INTEGRATED CARE, DYNAMIC RESEARCH COLORECTAL CANCER: LEADING THE NATION IN DETECTION, PREVENTION AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY

With a special focus on colorectal cancer prevention and detection, Houston Methodist gastroenterologists perform high-quality colonoscopies to look for and remove precancerous lesions. We participate in a program called “GIQuIC” (GI Quality Improvement Consortium, Ltd.) a national quality benchmarking registry that monitors colonoscopy performance and outcomes. More than 50 gastroenterologists across seven Houston Methodist locations participate in the registry, giving physicians insight into their outcomes by leveraging nationally established quality measures.

“In place for nearly a decade at Houston Methodist, the GIQuIC program shows we are performing at the highest possible level for colon polyp detection and cancer prevention,” said Karen L. Woods, MD, gastroenterologist.

Collectively, Houston Methodist’s adenoma detection rate (ADR) — which is inversely related to cancer development and mortality — has consistently exceeded the national recommended benchmark of 25%. In 2022, our ADR was 43.6%, exceeding that of our national peer gastroenterologists.

“We know that high adenoma detection rates reduce interval colon cancer development,” Woods said. “We are unique in that our large system is systematically monitoring physician performance to ensure that patients always receive a high-quality colonoscopy. Data shows not all colonoscopies are equal, so our quality is differentiating.”

Further, our interventional GI physicians are experts at removing large, difficult polyps endoscopically, often avoiding the need for surgery. Advanced molecular diagnostics performed by our pathology department further aid in treatment planning of colorectal cancers.

Surgeons at Houston Methodist use minimally invasive approaches in more than 95% of colorectal surgeries, resulting in faster recovery, less pain and fewer complications. We are the epicenter for a natural orifice technique developed here in 2018. The natural orifice intracorporeal anastomosis with extraction of specimen (NICE) procedure uses robotic technologies that avoid any abdominal wall incisions during cancer resection.

Clinical Differentiators

• Houston Methodist surgeons pioneered the robotic natural orifice intracorporeal anastomosis with extraction of specimen (NICE) procedure.

• Our gastroenterologists have developed advanced endoscopic techniques to remove large polyps that have historically required surgery.

• Houston Methodist is home to one of the largest advanced minimally invasive fellowship programs in the country.

• Our colon and rectal surgeons employ techniques that reduce the need for colostomies, successfully reverse colostomies, and often eliminate the need for opioids.

Research Initiatives

• Clinical trials and protocols for comprehensive molecular profiling of colorectal tumor tissues to guide immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy

• Circulating tumor DNA usage for all patients after curative surgeries to evaluate for minimal residual disease and close surveillance and monitoring

• Robotic-assisted technologies and techniques for cancer resection, including national and international presentations on the NICE procedure