small scars on the abdominal wall
- Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), scarless surgery from within the rectum that could remove polyps and tumors from the lower intestine
Expertise in Treating Colorectal Cancers
The Colorectal Center has extensive experience treating colorectal disorders and cancers. We treat colorectal and anal cancers with chemotherapy and/or radiation in the Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers. Our patients benefit from the expertise of a highly skilled radiation oncology team that makes use of the latest multimodality treatments.
Diverse Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Pelvic floor disorders are often under-reported and under-diagnosed because many patients feel uncomfortable talking about their symptoms or assume they can’t be corrected.
The Pelvic Floor Disorders Service offers patients sensitive evaluation of conditions such as:
- Fecal incontinence
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation
- Rectal prolapse
- Rectocele prolapse
- Cystocele prolapse
- Uterine prolapse
- Anal pain
- Pelvic/myofascial pain
- Lower urinary tract symptoms
Contact the Pelvic Floor Disorders Service to schedule an appointment.
Specialized Stoma Service and Care
Enterostomal therapy nurses assist in the care and instruction of patients with fistulas and draining wounds and stomas. Our nurses are certified in wound ostomy and continence.
One Call Coordinates Care
We provide patients and referring physicians with an experienced access coordinator, a clinician who is available to assess patients’ needs, coordinate appointments and begin the appropriate testing regimen.
Contact the Colorectal Center’s access coordinator
The Colorectal Center at the Massachusetts General Hospital Digestive Healthcare Center offers comprehensive detection, treatment and management options for patients with acute and chronic colorectal conditions.
We treat patients for the full range of colorectal conditions including:
- Anorectal and rectal conditions, including anal fissures, anal fistulas and rectal-vaginal fistules
- Cancer
- Colorectal polyps, including large polyps and multiple instances
- Crohn’s disease and colitis
- Diverticular disease
- Motility disorders
- Pelvic floor disorders, including constipation and fecal incontinence
- Significant colonic polyps
We treat patients with Crohn’s disease and colitis through the Crohn’s and Colitis Center.
After referral and initiation of therapy, we work closely with both the patient and the referring physician on long-term care plans to ensure the best possible outcomes.
A Dedicated Referral Line for Physicians and Patients
We provide patients and referring physicians with an experienced access coordinator, a clinician who helps assess patient needs, coordinate appointments and begin the appropriate testing regimen.
Contact the Colorectal Center’s access coordinator
Calls will be returned within 24 hours.
Leadership in Treating Gastrointestinal Disorders
In 2008, U.S. News & World Report ranked Mass General fourth in the nation for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Our Magnet award-winning nursing staff offer excellence in care at every step of the patient experience.
Our surgeons perform some of the highest volumes of colorectal surgery and laproscopic colorectal surgery in New England. All of the members of our world-renowned surgery staff belong to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery and have held leadership positions in preeminent surgical organizations.
Our colorectal surgeons have particular expertise related to the:
- Intestinal tract
- Colon
- Rectum
- Anal canal
- Perianal area
Learn more about colorectal surgery in the Department of Surgery
We are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of primary motility and continence disorders and rectal/bowel problems that arise following surgery. We are a resource for patients who have had unsuccessful treatments and surgeries for conditions including diverticulitis and chronic anal disease.
Clinical Research Studies & Trials
Our physicians are active in clinical trials and research studies related to acute and chronic colorectal conditions, allowing us to bring our patients promising new treatments as quickly as possible.
Along with several area hospitals, we are part of a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Gastrointestinal Cancer. Our patients may benefit from being able to take part in this multimillion-dollar National Cancer Institute-funded research program.
Patients interested in participating in clinical trials can browse online for open trials.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is malignant cells found in the colon or rectum.
Diverticular Disease
In the colon, some people have small pouches that bulge outward through weak spots. Diverticular disease is an inflammation or infection in the pouches, known as diverticula, which are located in the colon.
Gas in the Digestive Tract
Gas in the digestive tract is created from swallowing air or by the breakdown of certain foods by the bacteria that are present in the colon.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels, normally present in and around the anus and lower rectum, that have become swollen due to stretching under pressure.
Colorectal Center
Blake 455 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-643-5166
Email: lsavitt@partners.org
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
E-mail our access coordinator, Lieba Savitt, NP, to begin the appointment process.
Request an appointment at the Digestive Healthcare Center 
Contact the Digestive Healthcare Center to schedule an appointment with one of our digestive health specialists
Discover the Digestive Healthcare Center patient experience
Our approach to patient care brings together a team of digestive health specialists who work together seamlessly to create a unique treatment plan for every patient
