Why see a doctor that specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum, & anus?

December 21, 2024

When you are having a problem related to the colon, rectum, or anus, does it really matter if you see a doctor who specializes in these areas? While it may depend on the severity of your issue, our answer will almost always be yes! 

Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute (ACRI) is a free-standing, private practice in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, with three board-certified colon and rectal surgeons: Dr. Jon Rosser, Dr. Mark Parker, and Dr. Heath Beckham. Our practice specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. 

Because of this specialization, many people fondly call us, “The Butt Hutt.” We have embraced this name and are so thankful that many of our patients comment on the ease, both physically and psychologically, of their experience with us.

Why Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute?

With issues related to the colon, rectum, and anus, many people initially think they should visit a gastroenterologist. While this could be a possible first step, when you come to us, you get a surgeon who is trained in both medical and surgical treatment of diseases related to these parts of the body. A gastroenterologist is trained in medical treatment only of the gastrointestinal tract.

Other benefits of coming to Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute:

• We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of both surgical and non-surgical diseases in the colon, rectum, and anus, including benign and malignant diseases.
• We typically perform around 3,000 procedures each year, including colonoscopies and ano-rectal surgery.
• We have an in-house anesthesia department that is under the supervision of a board-certified anesthesiologist and a certified registered nurse anesthetist to ensure comfort during procedures.
• We take a minimally invasive approach using robotic and laparoscopic surgical techniques.

Although many procedures are performed in our nationally accredited office-based surgical facility, we consider each patient individually to determine whether treatment should be performed in-office or in the hospital. We perform surgery at multiple hospitals within the city.

We have been national preceptors for Ethicon on two leading-edge anorectal procedures and currently perform the innovative sacral nerve stimulation implantation for refractory bowel incontinence. We are also actively involved in teaching. Our surgeons are voluntary teaching staff for a local general residency program, and our anesthesia department teaches CRNA students from Samford University. 

Another benefit of coming to us is that most insurance carriers realize the cost-effectiveness and safety that accredited office-based surgical facilities can offer. Our location is in a convenient, centralized part of downtown Birmingham near Regions Field. We offer free parking that’s within a few steps of the receptionist’s desk, and we are able to operate in a time-efficient manner that is only possible with a single-specialty, office-based facility.

When it comes to our doctors, all three have two board certifications, both in General Surgery and Colon & Rectal Surgery. Our nurses and staff are all certified in their respective fields, and our clinic is certified by the AAAASF (The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.), the gold standard in accreditation of ambulatory surgery centers.

Why do certifications matter so much?  

Benefits of AAAASF certification include:

• Holds outpatient and office-based facilities to hospital standards
• Requires surgeons to be board certified and have hospital privileges for any procedure they perform
• Requires the use of anesthesia professionals for deeper levels of anesthesia
• Requires a safe and clean surgical environment that meets stringent standards
• Requires peer review (peer oversight) and tracks data for thousands of individual cases
• Works closely with facilities and provide help throughout the accreditation process
• Champions patient safety worldwide and has for nearly 40 years

Champions for colonoscopies

We want to let everyone know that colonoscopies save lives! We provide education about this fact as much as possible. Colon cancers begin as benign polyps that can be removed during a colonoscopy to prevent colon cancer. Other screening tests are less accurate at detecting the precancerous polyps and are marketed as colon cancer detectors. According to recent American Cancer Society recommendations, all adults - male and female - should have a colonoscopy at age 45 for screening, sometimes sooner if there are additional risk factors such as family history. 

We provide comprehensive care for colon cancer treatment, with specializations in the diagnosis and treatment of both surgical and non-surgical diseases in the colon, rectum, and anus, including benign and malignant diseases. Our doctors will diagnose your symptoms, discuss your options, and provide feedback on potential side effects. We will talk with you about what to expect before, during, and after any recommended surgeries or screenings. If you do have cancer, we will work with you to determine what treatment works best for you.

To learn more about ACRI, and more importantly, colon cancer treatment, prevention, and screenings, email us at [email protected], visit acripc.com, or call us at (205) 458-5000.

Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute is centered around treating diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus

Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute (also known as the “Butt Hutt” around town!) has been in practice since 1990 as a free-standing, private practice located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama.  We are known for our efficiency and patient care, in a more relaxed office-based setting.  Our doctors are known regionally for their expertise and are active in teaching surgical residents and other physicians. Check out our website for more information, or give us a call to make an appointment at (205) 458-5000, or email us at [email protected].