Frequently Asked Questions

Your primary care doctor is a good first stop for most symptoms and can refer you if needed. It’s reasonable to seek a colorectal surgeon directly for persistent anorectal symptoms (bleeding, pain, a lump, or drainage that doesn’t resolve), a colonoscopy finding that needs follow-up, a family history that puts you in a higher-risk screening category, or a known condition like inflammatory bowel disease that may eventually need surgical input. When in doubt, a referral from your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist is a reasonable way to confirm whether a surgical consult makes sense.

A first visit typically includes a review of your symptoms and medical history, relevant prior test results (bring colonoscopy reports, imaging, or pathology if you have them), and a focused physical exam when appropriate. From there, the surgeon will explain what’s likely going on, what (if any) additional testing is needed, and the range of treatment options — from conservative management to procedures or surgery — so you can make an informed decision together.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic conditions, your doctor may recommend starting earlier and screening more frequently. If you’re not sure which category you fall into, that’s worth a direct conversation rather than guessing.

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from a primary care physician or gastroenterologist before a specialist visit is covered; others allow you to schedule directly. Call the office at (818) 847-7067 and they can tell you what your specific plan requires before your visit.

No. Many colorectal procedures today, including a number of colon and rectal resections, can be performed using minimally invasive techniques — laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, or transanal approaches — which generally mean smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate depends on the specific condition, its location, and your overall health, which is something to discuss directly for your situation.

Recovery time varies widely depending on the procedure — an office-based treatment for hemorrhoids might mean a few days of discomfort, while a major resection for cancer can mean several weeks before returning to normal activity, longer if a temporary ostomy is involved. Minimally invasive approaches generally shorten recovery compared to open surgery. Your surgeon can give you a realistic estimate specific to your procedure during your consultation.

Not always — hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common, usually benign causes of rectal bleeding. But because bleeding is also a symptom of colorectal cancer and other conditions that benefit from early treatment, new or persistent bleeding shouldn’t be assumed to be "just hemorrhoids" without an evaluation, especially if you’re due for colorectal cancer screening or have other symptoms alongside it.