Colorectal Cancer: Miles' Story
October 11, 2021Miles Ward of Frederick was feeling fine. Nevertheless, the 65 year-old was encouraged by his doctor to undergo a routine colonoscopy screening, a procedure used to examine the colon for abnormalities. For Miles, the colonoscopy revealed not one, but two cancerous tumors.
“The tumors were small, which was good. But they were far apart, which was bad,” explains Miles.
“When I discovered the tumors during Miles’ colonoscopy, I arranged for a staging CT scan, and contacted colorectal surgeon, Rami Makhoul, MD, even before Miles woke up from anesthesia,” says Faisal Bhinder, MD, Gastroenterology, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital.
“Late-stage colorectal cancer is difficult to treat,” explains Halim Charbel, MD, Gastroenterology, Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. “Yet, it is the most preventable cancer. Colonoscopy has reduced the mortality and morbidity from colon cancer by early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. When detected early, it is highly treatable.”
After reviewing Miles’ case, Dr. Makhoul, who also is a robotic surgery specialist at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital, explained to Miles that the location of the tumors presented a significant surgical challenge with two possible outcomes: Remove the entire colon, which would permanently disrupt Miles’ digestive function, or remove each tumor separately and preserve the colon, along with normal digestive functioning.
"I couldn't have been treated an better. Everyone was so professional, so helpful and so nice. I felt like they were really looking out for me.”
- Miles Ward
Dr. Makhoul recommended performing the surgery at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, where he would be able to use the new da Vinci® Xi Robotic Surgical System. “The location of the tumors meant it was possible to remove them without having to remove the colon,” says Dr. Makhoul, “and the technology at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital made this desirable surgical outcome achievable.”
Using the robot, Dr. Makhoul was able to remove the tumors from different parts of the abdomen in the same procedure, without making additional incisions. The technology’s increased agility allowed Dr. Makhoul to angle the cameras and instruments properly, and after several hours, the surgery was a success.
The Holy Cross Health Cancer Institute’s inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services include advanced medical imaging, chemotherapy, surgical intervention and clinical trials. Radiation oncology services are available at the Holy Cross Radiation Treatment Center, which is expanding and relocating to advance services for our cancer patients.
Holy Cross Health cares for more cancer inpatients annually than any other hospital or health system in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Our patients also have access to a variety of community support groups, education, home services and a continuum of care designed to address patients’ needs.
“Dr. Makhoul did a magnificent job—he’s so smart, supportive and friendly. I never had any doubts about it—he made me feel completely secure right from the start,” says Miles, who is cancer-free now, with a good quality of life.
Help for Your Digestive Concerns
Colorectal Cancer Screenings: New recommendations suggest starting this screening at age 45, for people at average risk. To learn more, visit HolyCrossHealth.org/Blog-Colorectal-Screening
Attend Our Free "Heartburn and Digestive Health Concerns" Event: Holy Cross Health experts discuss treatment options and answer your questions. For date, time and location, visit HolyCorssHealth.org/AskOurDoctors
Find a Doctor: Our specialists include experts in gastroenterology, and colorectal, bariatric and thoracic surgery. To find one who meets your needs, visit HolyCorssHealth.org/Find-a-Physician.