Our Colon and Rectal Surgery Team is dedicated to delivering effective screenings and treatments. Our highly trained team utilizes the latest and most advanced methods for colon cancer screenings, ensuring the best care for our patients.
Colon cancer often begins as colon polyps. Screening colonoscopy can find and remove polyps and detect cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective.
Rectal cancer is the third most common cancer and treatment depends on stage. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Diverticular disease involves pouches in the colon that are often harmless but can lead to diverticulitis, bleeding, strictures, or fistulas. Treatment ranges from fiber and antibiotics to surgery for complicated or recurrent disease.
Discover causes, symptoms, and treatments for anal fissures. Learn about non-surgical and surgical options. Consult Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD, Colorectal Surgeon.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can cause bleeding, pain, itching, and prolapse. Treatment ranges from dietary changes and office procedures such as rubber band ligation to surgical hemorrhoidectomy for severe or recurrent hemorrhoids.
Anal abscess is a painful infection near the anus that may lead to a fistula, an abnormal tunnel causing drainage. Treatment usually involves surgical drainage or fistula repair to prevent recurrence.
Colorectal cancer screening detects precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer, improving prevention and survival. Most adults should begin screening at age 45 using stool tests or colonoscopy, with earlier or more frequent testing for high-risk individuals.
Rectal prolapse treatment depends on the type of prolapse, symptoms, bowel function, overall health, and prior surgery. In adults with symptomatic full-thickness rectal prolapse, surgery is generally the definitive treatment. Options include abdominal rectopexy and perineal procedures.
Constipation is common and often caused by diet, lifestyle, or medical conditions. Treatment includes fiber, fluids, medications, and rarely surgery for specific disorders.
Fecal incontinence is the unintended leakage of solid or liquid stool. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, medication, pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback, sacral nerve stimulation, or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition causing intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and systemic symptoms. Management involves medications, lifestyle modification, and sometimes surgery to control flares and prevent complications.
Rectal bleeding is the passage of blood from the anus and may result from hemorrhoids, fissures, polyps, inflammatory disease, or colorectal cancer. Prompt evaluation with examination and colonoscopy helps identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when pelvic muscles are weak or uncoordinated, leading to constipation, incontinence, or pelvic pressure. Diagnosis involves specialized testing, and most patients improve with pelvic floor therapy and biofeedback.
Rectal endometriosis occurs when uterine lining tissue grows into the rectum or colon, causing pelvic pain, bowel symptoms, and bleeding during menstruation. Treatment options include hormonal therapy and minimally invasive colorectal surgery depending on severity.
Anal skin tags, also called anal tags or perianal skin tags, are common skin folds around the anus. Learn causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and office-based removal options.
Emsella Chair Pelvic Floor Therapy Pelvic floor symptoms can affect daily comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Many patients also find these symptoms difficult to talk about, even when they are common and treatable. The Emsella Chair is a non-invasive pelvic floor therapy designed to help strengthen the muscles involved in bladder control, bowel control, and pelvic support. Treatment is performed in the office while you remain fully clothed. Dr. Aisha Akhtar, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Fountain Hills, evaluates and treats pelvic floor concerns, bowel control symptoms, anorectal conditions, and related colorectal problems.
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from sta... Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time. The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort. ”
“ I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was c... I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I. ”
“ Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific exp... Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met... Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you. ”
“ Everything was excellent, couldn't be better ”
“ Dr. Akhtar's demeanor immediately put me at ease. She explained my procedure completely and clearly. She gave me time to ask questions and express... Dr. Akhtar's demeanor immediately put me at ease. She explained my procedure completely and clearly. She gave me time to ask questions and express concerns. A very kind and thoughtful person. ”
“ Amazing skillful knowledgeable charming caring surgeon. The very best. ”
“ Dr Akhtar really to takes the time to listen to your concerns. Her staff is kind and helpful! ”
“ There are many "Doctors" but only a very few are "Healers". Dr. Akhtar surely is a healer. Her kindness, patience with me and her knowledge-filled... There are many "Doctors" but only a very few are "Healers". Dr. Akhtar surely is a healer. Her kindness, patience with me and her knowledge-filled compassion was and is my healing. ”
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