Gastrointestinal Oncology

Cancers of the gastrointestinal system are among the most common in the United States and often require highly focused expertise for successful treatment and care. At the Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care, we have an international reputation for treating complex gastrointestinal surgical problems with exceptional care and excellent outcomes.

Great strides in survival rates

Montefiore continually develops and adopts new techniques and treatments for all cancers of the gastrointestinal system — including gastric and colorectal cancers as well as cancer of the esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and small intestine. Montefiore is experienced and equipped to undertake advanced surgical procedures not available at many other facilities. We have greatly improved survival rates while reducing hospital stay and minimizing complications.

We understand how important quality of life is to our patients. Our compassion — combined with our medical expertise — drives the Division's every decision and we help our patients maintain full function whenever possible. Our team provides the guidance, support and reliability our patients need from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Leading-edge diagnostic techniques

Montefiore is a leader in diagnostic techniques, using cutting-edge fusion scan technology. With this imaging technique, we can assess the status of tumors both before and after surgical treatment more accurately than ever before. In addition, we employ state-of-the-art intra-operative imaging techniques that give us a clear picture of the tumor during the treatment itself, so that we can adjust our efforts, as needed.

World leader in colorectal cancer diagnostics

Montefiore's exclusive New York Metropolitan Colorectal Cancer Registry contributes to our reputation as a world leader in our field. This unique and powerful tool lets us identify genetic predisposition for colorectal cancer. We offer our patients complete risk assessment, genetic counseling and preventative measures.

Our surgeons are world-class experts in colorectal cancer. We use minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and maintain function wherever possible. Such skill allows us to preserve the rectum and eliminate the need for colostomy in most cases. It is our goal to preserve our patients' sexual function and urinary continence as well.

Advancements with liver cancer

Montefiore has made great advancements in the treatment of liver cancer. We use surgical techniques that minimize complications and maximize successful outcomes. Our results are truly outstanding, with a mortality rate up to four times below the national standard. The overwhelming majority of our patients enjoy a return to normal liver function after surgery.

We have developed innovative therapies to tackle metastatic liver tumors (cancer spread from another site), where standard chemotherapy and surgery cease to work. In addition, we are pioneers in combining these techniques with vaccines to boost the body's immune system to further fight the cancer.

Surgical excellence with pancreatic cancer

Our Division uses the same combination of localized therapies and vaccine boosters to treat pancreatic cancer. Montefiore's surgeons are expert at safely performing the delicate surgery involved with pancreatic cancer.

For our patients requiring palliative care — pain and other relief for the terminally ill — we use only minimally invasive methods. This drastically reduces the length of hospital stay and allows our patients to return home to the care and support of their families as quickly as possible.