Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD provides patient-focused rectal cancer surgery in South Florida, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive rectal surgery for patients across Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Broward County, and nearby communities.
As a Board-Certified General Surgeon and fellowship-trained surgeon in minimally invasive and robotic colon and rectal surgery, Dr. Bhatt helps patients understand their diagnosis, review treatment options, and plan the safest next step include robotic rectal cancer surgery, laparoscopic rectal resection, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, abdominoperineal resection, or open surgery based on tumor location, imaging, pathology, and overall health.

Rectal Cancer Surgery - Book Appointment
Tell us briefly about your diagnosis, or prior treatment. Our team will contact you to schedule your visit with Dr. Bhatt.
PERSONALIZED RECTAL CANCER CARE
Rectal cancer treatment should be individualized. Dr. Bhatt personally reviews each patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, tumor location, MRI or CT findings, biopsy results, and overall health before recommending surgery or coordinating additional cancer treatment.
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Diagnosis Review: Colonoscopy, biopsy, pathology, MRI, CT scan, and lab results.
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Treatment Planning: Surgical timing, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combined treatment when appropriate.
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Surgical Options: Robotic, laparoscopic, transanal, sphincter-preserving, or open surgery depending on the case.
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Recovery Planning: Bowel function, possible ostomy, hospital stay, activity, and follow-up care are reviewed before surgery.
Rectal Cancer Surgery - Book Appointment
Tell us briefly about your diagnosis, or prior treatment. Our team will contact you to schedule your visit with Dr. Bhatt.
Rectal cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage, tumor location, distance from the anal sphincter muscles, MRI and CT findings, biopsy results, lymph node status, prior treatment, and overall health. Some patients need chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, or a combination of treatments.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD provides surgical evaluation for rectal cancer treatment in South Florida and helps patients understand whether robotic rectal cancer surgery, minimally invasive rectal surgery, sphincter-preserving surgery, transanal surgery, ostomy creation, or open surgery may be appropriate.

Robotic rectal cancer surgery may be used for selected patients when a minimally invasive approach is safe. The robotic platform provides magnified 3D visualization and precise instrument movement, which can be helpful in the narrow pelvis.
Best for: Patients searching for robotic rectal cancer surgeon near me or Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery in South Florida.

Sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery is planned when the tumor location, margins, anatomy, and cancer stage allow safe removal without removing the anal sphincter muscles.
Best for: Patients asking whether a permanent colostomy can be avoided.

Low anterior resection is a rectal cancer surgery used when the cancer can be removed while preserving the anal sphincter muscles. The diseased rectum is removed, and the bowel may be reconnected when safe.
Best for: Selected upper or mid-rectal cancers where sphincter preservation is safe.

TAMIS uses specialized instruments through the anus to remove selected early rectal tumors or polyps. It may also be performed with robotic assistance in carefully selected cases.
Best for: Selected early-stage rectal cancers or advanced rectal polyps when local excision is appropriate.
180+ Google 5-Star Reviews
Fellowship-Trained in Minimally Invasive rectal surgery
Board-Certified General Surgeon


Posted on Google Easton OlsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Undergoing robotic minimally invasive surgery with Dr. Bhatt was a game-changer. The procedure was precise, and recovery was quicker than expected. Her expertise in using the latest technology ensured excellent outcomes.Posted on Google Quincy HunterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Bhatt’s expertise in colorectal care is exceptional. She handled my rectal cancer surgery with precision, compassion, and excellent patient care.Posted on Google sashaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For Crohn’s disease surgery, Dr. Bhatt is exceptional. She combines precision, compassionate care, and expert communication for excellent results.Posted on Google Jefri Dwi ajiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tetap konsistenPosted on Google jovin adriantsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had robotic minimally invasive colectomy surgery with Dr. Bhatt. The procedure was smooth, my recovery quick, and her care was compassionate and detailed.Posted on Google Zion RobertsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Bhatt’s expertise in colon cancer screening and treatment is impressive. The staff was professional, and my procedure was smooth with full recovery. Truly a top colorectal surgeon.Posted on Google Bram PersaudTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best colorectal surgeonPosted on Google Davion NapierTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m so grateful to Dr. Bhatt for her compassionate care. She guided me through my Severe constipation treatment with clear explanations and answered every question. Scheduling appointments was easy, and her professional staff made the entire process smooth and reassuring.Posted on Google sandy mendezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful doctor. So nice and easy to speak to.Posted on Google Elirose AmbroiseTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Astha Bhatt is an incredible doctor who really values and treats her patients well. Dr. Bhatt and her staff are also very welcoming and kind to everyone who walks into the office. Overall, Dr. Bhatt is an incredible surgeon and if anyone is looking for a colorectal surgeon, this is the place to go.
