Expert colon and rectal care at MedStar Health
At MedStar Health, our nationally and internationally recognized colon and rectal specialists are equipped to treat the full range of colorectal conditions—from everyday concerns to the most complex diseases. Whether you're facing a new diagnosis or seeking a second opinion, our team provides expert, personalized care every step of the way.
As one of the region’s top referral centers, we care for a high number of patients each year. That depth of experience means we have the expertise and skill to manage even the most challenging cases. Our team delivers exceptional outcomes using the latest technology and techniques when caring for patients with:
When surgery is needed, we often use minimally invasive or robotic-assisted approaches. These techniques use smaller incisions, which can mean less pain and a faster recovery for you—so you can get back to feeling your best sooner.
Symptoms of colon or rectal conditions
Colon and rectal symptoms can be uncomfortable, disruptive, and sometimes alarming. If you're experiencing any of the signs below, it’s important to seek care. Early evaluation can lead to better treatment and peace of mind.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Pain in the rectum or lower abdomen
- Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pus or discharge from the rectum, which may signal infection
- A lump or swelling near the anus
- A feeling of not being able to fully empty your bowels
These symptoms may be caused by treatable conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or infections, but they can also be signs of more serious concerns such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. The colon and rectal specialists at MedStar Health are here to help you get answers—and the right care.
Colon and rectal conditions we treat
Our team of colorectal specialists at MedStar Health treats a wide range of conditions, from chronic diseases to urgent problems. Whether you're dealing with a new diagnosis or ongoing symptoms, we offer expert care using the most advanced tools and treatments available.
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Colorectal cancer often begins as a polyp—a small, usually benign (non-cancerous) growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps don’t cause problems at first, some can turn into cancer over time. That’s why early detection and removal is so important.
Polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer are often discovered during a colonoscopy screening or when a patient is evaluated for symptoms such as:
- Rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits, like new or worsening constipation, diarrhea, urgency, or incontinence
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
To diagnose a polyp or tumor, your doctor will take a complete medical history, perform a physical exam, and recommend an endoscopic evaluation. This may include an anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, depending on which part of the colon or rectum needs to be examined.
During the procedure, your doctor may remove the polyp or take a biopsy (a small tissue sample) to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This helps determine whether the growth is cancerous or benign.
In some cases, additional imaging tests may be needed to assess the size, location, or spread of a tumor. These may include:
- CT or MRI scans of the abdomen and pelvis
- X-rays or contrast studies of the digestive tract
- Endorectal ultrasound (for tumors in the rectum)
If surgery is needed, our colorectal surgeons are highly experienced in performing a range of procedures, from endoscopic removal to minimally invasive colorectal surgery, and when necessary, open abdominal surgery. Whenever possible, we use techniques that reduce pain, minimize recovery time, and preserve normal bowel function.
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two main conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like belly pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and weight loss.
At MedStar Health, our IBD Center brings together a dedicated team of specialists focused on caring for patients with these complex conditions. We combine the latest medical treatments with surgical options when needed, working closely with gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and other experts to create a care plan tailored just for you.
When surgery is necessary to remove damaged sections of the bowel or repair complications, our colorectal surgeons use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, to reduce pain and speed recovery.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing a long-term condition, the MedStar Health IBD Center is here to support you every step of the way, with compassionate care and the latest treatments to help you live your best life.
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Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the wall of the colon, most often on the left side. When one of these pouches develops a tiny hole, it’s called a perforated diverticulum. This can lead to serious problems like an abscess (a pocket of infection), infection in the abdominal cavity, or in rare cases, heavy bleeding.
Common symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fever
To diagnose diverticular disease, your doctor may order blood tests and imaging studies like a CT scan. A colonoscopy is often performed later to see the diverticula clearly and to rule out other issues such as tumors or other diseases.
Many cases of diverticulitis can be treated with antibiotics and resting your bowel, which means temporarily avoiding solid foods. However, if you develop an abscess, don’t respond to antibiotics, or have frequent attacks, surgery might be necessary. Our surgeons offer minimally invasive laparoscopic and open abdominal surgeries to treat diverticulitis and help you get back to feeling well.
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Pelvic floor disorders affect the muscles and nerves that help control bowel movements. Two common conditions we treat are rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence.
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum (the last part of the bowel) slips out of place and may even protrude from the anus. This can cause symptoms like straining during bowel movements, tissue sticking out, or trouble controlling stool.
Fecal incontinence is the loss of control over bowel movements, often caused by weakened muscles or nerve injury. It can affect the ability to control gas, liquid, or solid stool.
To diagnose these conditions, doctors will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order tests such as:
- Digital rectal exam
- Imaging studies like anal ultrasound or X-rays
- Manometry to measure muscle strength
- Endoscopy to check for other bowel diseases
Treatment options depend on the condition and severity. For rectal prolapse, surgery is usually needed to restore normal anatomy. For fecal incontinence, treatment may include physical therapy (biofeedback), medications to adjust stool consistency, and sometimes surgery to repair muscles.
