Swedish Colon & Rectal Clinic
As the largest colorectal clinic in the Pacific Northwest, we offer expert treatment of conditions that affect the colon and rectum. For more than 30 years, the Colon & Rectal Clinic has been helping people from across the region experience better digestive health.
We understand that colorectal problems are uniquely personal. We are always respectful of our patients’ privacy and sensitive to their comfort. We will work with you to find treatments and support that are right for you.
Our team also works closely with other specialists within the Swedish Cancer Institute and the Swedish Digestive Health Institute to provide comprehensive care. Your care team will work together to offer the latest diagnostic techniques and advanced treatment options that are right for you.
We are dedicated to providing the best quality care to patients now and into the future. Our clinic is also one of few in the nation to provide fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery. We teach the next generation of surgeons how to perform advanced procedures.
We strive to improve digestive health for people with conditions that affect the colon, rectum and anus. We commonly care for:
- Anal fissures
- Anal fistulas
- Bowel incontinence
- Colon cancer
- Colon polyps
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pelvic floor abnormalities
- Rectal cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
Our physicians have expertise in the latest colorectal surgeries, such as minimally invasive techniques with faster recovery times and fewer risks. Our services include:
- Colectomy
- Colonoscopy
- Colon cancer screening
- Colostomy
- Fistulotomy
- Robotic colorectal surgery
- Sphincteroplasty
- Sphincter-sparing surgery
- Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS)
For your first appointment, you should bring:
- All completed new patient forms
- Your insurance card
- A picture ID
- Any medical records related to your colorectal condition from other physician offices
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you’re running late to your appointment, we may need to reschedule to ensure we can see all patients visiting us.
At your appointment, you’ll meet with a surgeon to talk to you about your health history and review any imaging with you. They will also talk to you about the risks and benefits of surgery and answer all your questions about your care.
Before your surgery, our surgery scheduler or a nurse will:
- Verify your insurance coverage
- Tell you when and where to arrive for your surgery
- Review your health history
- Schedule any pre-operative tests you need
- Teach you how to prepare for surgery, including bowel preparation
If you haven’t had a physical exam with your primary care physician (PCP) within the last year, please schedule one before your surgery. Your PCP can ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.
On the day before surgery, you will likely need to only drink clear liquids. You might also need to take two doses of laxatives in the afternoon and evening. These preparations lower your risk for infection and other surgical complications.
If you are dealing with a colon cancer diagnosis, the Swedish Cancer Institute offers a variety of resources to assist you.
We can help you find the right specialist, connect you with complementary therapies and counseling, and help you get other assistance you may need. Learn more about our support.
Also see our Classes and Support Groups brochure (PDF).
To refer a patient, please call 206-386-6600.
For an urgent patient transfer, please call the Swedish Transfer Center at 1-866-470-4233.
We are one of the most experienced clinics in the region, providing individualized treatment to each patient. We work closely with other specialists within the Swedish Cancer Institute and the Swedish Digestive Heath Network to provide all the advanced care your patient needs.