Colorectal Surgery

The Colorectal Surgery department at BayCare Clinic provides skilled diagnosis and treatment for wide range of conditions affecting the lower GI tract, including the colon, rectum, anus and small bowel. Our colorectal surgeon is the only specialist offering minimally invasive colon surgery in the region.

A colorectal surgeon specializes in rectal and colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), and diverticulitis. We also treat functional disorders such as chronic incontinence and constipation. 

Colorectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of colon and rectal problems.  Our colorectal surgeon uses a collaborative approach to patient care, working closely with colleagues in gastroenterology, urogynecology, and urology to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all of a patient's symptoms.

A colorectal surgeon treats patients with a wide variety of colorectal disorders:

  • Colon cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Fissures
  • Fistulae
  • And more

Laparoscopic Colon Surgery

Minimally invasive colon surgery is also known as laparoscopic colorectal surgery.  Minimally invasive surgery offers treatment through multiple small incisions, or in some cases, without any incisions at all. Compared to open-abdominal procedures, the advantages of minimally invasive colon surgery include less pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal activity.

BayCare Clinic is home to the only colorectal surgeon in the region offering laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Colon and Rectal Specialists

Dr. Erik Johnson, the colorectal surgeon at BayCare Clinic, completed a colorectal fellowship (the most advanced training possible) in addition to full training in general surgery.  Colon and rectal surgeons treat benign and malignant conditions, perform routine colon screenings (colonoscopy), and use surgical treatment options when necessary.

Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a board candidate for the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Providers
Erik Johnson, MD

More Information

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) provides additional patient resources on colon and rectal health.