Anders F. Mellgren, MD, PhD, FACS
Anders F. Mellgren, MD, PhD, FACSTuri Josefsen Endowed
Chair in Colorectal Surgery
Professor and Chief

Welcome

Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System

We specialize in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of patients with colon and rectal and diseases.  We offer a full continuum of care, including preventive care (colonoscopy screening), diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for conditions including:

  • Anorectal disorders: Hemorrhoids, abscesses, fistulas, fissures
  • Pelvic floor problems:  Fecal incontinence, constipation and prolapse
  • Colon and rectal cancer: Individualized and tailored treatment plans
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Specialized assessment

We are specialized in the latest evaluation options for the above mentioned conditions.  We will discuss the best options with you.  These may include:

  • Endoscopic procedures (colonoscopy, anoscopy, high resolution anoscopy)
  • Specialized MRI staging of pelvic tumors
  • Specialized ultrasound staging of rectal tumors
  • MR enterography
  • Anorectal manometry
  • Anorectal EMG
  • Defecography
  • Motility testing
  • Multidisciplinary assessment for pelvic floor problems together with urology, urogynecology, physical therapy and/or gastroenterology

Treatment options

We are specialized in the latest treatment options for the above mentioned conditions.  We will discuss the best treatment options with you.  These may include:

  • Traditional (open) surgical procedures
  • Traditional transanal procedures
  • Laparoscopic procedures
  • Robotic procedures
  • Endoscopic procedures (colonoscopy, anoscopy, high resolution anoscopy)
  • Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)
  • Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS)
  • Medical treatment
  • Multimodal therapy for cancer (radiation, chemotherapy, surgery)
  • Multidisciplinary therapy for pelvic floor problems together with urology, urogynecology, physical therapy and/or gastroenterology

Minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery techniques limit the size of the incisions at surgery.  This can be done by using special instrumentation for abdominal surgery or perform the surgery through the rectum.

Abdominal minimally invasive surgery

Abdominal minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, approximately 0.5cm in length, and one slightly larger incision (4-5cm).  These techniques offer smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and usually shorter hospital stay.  There are two different types of abdominal minimally invasive surgery:

  • Robotic surgery uses surgeon-guided, robotic arms that help perform precise dissection with enhanced visualization.
  • Laparoscopic assisted surgery uses small ports that are inserted through the abdominal wall.  Fine instruments are passed through a channel in these ports to perform the surgery.

Transrectal minimally invasive surgery

Transrectal minimally surgery is performed through the rectum.  These techniques will avoid scars on the abdomen and they are associated with no or limited postoperative pain, faster recovery, and a shorter hospital stay.  There are two different types of transrectal minimally invasive surgery:

  • Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is performed through a specialized operating proctoscope, which enables the surgeon to remove tumors from the rectum and the lower colon.
  • Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is performed with a specialized port and instruments, which enables the surgeon to remove tumors from the rectum and the lower colon.