Dr. Astha Bhatt is an amazing colorectal surgeon who provides excellent care for hemorrhoids and diverticulitis. She explains every treatment option clearly, whether it’s office-based procedures like rubber band ligation or surgical options when needed.
— Roxana
Dr. Bhatt is a great physician and expert diverticulitis surgeon. Her training, knowledge and skills are first class. But I believe what sets her apart is her empathy and conversation skills. She listens to you so that you feel you’ve been heard. One of the top expert in diverticulitis . Highly recommend and god bless her
— Usuario
I had the privilege of being treated by Dr. Astha Bhatt for Diverticulitis, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the very first consultation, Dr. Bhatt demonstrated an unparalleled level of expertise and compassion. She took the time to explain my condition thoroughly, including what Diverticulitis entails, the treatment options, and the lifestyle changes that could aid in my recovery.
— Buddy
RECTAL CANCER PATIENT GUIDE
Rectal cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. Dr. Bhatt helps patients understand the diagnosis, what tests are needed, when surgery is recommended, and how treatment is coordinated with other cancer specialists.
Educational video: Rectal Cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and surgery planning
Learn about rectal cancer diagnosis, staging, surgery options, robotic rectal cancer surgery, sphincter preservation, ostomy planning, and recovery.
If you were diagnosed with rectal cancer, told you may need rectal surgery, or want a second opinion, Dr. Bhatt can review your records and explain your options.
Physician-Led Rectal Cancer Care
Personalized evaluation, treatment, surgery, and follow-up.
Dr. Astha Bhatt provides individualized rectal cancer surgery evaluation and treatment planning for patients in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Coral Springs, Plantation, Weston, and surrounding South Florida communities.
She personally guides the surgical evaluation, reviews treatment options, coordinates care when oncology or radiation therapy is needed, and follows patients through recovery. Her training includes board certification in general surgery, fellowship training in minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery, and da Vinci robotic surgery experience.
Board-Certified Surgeon
Certified by the American Board of Surgery and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Fellowship-Trained
Advanced minimally invasive surgery fellowship with focus on robotic colon and rectal surgery.
Physician-Led Care
Evaluation, treatment planning, surgery, and follow-up are personally guided by Dr. Bhatt.
Clear review of diagnosis, imaging, biopsy, and cancer stage
Honest explanation of whether a colostomy or ileostomy may be needed
Discussion of robotic, laparoscopic, transanal, open, and sphincter-preserving options
Coordination with cancer specialists when chemotherapy or radiation therapy is part of care
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD provides rectal cancer surgery evaluation and treatment planning for patients across Broward County and South Florida. Patients searching for rectal cancer surgery near me, rectal cancer surgeon, Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County, or robotic rectal cancer surgeon near me can schedule a consultation to review diagnosis and treatment options.
Evaluation for rectal cancer diagnosis, second opinions, robotic surgery planning, and treatment coordination.
Convenient office access for patients needing rectal cancer treatment planning and surgical consultation.
Care coordination for patients near Broward Health North and nearby communities.
Robotic and minimally invasive rectal surgery consultation for selected patients.
Evaluation for rectal cancer, advanced polyps, ostomy planning, and surgical second opinions.
Second opinions and surgical planning for North Broward and South Palm Beach patients.
Timely evaluation can help patients understand the diagnosis, next steps, and whether additional treatment or surgery is needed.
You should schedule a rectal cancer surgery evaluation if you have been diagnosed with rectal cancer, have a rectal mass, or were told you may need surgery after colonoscopy, biopsy, MRI, or CT scan.
If you are searching for a rectal cancer surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, robotic rectal cancer surgery in South Florida, or Rectal Cancer Treatment in South Florida, Dr. Astha Bhatt can help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
Seek urgent medical care if you have severe rectal bleeding, worsening abdominal pain, vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, fever, weakness, or signs of bowel obstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are diagnosed with rectal cancer, you should see a rectal cancer surgeon experienced in evaluating tumors of the rectum and anus. Rectal cancer treatment often involves a team, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, pathology, and ostomy care when needed.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD provides rectal cancer surgery evaluation for patients across Broward County and South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Plantation, Davie, Weston, and surrounding areas. Patients searching for rectal cancer surgery near me, Rectal Cancer Doctor Fort Lauderdale, or a Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County can schedule a consultation to review their diagnosis and options.
