About the Colon and Rectal Cancer Center
The Jefferson Colon and Rectal Cancer Center, where a high volume of colonoscopies are performed annually, offers our patients the latest technological advancements, including:
- Autofluorescence endoscopy (narrow band imaging)
- Chromoendoscopy
- Confocal laser endomicroscopy
- CT virtual colonoscopy
- Third Eye® Retroscope®, which helps identify polyps previously hidden on the backside of folds in the colon
Colonoscopy performance and colon cancer and colon polyp detection rates are dependent upon a complete and well-visualized exam along the entire length of the colon. We are a founding member of the ASGE/AGA national endoscopy program, dedicated to setting and monitoring performance guidelines for safe and effective colon cancer screening.
Our Center offers open-access colonoscopy for low-risk patients and can manage patients whose colonoscopies present unique challenges.
Some of the treatments available for these special cases include:
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) combined with laser ablation,
which permits the removal of large, flat, sessile or pedunculated
polyps, often in one session
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques, for pathology not
amenable to endoscopic management
- Double-balloon colonoscopy, for patients with altered anatomy
who have failed complete colonoscopy elsewhere
If you have a high risk of colon cancer, you will be treated with a multidisciplinary team approach. This high-risk group includes patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease being screened for
dysplasia, a family history of colorectal cancer and inherited colon cancer syndromes such as familial adematous polyposis (FAP), hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. These patients need intensive screening for multiple neoplasms in addition to colorectal cancer.