Surgical Treatments

Rectal Cancer Surgery in Los Angeles

Advanced, Organ-Preserving, Minimally Invasive Rectal Cancer Care

01 overview 02 Symptoms 03 treatments 04 surgery prep 05 faqs

What Is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that develops in the rectum, the final portion of the large intestine located just above the anus. Because of its location near critical nerves and sphincter muscles, rectal cancer requires highly specialized evaluation and treatment to remove the cancer while preserving bowel, urinary, and sexual function whenever possible.

Rectal cancer may cause rectal bleeding, changes in stool shape or frequency, tenesmus (the sensation of incomplete evacuation), or pelvic pressure. Early diagnosis and expert surgical planning are essential to achieving a cure while maintaining quality of life. If you are seeking the best rectal cancer surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Karen Zaghiyan is nationally recognized for her advanced, minimally invasive, and organ-preserving approach to rectal cancer care.

Signs and Symptoms of Rectal Cancer

Symptoms of rectal cancer can overlap with other colorectal conditions, making prompt evaluation by a specialist critical.

Common symptoms include:

Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Changes in stool caliber or bowel habits
Tenesmus (feeling of incomplete emptying)
Pelvic or rectal pressure
Unexplained anemia or fatigue

How Is Rectal Cancer Treated?

Dr. Zaghiyan, widely regarded as the best rectal cancer surgeon in Los Angeles, provides highly individualized care based on tumor location, stage, and biology. Rectal cancer treatment often requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to maximize cure while preserving organ function.

Patients undergo advanced diagnostic evaluation, including CT and MRI imaging, to assess tumor depth, lymph node involvement, and potential spread. Treatment may involve a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. As Director of the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Zaghiyan works closely with medical and radiation oncologists to determine the optimal treatment sequence for each patient.

Rectal Cancer Treatment & Surgical Options

Upfront Surgery

Patients with early-stage rectal cancer may be candidates for upfront surgery, often avoiding chemotherapy or radiation altogether.

Certain patients with very early Stage I rectal cancer may qualify for Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), an organ-preserving, nerve-sparing technique in which the tumor is removed through the rectum without abdominal incisions.

For larger Stage I or select Stage II tumors, robotic or laparoscopic low anterior resection may be recommended to ensure complete cancer removal while maintaining bowel continuity.

Multimodality Therapy

Patients with more advanced Stage II or Stage III rectal cancer may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy, including chemotherapy and radiation, prior to surgery. This approach can shrink tumors, improve resectability, and increase the likelihood of sphincter preservation.

When surgery is required, Dr. Zaghiyan, the best rectal cancer surgeon in Los Angeles, employs advanced minimally invasive techniques such as:

Robotic rectal cancer surgery
Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME)
TAMIS
Intersphincteric proctectomy

These techniques are designed to maximize precision, protect nerves and sphincter muscles, avoid permanent ostomies when possible, and reduce recovery time.

Non-Operative Management (Watch and Wait)

Some patients with low rectal cancer who achieve a complete clinical response after chemoradiation may be candidates for a non-operative “watch and wait” approach. This strategy involves close surveillance with imaging, endoscopy, and exams, allowing select patients to avoid surgery while maintaining excellent cancer control under expert guidance.

What to Expect During Rectal Cancer Surgery

Dr. Zaghiyan takes a personalized, thoughtful approach to rectal cancer surgery, ensuring patients fully understand their options and feel supported throughout the process.

Before Surgery

Comprehensive consultation, advanced imaging review, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.

During Surgery

Highly precise, minimally invasive, and transanal techniques with nerve- and sphincter-preserving strategies. Multimodal pain control and nerve blocks are used to reduce postoperative discomfort.

After Surgery

Close monitoring, recovery guidance, and long-term support focused on restoring bowel function and quality of life.

FAQs About Rectal Cancer Surgery

Where to Find the Best Rectal Cancer Surgeon in Los Angeles

A rectal cancer diagnosis can be life-altering, affecting not only survival but long-term function and quality of life. Choosing a surgeon with deep expertise, compassion, and a commitment to organ preservation is critical.

Dr. Karen Zaghiyan is an internationally recognized leader in rectal cancer surgery and minimally invasive colorectal care. Her expertise in robotic, transanal, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches allows patients to receive the most advanced, precise, and patient-centered rectal cancer care available.

Ready to move forward with confidence under the care of the best rectal cancer surgeon in Los Angeles?

Schedule Appointment

Call (310) 289-9224

LA’s Expert Colorectal Specialist

Karen Zaghiyan, MD

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ADDRESS

Karen Zaghiyan, MD 
8737 Beverly Blvd, Suite 101 
Los Angeles, CA 90048

phone

(310) 289-9224

Location

& Hours

hours

MON 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

TUE 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

WED 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

THUR 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

FRI 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.