As a board-certified general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon with focused training in robotic colon and rectal surgery, Dr. Bhatt reviews each patient’s imaging, biopsy results, tumor location, and overall health. Treatment may include robotic rectal cancer surgery, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, or abdominoperineal resection in Broward County when the cancer is very low or involves the sphincter muscles.
Rectal cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage, tumor location, MRI/CT findings, biopsy results, lymph node involvement, and overall health. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, chemoradiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or active surveillance in selected cases.
For some patients, surgery may involve robotic rectal cancer surgery, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, low anterior resection, or abdominoperineal resection in Broward County when the tumor is very low or involves the anal sphincter. Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD provides rectal cancer treatment evaluation in South Florida and helps patients understand the safest treatment option for their diagnosis.
As a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained robotic colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Bhatt offers treatment planning that may include robotic rectal cancer surgery, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, or abdominoperineal resection in Broward County when appropriate.
Yes. Robotic rectal cancer surgery in South Florida may be an option for selected patients with rectal cancer. This approach can help the surgeon work with enhanced visualization and precision in the deep pelvis, where rectal cancer surgery can be complex.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery with focused training in robotic colon and rectal surgery. She is also trained in the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which may be used for selected rectal cancer surgeries when it is medically appropriate.
Robotic rectal cancer surgery can be helpful in the deep pelvis because it allows enhanced visualization, precise dissection, and careful surgical planning around important nerves, blood vessels, and sphincter muscles. Dr. Bhatt evaluates each patient’s MRI findings, tumor location, cancer stage, biopsy results, anatomy, prior surgeries, and overall health before deciding whether robotic, laparoscopic, transanal, or open surgery is the safest option.
For patients searching for Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery in South Florida, robotic rectal cancer surgeon near me, rectal cancer surgeon, or Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County, Dr. Bhatt provides individualized, evidence-based rectal cancer treatment focused on safety, cancer control, bowel function, recovery, and quality of life.
Patients searching for a robotic rectal cancer surgeon near me, rectal cancer surgeon, Rectal Cancer Doctor Fort Lauderdale, or Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County can schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatt to understand whether robotic surgery is appropriate for their condition.
Sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery may be possible when the cancer can be removed completely with safe margins while preserving the anal sphincter muscles and bowel control. This depends on the tumor’s distance from the anus, MRI findings, cancer stage, response to chemotherapy or radiation, anatomy, and overall surgical safety. Low anterior resection or coloanal reconstruction may be options for selected patients.
This decision depends on several factors, including the tumor’s location, MRI findings, cancer stage, response to chemotherapy or radiation, and the patient’s anatomy and overall health. In some patients, options such as low anterior resection, coloanal reconstruction, or robotic rectal cancer surgery may help preserve the sphincter.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic colon and rectal surgery, including the da Vinci robotic system. For patients searching for robotic rectal cancer surgery in South Florida, rectal cancer surgeon near me, or Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County, Dr. Bhatt carefully evaluates whether sphincter preservation is safe. If the tumor is very low or involves the sphincter muscles, abdominoperineal resection in Broward County may be recommended to provide appropriate cancer treatment.
Same-week and timely appointments may be available depending on urgency and schedule. Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD provides rectal cancer treatment in South Florida and evaluates patients searching for rectal cancer surgery near me, Rectal Cancer Doctor Fort Lauderdale, or a Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County.
To request an appointment, call (954) 388-0860, email [email protected], or click Book Appointment for instant appointment scheduling. For urgent rectal cancer concerns, please call the office directly so the team can help guide the next step.
If you have a new rectal cancer diagnosis, abnormal biopsy, rectal mass, rectal bleeding, concerning MRI or CT findings, or symptoms such as worsening pain, bowel blockage, or difficulty passing stool, it is important to schedule a rectal cancer surgery evaluation as soon as possible.
Choosing the right rectal cancer surgeon is important because rectal cancer treatment often requires careful planning, cancer staging, surgical precision, and coordination with oncology specialists. Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD is a Board-Certified General Surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic colon and rectal surgery, including training with the da Vinci robotic system.
Dr. Bhatt has more than 15 years of medical and surgical experience, has personally performed more than 2,000 colorectal surgeries, and has treated more than 8,000 patients. She personally reviews each patient’s colonoscopy, biopsy, MRI or CT scan, tumor location, cancer stage, treatment options, and recovery plan.
