For Physicians

Novant Health offers advanced comprehensive care for colorectal cancer

What referring general practitioners and gastroenterologists should know about the team approach to personalized treatment.

Patrick Flanary

Contributing Writer

Published Feb. 18, 2025

Novant Health’s board-certified colon and rectal surgeons collaborate with a nationally recognized team of healthcare specialists through every step of treatment for colon and rectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

That means oncologists, pathologists, geneticists, cancer navigators and radiologists across the system weigh in ahead of every procedure based on the patient’s condition. This personalized approach, combined with advancements in colorectal care, offers more patients minimally invasive surgical options closer to where they live.

Huettemann_Richard_1255824041_Head — Richard Huettemann, MD

“Everyone involved with the care of a patient is a part of this discussion,” said colon and rectal surgeon Richard Huettemann Jr., MD, of Novant Health Colon & Rectal Clinic - Clemmons. “Together we review a patient’s pathology, imaging and clinical presentation, and then come up with a personalized treatment plan.”

Colorectal cancer risk is on the rise in young adults, with about 20,000 people younger than 50 diagnosed in 2023. Novant Health clinics perform routine colonoscopies for people beginning at age 45 to help prevent those diagnoses and improve recurrence rates.

Four Novant Health cancer centers are accredited by the American College of Surgeons for outstanding colorectal care: Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

All physicians are board-certified colon and rectal surgeons who use up-to-date techniques and guidelines to optimize patient care and improve recovery.

Refer a Patient

Personalized treatment for every colorectal patient

At the heart of Novant Health’s collaborative approach, the multidisciplinary team meets weekly as a tumor board. These sessions enable healthcare specialists across the system to reach a consensus on each patient’s treatment options.

The team determines the best option. Nonoperative approaches can include chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which can shrink tumors and lower a patient’s risk of recurrence. Expert board-certified colon and rectal surgeons may perform transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), a technique that avoids major surgery to remove polyps and allows many patients to go home the same day.

Benefits of robotic surgery in colorectal care

Before robotics, treatment options were limited to open and laparoscopic surgery.

The robotic system is equipped with interactive arms controlled by the surgeon to remove tumors and lymph nodes. The approach uses advanced imaging resolution, depth perception and haptic feedback to guide surgeons through the most precise procedure possible, said colon and rectal surgeon Douglas Rosen, MD, of Novant Health Charlotte Colon & Rectal Surgery - Matthews.

Minimally invasive robotic surgery has been a cornerstone of Novant Heath colon and rectal cancer surgery for years.

A collaborative approach to patient navigation

Novant Health multidisciplinary clinics offer collaborative and expedited care, with a focus on patient navigation to streamline the journey from diagnosis to treatment planning, said clinic administrator Trace Griffin of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

Once clinic navigators receive a patient referral, they schedule an appointment. During the visit, the clinician reviews the patient’s history and conducts a physical exam to determine whether surgery is necessary.

The multidisciplinary team is composed of oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors and nurse navigators. This team reviews a patient’s treatment plan and evaluates their progress.

While part of general surgery is basic colorectal care, Novant Health’s board-certified colorectal surgeons are trained to provide efficient, comprehensive treatment.

"Patients with colon or rectal cancer should seek care from a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon" said David Hiller, MD, of Novant Health Colon & Rectal Clinic - Winston-Salem/Clemmons. "As the complexity of colorectal cancer increases with more treatment options and research, board-certified colon and rectal surgeons are positioned to give patients the best and most up-to-date care."
David Hiller, MD

Czuprynski_Robert_Head 1 — Robert Czuprynski, MD

Colorectal cancer patients are seen very quickly when referred by a gastroenterologist, oncologist, primary care physician or other team member. Additionally, patients may call the office and "self-refer" to make an appointment. We strive to help patients quickly get the information they need without having to resort to emergency room visits. “As we improve the limiting of narcotics post-op, we are expanding outpatient treatment and developing alternative pathways for pain control and faster patient discharge,” said Robert Czuprynski, MD, of Novant Health Charlotte Colon & Rectal Surgery - Huntersville. “We aim to reduce post-op pain, with quicker return to work and quality of life while limiting readmissions.”

Eligible patients have the option of participating in research trials to help advance studies of surgical and drug safety, therapy effectiveness and evolving technology.

Novant Health research teams of physicians, nurses and study coordinators work with Institutional Review Boards to assist interested patients with participating in a clinical trial.