At MedStar Health, our specialists work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan focused on improving your quality of life.
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We treat many common conditions that can cause pain, bleeding, or discomfort around the anus and rectum.
- Abscesses are infected pockets filled with pus. Usually, they can be drained in the office, but sometimes require hospital care. About half of abscesses heal fully; the other half may develop into an anal fistula, which is an abnormal tunnel connecting the rectum to the skin. Surgery, called a fistulotomy, is often needed to repair fistulas.
- Anal fissures are small tears in the skin around the anus that cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. Most heal with diet changes and medication, but persistent fissures may need a minor surgery to relieve muscle tightness and help healing.
- Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus. Internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding and may require treatments like rubber band ligation or surgical removal if severe. External hemorrhoids may become painful if clotted. Early treatment can remove clots, but later they often heal on their own.
- Pilonidal disease occurs near the crease of the buttocks and includes infected cysts or tunnels under the skin. Surgery to remove the infected tissue offers the best chance for cure. Wounds may be left open to heal slowly with less chance of infection or closed for faster healing but a higher risk of needing further treatment.
At MedStar Health, our colorectal specialists provide expert, compassionate care for these conditions, helping you find relief and get back to feeling your best.
Why choose MedStar Health?
When you choose MedStar Health for colon and rectal care, you’re choosing a team of experts who put your health, comfort, and long-term well-being first. Our board-certified colorectal specialists work with providers across our trusted healthcare system to make sure you get the right care at the right time, whether that’s a routine screening, medical therapy, or surgery.
Here’s why so many patients and doctors trust us with colon and rectal conditions:
- Experienced, high-volume care: We treat thousands of patients every year, which means we’ve seen it all—from simple to highly complex cases. This level of experience leads to better outcomes and fewer complications.
- Advanced treatment options: We offer the latest in robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques, often resulting in less pain, fewer scars, and faster recovery times.
- Coordinated, personalized care: Our team works closely with other specialists, like gastroenterologists, oncologists, and pelvic floor therapists, to provide complete, connected care tailored to your unique needs.
- Nationally recognized expertise: Our surgeons are leaders in the field, involved in research and innovation that shape how colorectal care is delivered across the country.
No matter how complex your condition may be, you’ll have access to a full range of treatment options, advanced technology, and a team that’s fully focused on you.
Our providers
Expert gastroenterology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our gastroenterologists.
Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health Colon and Rectal Surgery at McLean
7601 Lewinsville Rd. Ste. 450 McLean, VA 22101
MedStar Health Colon and Rectal Surgery at Chevy Chase
5550 Friendship Blvd. Ste. T-90 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
MedStar Health: Colon and Rectal Surgery at Clinton
7501 Surratts Road Ste. 305 Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Health Colorectal Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road, NW Pasquerilla Healthcare Center 4th Floor Washington, DC 20007
MedStar Health: Colon and Rectal Surgery at Leonardtown
25500 Point Lookout Road Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Health Colorectal Surgery at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
5601 Loch Raven Rd. Smyth Building Ste. G1 Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Health Colorectal Surgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18109 Prince Philip Dr. Ste. B-100 Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Health Colorectal Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving St., NW Physicians Office Building Ste. 2100N Washington, DC 20010
202-877-8483
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Alexandria
3610 King Street Ste. C Alexandria, VA 22302
202-877-3062
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Annapolis Bestgate Road
810 Bestgate Road Suite 310 Annapolis, MD 21401
443-777-6362
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Health Medical Center at Brandywine
13950 Brandywine Rd. Brandywine, MD 20613
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Chevy Chase
8401 Connecticut Ave. Suite PH-B Chevy Chase, MD 20815
410-657-1942
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Lutherville
1300-B Bellona Ave. Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road, NW Main Hospital Building, Second Floor Room M2210 Washington, DC 20007
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Russell Morgan Bldg. 3rd Floor Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Harbor Hospital
2900 South Hanover St. Baltimore, MD 21225
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center Endoscopy Center
7501 Surratts Road MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center Professional Building Suite 206 Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. MedStar St. Mary's Hospital Outpatient Pavilion Suite 250 Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 E University Parkway 33rd Street Professional Building Suite 233 Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving St., NW POB S Suite 205 Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at North Parkville
9512 Harford Rd. Suite 201 Baltimore, MD 21234
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Olney
18111 Prince Philip Drive Suite 124 Olney, MD 20832
301-774-1034
MedStar Health Gastroenterology Consultants at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving St., NW Suite 216 Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Federal Hill
1420 Key Hwy. Ste. 301 Baltimore, MD 21230
443-777-6362
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Foxhall
3301 New Mexico Ave., NW Ste. 205 Washington , DC 20016
877-303-1462
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Lafayette Centre
1133 21st Street NW Building 2, 5th Floor Washington , DC 20036
202-416-2006
MedStar Health Gastroenterology at Perry Hall
5009 Honeygo Center Dr. Ste. 216 Perry Hall, MD 21228