We work within the Knight Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary and highly coordinated colorectal cancer program. With the institute’s other experts, our faculty use the latest evidence gleaned through clinical research and advanced technology to best treat patients.  

Our division is a national leader in organ preservation during rectal cancer treatment. We offer nonoperative management or minimally invasive local excision. Our minimally invasive state-of-the-art platforms include single-port robotics for sphincter-sparing and function-preserving approaches that maintain rigorous oncologic standards.  

Our internationally recognized surgeons treat complex cases in the state and region, including: 

• Massive loss of domain
• Parastomal hernias
• Infected mesh
• Enterocutaneous fistulas 

We use advanced reconstruction techniques designed through outcomes research. The program also includes perioperative optimization and nutrition pathways, with an internationally known expert in surgical nutrition. 

Our clinical and research strengths create an exceptional training environment, reflected in our two highly competitive fellowships: 

OHSU Hernia and Abdominal Wall Fellowship 

Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship 

In colorectal disease, our research projects include studying: 

• Differences between tumors and the tumor environment in patients with early vs. late colorectal cancer
• How fiber supplementation alters the microbiome of the colonic mucosa
• Quantifying gender disparities in accessing high-resolution anoscopy 

Our faculty are collecting and analyzing data through the following registries: 

• OHSU Hernia Database (IRB#3988), which is collecting information on our division’s experience with hernia repair to improve patient care
• OHSU General Surgery Data Repository (IRB#9962), which includes patients treated across our division
• Oregon Pancreas Tissue Registry (IRB#3609), a repository of biological specimens and data to study pancreatic disease
• Oregon Colorectal Cancer Registry, which is collecting blood, tissue and data from patients with colon or rectal cancer to better understand and study these conditions. 

Our faculty are involved in: 

A Phase 2 Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Adaptive, Dose-Escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of AGN-151607-DP (USAN: gemibotulinumtoxinA) for the Achievement of Primary Fascial Closure Without the Use of Component Separation Technique, in Subjects Undergoing Open Abdominal Ventral Hernia Repair (IRB#28992, under IRB review)