Introduction
Anterior resection of the medial crus is a crucial surgical procedure, especially in the context of treating various medical conditions such as rectal cancer. In New York City, patients are fortunate to have access to world - class hospitals that offer this specialized surgery. There is an interesting phenomenon that most of the top three hospitals for this procedure are public hospitals. In this article, we will explore in detail these leading hospitals, their capabilities, the surgical procedures they offer, and the patient - centered care they provide.
Overview of Anterior Resection of the Medial Crus
Anterior resection of the medial crus is often associated with rectal cancer treatment. It is a surgical procedure where the surgeon removes part of the rectum that contains the tumor and then reattaches the remaining portion of the rectum to the colon. This surgery can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer and is a key part of the treatment plan.
There are different types of anterior resection, depending on the location of the tumor in the rectum. For example, anterior resection is used for cancerous tumors located in the upper rectum, while low anterior resection is for those in the middle and lower rectum.
Top Hospitals for Anterior Resection in New York City
Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is a well - known medical institution in New York City. Their colon and rectal surgery division is at the forefront of providing advanced surgical treatments for rectal cancer, including anterior resection.
**Expertise and Experience**: The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in rectal cancer surgical treatments. They are highly experienced in performing a wide range of surgical techniques, from laparoscopic and robotic techniques to open procedures in cases of very advanced tumors. They have extensive experience treating colon cancer at all stages, which gives patients confidence in their surgical skills.
**Multidisciplinary Care**: When a patient chooses Weill Cornell Medicine, they have access to a comprehensive network of doctors and specialists. The rectal cancer treatment team may include oncologists, radiation oncologists, and colon and rectal surgeons. These professionals work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Additionally, patients can also receive support from the integrative health and well - being program, department of psychiatry, nutrition counseling, social work services, rehabilitation care, and support groups.
**Patient - Centered Approach**: The hospital focuses on the well - being of the patient throughout the treatment process. A nurse and care coordinator are assigned to each patient. The nurse is available to answer questions and prepare the patient for surgery, while the care coordinator manages appointments and other details. The doctors and surgeons evaluate each case individually, determining the stage and exact location of the rectal cancer to decide the most effective surgical treatment plan.
NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is a public hospital system in New York City that offers high - quality colon and rectal surgery services, including anterior resection.
**Specialized Surgeons**: Their dual - board certified and fellowship - trained surgeons specialize in the treatment of patients with cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and benign disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. They are experts in sphincter preservation and minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, and transanal minimally invasive surgery. These advanced techniques can lead to a better recovery for patients.
**Multidisciplinary Cancer Care**: For colorectal cancer management, their multidisciplinary team approach includes advanced gastroenterologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists. The team reviews cases from each perspective and has thorough discussions with the patient about the best operative and non - operative options. This results in a personally tailored treatment plan based on the patient's goals. When clinically appropriate, they can offer advanced organ - preserving treatment plans that can preserve continence and avoid surgical removal of the colon, rectum, or anus.
**Comprehensive Services**: In addition to cancer care, they also treat a broad spectrum of benign anorectal diseases. They offer various operations, including minimally invasive and traditional approaches for colectomy, partial colectomy, and anterior resection. They also provide access to clinical trials, enhanced recovery pathways, multiple - modality pain control, and other supportive services.
Mount Sinai Brooklyn
Mount Sinai Brooklyn is another notable hospital in New York City for colon and rectal surgery. As part of the Mount Sinai Health System, it brings world - leading skills and resources to the local community.
**Advanced Surgical Techniques**: Their colon and rectal surgeons are skilled in using the latest minimally invasive and robotic technologies. These advanced surgical techniques involve smaller incisions, greater precision, and better access to certain deep parts of the anatomy. As a result, patients experience less pain and scarring and have a faster recovery time. The surgeons can perform a range of procedures, including those related to anterior resection for rectal cancer.
**Diverse Conditions Treatment**: The hospital provides expert care for a wide range of benign and cancerous colon and rectal conditions, including anal cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer. They combine advanced surgical skill with a compassionate approach, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
**Patient Convenience and Transfer Options**: The hospital offers care in a neighborhood setting, giving patients and their families personalized attention. If more advanced specialized care is needed, patients can be easily transferred to one of the Mount Sinai Health System Manhattan locations, while routine visits can still happen close to home in the Brooklyn location.
