Gastrointestinal Surgery
Gastrointestinal Surgery is a broad category that includes operations performed on the entire gastrointestinal tract, which includes the:
- esophagus
- stomach
- small intestine (comprised of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum)
- colon and rectum
The esophagus (swallowing tube) can be affected by a variety of conditions, most notably related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernias, as well as both benign and malignant tumors. Many esophageal conditions that require surgery can now be taken care of using minimally invasive approaches. Working with gastroenterologists, Massachusetts General Hospital is on the cutting edge of new developments in endo-surgical treatments for these diseases. Our surgeons participate in the multidisciplinary team approach to treating cancers of the GI tract. Patients with gastric and esophageal cancers are often evaluated by specialists in Radiation Oncology and Hematology/Oncology, working closely with members of the Division of General Surgery to offer a comprehensive and personalized approach of care for the cancer patient.
The stomach and duodenum are the usual site of ulcer disease, but due to improvements in medical therapy, surgery for ulcers is now needed only in the case of complications such as bleeding or perforation. Some benign and nearly all malignant tumors of the stomach and small intestine require surgical resection. Our division has surgeons with special expertise in minimally invasive approaches to treat these tumors.
The small intestine, colon, and rectum are the usual sites of the bowel that are affected in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Several of our surgeons have chosen to concentrate on treating these diseases and have special training or experience in this area. You can learn more at the Crohn's and Colitis Center. Our colon and rectal group also has special expertise in pelvic floor disorders, as well as common benign diseases of the anus, such as hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas. Colon cancers are so common that most of our surgeons treat these conditions. For rectal cancers, we use the latest techniques, such as endorectal ultrasound and MRI, to accurately determine the stage of the cancer. This information is vital as we work closely with our radation medicine and oncology colleagues in determining whether or not preoperative chemotherapy and radiation are necessary. Our surgeons are trained to perform total mesorectal excision, the technique that has been shown to have the best cure rates.
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Gastrointestinal Surgeons
 David Berger, MD
Liliana Bordeianou, MD
Charles Ferguson, MD
Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo, MD
Denise W. Gee, MD
Richard Hodin, MD
Matt Hutter, MD
Janey Pratt, MD
David Rattner, MD
Paul Shellito, MD
Patricia Sylla, MD
Sarah Thayer, MD, PhD
Andrew Warshaw, MD
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