What Is Colorectal Cancer Surgery?
Colorectal cancer surgery is the single most important treatment modality for cancers of the colon and rectum, especially when detected in the early or localized stages. At Life Surgical Oncology, Dr. Artinyan provides advanced surgical care for both colon and rectal cancers. These include the most advanced intra-corporeal laparoscopic and robotic techniques, as well as organ-preserving operations such as combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (CELS) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). In fact, Dr. Artinyan was among the first to perform the TAMIS operation worldwide, having individually developed his own technique in 2010, and published it since in multiple research articles and textbook chapters.
Colon Cancer Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for most colon cancers. The operation removes the segment of colon containing the tumor along with the nearby lymph nodes and blood vessels, and the bowel is usually reconnected. Dr. Artinyan performs colon surgery laparoscopically or robotically, reconnecting the bowel internally through small incisions. Compared with open surgery, this approach typically means less pain and a shorter hospital stay for many patients.
For complex polyps that cannot be removed by colonoscopy alone, Dr. Artinyan offers combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (CELS). CELS combines colonoscopy with laparoscopy so the polyp can be removed without taking out a segment of bowel, avoiding a larger cancer operation when the polyp turns out to be benign.
When cancer has spread to lymph nodes, chemotherapy is typically added after surgery. In selected cases where cancer has spread to the liver or lungs, surgery can still offer a chance of cure, and Dr. Artinyan works closely with medical oncologists and other specialists to coordinate that care.
Rectal Cancer Surgery
Rectal cancer is managed differently than colon cancer. The rectum sits deep in the pelvis, close to the sphincter muscles that control bowel function, so the goals are to remove the cancer completely while preserving anatomy, bowel control, and quality of life. Many patients receive chemotherapy and radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor, improve the chance of cure, and make sphincter-preserving surgery possible.
For selected patients with early rectal cancers or complex polyps, transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) allows the tumor to be removed through the anus with no abdominal incisions, often preserving the rectum itself. When a major operation is needed, Dr. Artinyan performs it laparoscopically or robotically with an emphasis on sphincter preservation and avoiding a permanent colostomy whenever it can be done safely. For selected patients whose tumors show a complete response to chemoradiation, he also discusses nonoperative management, with multidisciplinary assessment and close surveillance.
Why Dr. Artinyan Is Different
Dr. Artinyan's background combines extensive experience in colorectal surgery and surgical oncology, with a particular focus on rectal cancer and complex reoperative surgery.
Unmatched Technical Expertise
Dr. Artinyan is among the few colon and rectal surgeons in the United States credentialed to perform not only colorectal operations, but also procedures involving the stomach, pancreas, liver, bladder, kidney and gynecologic organs. This breadth of credentialing is of particular importance in the management of complex cancers. When a colon or rectal cancer extends into adjacent organs, Dr. Artinyan is able to complete the entire resection in a single, coordinated operation — without the need for multiple surgical teams, staged procedures, or a compromised cancer operation. Dr. Artinyan also routinely performs complex organ reconstructions including using colon grafts to reconstruct the esophagus and vagina.
Unmatched Experience
Dr. Artinyan served as Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at one of the largest medical centers in the world. He was an early adopter of robotic surgery, and built one of the largest robotic rectal cancer surgery experiences at the Houston VA. He was among the first surgeons to perform transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), independently developing his own technique in 2010, and has more than fifteen years of experience with transanal approaches. His rectal cancer practice is built around sphincter and organ preservation and avoiding permanent colostomy whenever it can be done safely.
Dr. Artinyan has been called the "surgeon's surgeon" having been called upon to operate on his fellow physicians, surgeons and their family members.
Impactful Research Cited Worldwide
Many surgeons in the Los Angeles area advertise their research. Dr. Artinyan's record stands on its own. He has published extensively on his experience with novel treatments for colon, rectal and other cancers. It's not just quantity, it's quality - Dr. Artinyan's research has been extremely impactful in his field. He has among the highest Google Scholar h-index scores of any colorectal cancer surgeon in Los Angeles, and his work is cited worldwide — both for surgical technique and for overall treatment strategy.