Why Most of the Top Three are Public Hospitals
There are several reasons why most of the top three hospitals for anterior resection of the medial crus in New York City are public hospitals.
**Resource Allocation and Research**: Public hospitals often receive significant government funding, which allows them to invest in state - of - the - art equipment and research. This enables them to stay at the forefront of surgical techniques and develop new treatment methods. For example, they can afford to purchase the latest robotic surgical systems, which are beneficial for performing anterior resection with greater precision.
**Diverse Patient Population and Experience**: Public hospitals serve a large and diverse patient population. This exposure to a wide range of cases helps their surgeons gain extensive experience in dealing with different types and stages of rectal cancer. They can apply this knowledge to improve the surgical outcomes for patients undergoing anterior resection.
**Multidisciplinary Collaboration**: Public hospitals typically have well - established multidisciplinary teams. These teams consist of experts from various fields, such as oncology, radiology, and gastroenterology. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive and personalized care, from diagnosis to treatment and follow - up.
Preparing for Anterior Resection Surgery
Preparing for anterior resection surgery is a crucial step for patients. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides detailed guidelines for patients undergoing low anterior resection (a type of anterior resection), which can be applied to other similar procedures.
**Medical History and Medication Review**: Patients need to inform their healthcare providers about all the medicines and supplements they are taking, including anticoagulants, SGLT2 inhibitors, prescription medicines, over - the - counter medicines, and dietary supplements. They also need to disclose any medical conditions such as sleep apnea, previous problems with anesthesia, and allergies.
**Lifestyle Changes**: It is important for patients to make certain lifestyle changes before surgery. For example, those who drink alcohol regularly should discuss their alcohol consumption with their healthcare providers. Stopping drinking before surgery can reduce the risk of complications. Smokers are advised to stop smoking, as it can cause breathing problems during and after surgery.
**Bowel Preparation**: A bowel prep is required before the surgery to clear the stool from the body. This usually involves following a special diet and taking laxative drinks. Patients also need to buy bowel prep supplies such as polyethylene glycol and a clear liquid.
**Other Preparations**: Patients may need to have presurgical testing, meet with a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse (if an ileostomy is required), identify a caregiver, fill out a health care proxy form, and buy over - the - counter pain medicines.
What to Expect During and After Surgery
During Surgery
Once the patient is in the operating room, the anesthesiologist will give anesthesia through an intravenous (IV) line, and the patient will fall asleep. The surgical team will place a breathing tube through the patient's mouth into the airway to help with breathing and a urinary catheter in the bladder to drain urine.
The surgeon will then perform the anterior resection, removing the part of the rectum with the tumor and reattaching the remaining rectum to the colon. The incisions will be closed with stitches, staples, or surgical glue, and may be covered with a bandage.
After Surgery
**In the Post - Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)**: After surgery, the patient will be in the PACU. A nurse will monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The patient may receive oxygen and have compression boots on their lower legs. Pain medicine will be given to control pain, which can be administered through an epidural catheter, nerve block, or IV line.
**In the Hospital Room**: The length of the hospital stay depends on the patient's recovery. In the hospital room, the patient will be taught how to care for themselves during the healing process. They need to start moving around as soon as possible to reduce the risk of blood clots and pneumonia. They will also learn about diet, pain management, and caring for any tubes or drains.
**At Home**: Once the patient is discharged, they need to continue following the recovery plan. This includes managing pain, caring for incisions, monitoring for signs of infection, and making dietary and lifestyle adjustments. They also need to fill out a recovery tracker to help the healthcare team monitor their progress.
Conclusion
In New York City, patients have access to excellent hospitals for anterior resection of the medial crus, with most of the top three being public hospitals. These hospitals offer advanced surgical techniques, multidisciplinary care, and patient - centered services. Whether it is Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals, or Mount Sinai Brooklyn, they are all committed to providing the best possible care for patients with rectal cancer and related conditions. The preparation for surgery and the post - operative care are also well - organized and supported by the medical teams.
If you or someone you know is in need of anterior resection of the medial crus, it is recommended to thoroughly research these hospitals, consult with the medical teams, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may find it useful and continue to explore more about cancer treatment and healthcare options in New York City.
