The Department of Surgery at the University of Louisville is proud of its record of providing state-of-the-art care to people with colorectal disease.
In the 1970s, the Department was among the first in the country to pioneer colonoscopy, the gold standard of diagnostic tests for colon and rectal illnesses.
The 1980s saw a rapid expansion of medical and surgical treatment options. Specialization in colorectal diseases became imperative. In 1990, the Department instituted the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery to deliver the finest surgical care and to train future surgeons in this art of medicine.
Seven years later, the Section established the Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory where investigators began to focus on the potential of genetic research to help improve patient care. Their goal is to uncover important clues about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer.
Today, the Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery offers clinical excellence, state-of-the-art research, and innovative educational programs.
Progress in Treatment
In many ways, the work of the Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery reflects the progress made in the treatment of colon and rectal disorders during the past 30 years.
Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to achieve optimum treatment and surgical intervention. Since the 1970s, the Department of Surgery has made endoscopy a cornerstone of both general and colon and rectal surgical training programs.
The Section's surgeons and fellows stay apprised of recent developments in treatment and research. Each year, they attend the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Many participate in other national medical conferences to present papers and to brainstorm with their colleagues from around the world.
The Section regularly conducts clinical trials to evaluate the latest medications and surgical alternatives for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and colorectal cancer.
The Frontiers of Research
The Section's Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory continues its groundbreaking research to further advances in colorectal surgery on all frontiers.
Currently, its researchers are investigating molecular markers to develop tests that would permit a more accurate diagnosis of colonic inflammatory bowel disease.
Through their ongoing work in genetic research, they hope to discover the cause of IBD-associated colorectal cancer by employing the latest Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and microarray technology. Identification of these cancer-causing genes could lead to exciting breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of this serious complication of IBD.
Recruitment & Education
The Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery recruits new faculty members who are dedicated to providing care to patients with colorectal disease.
Colidoscope.Com, was launched in 2001 to help attract the best surgeons, fellows, residents, and students to our program. This site also serves as a valuable conduit for sharing information about colorectal disease treatment and research with patients around the world.
In 2004, the annual Joseph M. Mathews Oration was established to honor the memory of colorectal surgeon Joseph M. Mathews, MD. A Kentucky native, Dr. Mathews was the first U.S. physician to treat colorectal diseases exclusively, while practicing at the University of Louisville.
The Joseph M. Mathews Oration attracts widely recognized guest lecturers who share their knowledge and expertise about the medical and surgical management of colorectal disease with colleagues, faculty, general surgery residents, and medical students.
Without question, the University of Louisville Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery is history in the making.
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