Colon and Rectal Surgeon vs. Gastroenterologist: What Is the Difference?

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, our team includes highly trained colon and rectal surgeons—also known as colorectal surgeons or proctologists—who specialize in the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Our surgeons have completed advanced training in general surgery, followed by additional fellowship training focused specifically on colorectal surgery. This expertise allows us to provide the highest standard of care for patients facing complex colorectal conditions.

We routinely perform surgery for a wide range of issues, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, rectal prolapse, anal fissures, and hemorrhoids. In addition to surgical procedures, our team is skilled in performing diagnostic evaluations such as colonoscopies when they are needed as part of surgical planning or follow-up.

It’s important to understand the distinction between the care offered at Phoenix Unified Surgeons and that provided by gastroenterologists. While a gastroenterologist specializes in diagnosing and managing diseases throughout the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract—using medical therapies and endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy—the primary focus at Phoenix Unified Surgeons is on operative management. Gastroenterologists typically manage conditions with medications and minimally invasive procedures, whereas our surgeons are experts in treating cases that require surgical intervention.

Often, patients benefit from a collaborative approach. At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we work closely with local gastroenterologists to ensure every patient receives comprehensive, coordinated care—medical or surgical—as needed. If you are facing a colorectal condition and are unsure whether surgery might be right for you, our team is here to provide expert consultation and personalized care tailored to your needs.

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms related to your lower digestive tract—such as ongoing rectal bleeding, unexplained changes in bowel habits, or chronic abdominal pain—it may be time to consult the specialists at Phoenix Unified Surgeons. Our experienced colon and rectal surgeons are here to evaluate symptoms like blood in your stool, prolonged constipation or diarrhea, and significant pain during bowel movements. These issues can indicate underlying conditions that may require expert care and potentially surgical intervention.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we also provide comprehensive screening and preventive care for individuals with a personal or family history of colon polyps, colorectal cancer, or inherited conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome. Regular evaluation with our team can help detect potential problems early and reduce your risk of serious disease.

If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and are not responding to standard treatments, the surgeons at Phoenix Unified Surgeons can discuss advanced management options, including surgery if necessary.

We also treat a wide range of anorectal conditions that may not improve with conservative measures—such as severe hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, or abscesses. If you notice a lump or mass in the anal or rectal area, experience fecal incontinence, or have concerning symptoms like unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue, our team will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe digestive symptoms that do not improve with basic care or over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to seek specialized evaluation. At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, our experienced team is equipped to assess and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, especially when surgical intervention may be required.

Common signs that warrant an evaluation with our specialists include:

• Ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort
• Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in your stool
• Difficulty swallowing
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)

If you have a family history of gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive disorders, we recommend routine checkups. Individuals over the age of 45— or earlier, if you have risk factors—should also schedule a colon cancer screening, as early detection is crucial for optimal outcomes.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, our team includes highly skilled colon and rectal surgeons (also known as colorectal surgeons or proctologists) who are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Our specialists are experienced in managing both common and complex disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract, using advanced techniques and a compassionate approach to care.

Common Conditions We Treat at Phoenix Unified Surgeons:

• Colorectal Cancer and Polyps: We provide comprehensive care for patients with colorectal cancer, as well as removal of benign polyps that may develop into cancer if left untreated. Our surgeons utilize the latest diagnostic and surgical methods to ensure the best possible outcomes.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Our practice expertly manages Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, offering both medical and surgical solutions for chronic inflammation of the digestive tract when medications are not sufficient.

• Diverticular Disease: We treat diverticulosis and diverticulitis, conditions involving inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon wall, with both conservative and surgical options.

• Anorectal Disorders: Patients suffering from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, or abscesses can rely on Phoenix Unified Surgeons for effective relief and long-term management.

• Rectal Prolapse and Fecal Incontinence: Our team is skilled in addressing rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence, working to restore comfort and quality of life for our patients.

• Congenital Abnormalities: We also care for patients with congenital abnormalities of the colon and rectum, providing tailored treatment plans.

• Bowel Obstruction and Chronic Constipation: For those experiencing bowel obstructions or chronic constipation due to structural problems, our surgeons offer both surgical and non-surgical interventions.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we are committed to providing exceptional surgical and non-surgical care for all disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. Our goal is to help our patients regain their health, restore proper function, and improve their overall quality of life.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, our team offers comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of digestive system conditions. While gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and managing many disorders of the digestive tract, our surgeons are experts in providing advanced surgical solutions when these conditions require operative intervention.

Our surgeons are highly experienced in treating diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. We collaborate closely with gastroenterologists to manage complex cases such as severe acid reflux (GERD), peptic ulcers, and gastrointestinal infections that may require surgical correction. For patients with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, we offer surgical options when medical therapy is no longer effective.

Phoenix Unified Surgeons also specializes in the surgical management of gallbladder diseases like gallstones and cholecystitis. Our team performs minimally invasive procedures when appropriate, ensuring quicker recovery and optimal outcomes.

Understanding which specialist to see for your digestive health is crucial. While a gastroenterologist primarily diagnoses gastrointestinal conditions and manages them medically, a surgical specialist steps in when operative intervention is required.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons in Phoenix, AZ, board-certified providers like Dr. Debora Fox-McClary, Dr. Brian Brizendine, and Dr. Antonino Cammarata provide comprehensive colon and rectal surgical management. If a gastroenterologist discovers an abnormality during a routine colonoscopy, our team is equipped to handle the surgical next steps. Using cutting-edge, minimally invasive robotic techniques, they perform complex procedures like colon resections, severe diverticulitis treatments, and fistula repairs, ensuring you receive coordinated, compassionate care for a smooth recovery.

Through state-of-the-art techniques and a patient-centered approach, Phoenix Unified Surgeons is committed to delivering the highest standard of care for those facing digestive health challenges. Whether you require consultation, minimally invasive intervention, or advanced surgery, our multidisciplinary team is here to support your digestive health every step of the way. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.