Houston Colorectal Surgeon Provides Incisionless Technique to Remove Rectal Tumors

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - May 2, 2013) - Houston colorectal surgeon Dr. Eric Haas and his team at Colorectal Surgical Associates are now offering patients an incisionless and minimally-invasive procedure to remove tumors from the rectum. An alternative to the surgical removal of the rectum, this advanced technique for tumor removal is called Transanal Endoscopic Video-Assisted (TEVA) Excision and has been proven to shorten recovery time and reduce the chance of postoperative complications.

In a blog post entitled, "Dr. Eric Haas and His Fellow Surgeons Drs. Bartley Pickron and Ali Mahmood Highlight TEVA: Minimally-Invasive Rectal Tumor Removal," the Houston colorectal surgeon notes that "Quality of Life" is always a major focus when talking about the results of colorectal surgery. He says colorectal surgery has been progressing toward less invasive procedures while maintaining curative results. Additionally, he adds that TEVA is not only a safe, feasible, and effective technique, but it is also one of the least invasive colorectal surgical procedures.

The TEVA procedure provides surgeons with an alternative to surgically removing the rectum. While he says the surgical removal of the rectum is a major procedure in which patients undergo a slow recovery, a lengthy hospital stay, and risks of major complications, Dr. Haas highlights that the TEVA technique typically allows patients to return to their daily activities a few days after surgery.

According to the Houston colorectal surgeon, the most important aspect of the TEVA technique is that the treatment is typically curative for those who can undergo the procedure. TEVA is also incision-less, so the risk of developing a scar or a hernia are completely eliminated, says Dr. Haas. He adds that for most patients, there are often no complications associated with the TEVA procedure and recovery is generally pain-free.

Ultimately, Dr. Haas says the TEVA approach utilizes a state-of-the-art technique that is performed by only a handful of surgeons in the United States. TEVA currently represents one of the more recent advances in the management of rectal tumors, and Dr. Haas, along with fellow surgeons Drs. Bartley Pickron and Ali Mahmood at Colorectal Surgical Associates, say they are proud to be one of the first practices to provide Houston colorectal surgery patients with one of most advanced and effective techniques the field has to offer. 

About Eric Haas, MD

Dr. Eric Haas earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He is a board-certified colorectal surgeon and the founder and president of Colorectal Surgical Associates. As a recognized leader in laparoscopic and minimally-invasive colorectal surgery, Dr. Haas serves as Program Director for the Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Additionally, he and his staff also specialize in pelvic health therapy and treat a number of pelvic conditions including pelvic floor disorder, urinary incontinence, and chronic pelvic pain among others. Dr. Haas is available for interview upon request.