World-Class Care in Colon and Rectal Surgery

Asan Medical Center was ranked 5th globally in oncology and 4th in gastroenterology, securing the top position in Korea. The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery specializes in the treatment of colorectal cancer within the field of oncology and performs surgery for inflammatory bowel disease within the field of gastroenterology. The division performs the highest number of colorectal cancer surgeries in Korea each year and has successfully carried out approximately 40,000 such procedures to date, establishing an unrivaled reputation both domestically and internationally. Building on extensive surgical expertise, we deliver colorectal cancer surgery outcomes that meet the highest international standards. At the division, the five-year survival rates for rectal cancer patients are outstanding, reaching 96.6% for stage 1 and 94.8% for stage 2. Even among stage 3 patients, where treatment is more complex, the five-year survival rate improved significantly from 83.1% in 2015 to 91.3% in 2017, an increase of 8.2%p. The rate of major complications within 30 days after surgery is as low as 3%, a figure that includes even highly complex procedures such as recurrent colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer with metastasis to other organs, and simultaneous surgeries.

Specialized Care in Colon and Rectal Surgery

The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery was the first in Korea to surpass 13,000 laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgeries and 3,000 robotic colorectal cancer surgeries, leading the way in setting the standard for advanced minimally invasive surgery. In addition, we achieve high rates of anal preservation even in complex rectal cancer cases, providing specialized care that carefully considers patients’ quality of life after surgery. In the field of inflammatory bowel disease, we have performed over 2,500 surgeries, accounting for 30% to 40% of such procedures in Korea, making us the leading center with the most extensive experience in the country. We provide optimal surgical care for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and based on these outcomes, we have conducted and published research on new surgical techniques, leading advancements in the field.

Patient-Centered Care in Colon and Rectal Surgery

The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery actively implements specialized multidisciplinary care and has accumulated more than 10,000 integrated care cases to date. We work closely with related specialties, including Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, and Urology, to provide personalized treatment strategies optimized for each patient. Through specialized clinics such as the Rectal Cancer Clinic, Liver and Lung Metastasis Clinic, Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Clinic, and Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Clinic, we provide precise treatment tailored to each patient’s condition. We provide the highest level of care by employing a broad approach that ranges from minimally invasive surgery to multivisceral resection and the latest chemotherapy and immunotherapy, ensuring not only optimal surgical outcomes but also consideration of patients’ quality of life.

Leading Research for Optimal Care in Colon and Rectal Surgery

We believe that advances in diagnosis and treatment ultimately serve the best interests of our patients. The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery actively conducts both clinical and basic research, independently, in collaboration with other departments and divisions, and in partnership with leading research institutions in Korea and abroad. The division publishes more than 20 original research papers annually and, through collaborative studies with other departments and divisions and leading institutions in Korea and abroad, contributes over 15 high-quality papers each year to international journals, advancing the treatment of colorectal diseases. We strive to provide patients with a better future by ensuring accurate diagnosis and developing effective treatments, and we will continue to dedicate ourselves to delivering the highest level of care.

At the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Asan Medical Center, we will continue to provide patient-centered, world-class care and pioneer new horizons in the treatment of colorectal diseases.