What Can I Expect with Colorectal Cancer Surgery?
The surgical approach depends on the location and extent of the tumor. For colon cancer, the affected segment of the large intestine is removed, along with nearby lymph nodes. In cases of rectal cancer, particularly those in the lower portion of the rectum, Dr. Artinyan may use transanal minimally invasive surgery to access and excise the tumor without large abdominal incisions. This sphincter-preserving, organ-sparing approach helps reduce the likelihood of requiring a permanent colostomy and supports better functional outcomes, including bowel control. Many patients also undergo chemotherapy or radiation, often before surgery in rectal cancer cases, to increase the likelihood of a cure and reduce the size of the tumor.
What Are the Benefits of Colorectal Cancer Surgery?
Surgical removal of colorectal tumors offers a range of critical benefits for long-term health and function. These include:
- Elimination of the primary cancer source from the colon or rectum
- Preservation of bowel control and function through sphincter-preserving approaches
- Improved post-operative recovery with minimally invasive techniques, like TAMIS
- Reduced need for permanent colostomy in many rectal cancer cases
- Enhanced quality of life through organ preservation and function-sparing surgery
- Better outcomes when combined with chemotherapy or radiation, when appropriate
Colorectal cancer surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment, and early intervention significantly increases the chances of successful outcomes.
Life Surgical Oncology Reviews
Quiero agradecerle al doctor Artinyan sufri por más de 10 años de hemorroides mi doctora me refiero con este especialista el doctor me realizo una cirugía para acabar con mis problemas mesiento contento mi recuperación asido lento pero el doctor siempre está ai para apoyar es un doctor muy amable y comprensivo trata muy bien asus pacientes también se toma el tiempo de escuchar tus preocupaciones les recomiendo que visiten este lugar si buscan un buen especialista aquí lo van en contrar bendiciones al doctor y atodo su equipo de oficina gracias por ser tan agradables
I highly recommend him and his team to anyone in need of quality medical care
It was really amazing the way Dr. Artinyan helped me. I am very grateful to him and his entire team. May God bless you all.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr Avo Artinyan for his expertise, professionalism, and impeccable surgical skills. Not only he is an exceptionally gifted surgeon with great attention to details, but also a caring and compassionate human being, with great bedside manners. He exudes confidence, yet he’s very approachable and very patient in answering questions. His attentiveness, kindness, and straightforward approach in explaining all of the steps, makes you feel calm and comfortable, even in a stressful situation. I was very lucky to have him as my surgeon and I had complete trust and confidence in his ability to make the best decisions regarding my care. I will forever be grateful for the compassionate and skilled care I received. Dr Avo Artinyan, thank you for being an amazing doctor!
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr Avo Artinyan for his expertise, professionalism, and impeccable surgical skills. Not only he is an exceptionally gifted surgeon with great attention to details, but also a caring and compassionate human being, with great bedside manners. He exudes confidence, yet he’s very approachable and very patient in answering questions. His attentiveness, kindness, and straightforward approach in explaining all of the steps, makes you feel calm and comfortable, even in a stressful situation. I was very lucky to have him as my surgeon and I had complete trust and confidence in his ability to make the best decisions regarding my care.I will forever be grateful for the compassionate and skilled care I received.Dr Avo Artinyan, thank you for being an amazing doctor!
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Comprehensive Treatment for Colon and Rectal Cancer
At Life Surgical Oncology in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Avo Artinyan is a leader in advanced rectal cancer surgery and was one of the first to adopt transanal minimally invasive surgery. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive colorectal cancer treatment with a strong emphasis on function-sparing techniques, organ preservation, and long-term quality of life. If you've been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, schedule a consultation to learn about your surgical options, including procedures that prioritize organ and sphincter preservation to reduce long-term complications and help you maintain normal function.