Patients searching for a Rectal Cancer Doctor in Fort Lauderdale, Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County, robotic rectal cancer surgeon near me, or Rectal Cancer Treatment in South Florida can schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatt for clear, physician-led guidance. Treatment options may include robotic rectal cancer surgery, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, or abdominoperineal resection in Broward County when medically appropriate.
Abdominoperineal resection, also called APR, may be recommended when rectal cancer is located very low in the rectum, is close to or involves the anal sphincter muscles, or cannot be safely removed while preserving bowel control. During APR, the rectum, anus, and surrounding tissue are removed, and a permanent colostomy is created so stool can leave the body through an opening in the abdomen. The National Cancer Institute describes APR as an option for patients who are not candidates for sphincter-preserving surgery, with a permanent end colostomy after surgery.
Dr. Astha Bhatt carefully evaluates each patient’s cancer location, imaging, biopsy results, overall health, prior treatment, and quality-of-life goals before recommending surgery. As a board-certified general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon with focused training in robotic colon and rectal surgery, Dr. Bhatt provides individualized rectal cancer surgery planning for patients in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Plantation, Davie, Weston, and surrounding South Florida communities.
Patients searching for abdominoperineal resection in Broward County, APR surgery for low rectal cancer, or a rectal cancer surgeon in South Florida can schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatt to review whether APR, sphincter-preserving surgery, robotic rectal cancer surgery, or coordinated care with oncology and radiation specialists is the safest and most appropriate treatment option.
Not every patient needs a colostomy after rectal cancer surgery. Some patients may not need an ostomy at all, some may need a temporary ileostomy while the bowel connection heals, and others may need a permanent colostomy if the cancer is very low or involves the anal sphincter muscles.
The need for an ostomy depends on the tumor location, MRI findings, cancer stage, response to chemotherapy or radiation, and the type of surgery required. For selected patients, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery may be possible. If the tumor is too close to the anus or cannot be safely removed while preserving bowel control, abdominoperineal resection in Broward County may be recommended, which requires a permanent colostomy.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic colon and rectal surgery, including da Vinci robotic surgery. She explains ostomy options clearly before surgery and helps patients understand what to expect with recovery, bowel function, and daily life after rectal cancer treatment. Patients searching for rectal cancer surgery near me, Rectal Cancer Treatment in South Florida, or a Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County can schedule a consultation to review their options.
For selected patients, robotic rectal cancer surgery may offer important advantages during surgery in the deep pelvis, where the rectum is close to the bladder, nerves, blood vessels, and anal sphincter muscles. The robotic platform can provide enhanced 3D visualization, improved instrument movement, and greater precision during pelvic dissection.
Robotic surgery may help the surgeon operate with steadier wristed instruments, high-definition 3D vision, and improved access in the narrow pelvic space where rectal cancer surgery is often technically difficult. For selected patients, this may support more precise tissue handling, smaller incisions, less wound-related pain, lower risk of large-incision complications, and a smoother early recovery while still prioritizing complete cancer removal and safe margins.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic colon and rectal surgery, including training with the da Vinci robotic system. With more than 15 years of medical and surgical experience and over 2,000 colorectal surgeries performed, Dr. Bhatt carefully reviews each patient’s MRI findings, biopsy results, tumor location, cancer stage, anatomy, and overall health to determine whether Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery in South Florida, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, or abdominoperineal resection in Broward County is the safest treatment option.
Open surgery, emergency surgery, severe infection, or surgery involving a colostomy may require a longer recovery. Dr. Bhatt provides individualized recovery instructions based on the operation performed and the patient’s medical condition.
For your rectal cancer surgery appointment, please bring any records that help explain your diagnosis and prior treatment. This may include your colonoscopy report, biopsy or pathology report, MRI pelvis report, CT scan report, PET scan if available, blood work, oncology notes, radiation treatment records, medication list, and prior surgery records. If you have imaging CDs or access to online imaging portals, please bring those as well.
Having these records helps Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD review your cancer stage, tumor location, treatment history, and surgical options more completely. During the visit, Dr. Bhatt will discuss your diagnosis in plain English and help you understand whether treatment may involve robotic rectal cancer surgery, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, or abdominoperineal resection in Broward County when medically appropriate.
Patients searching for rectal cancer surgery near me, Rectal Cancer Doctor Fort Lauderdale, or a Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County can schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatt for physician-led rectal cancer treatment planning in South Florida.
When searching for the best rectal cancer surgeon near me, look for a surgeon with advanced training in colon and rectal surgery, experience treating rectal cancer, robotic surgery expertise, hospital privileges, and the ability to coordinate care with medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, and pathology.
Rectal cancer surgery is complex because the rectum is located deep in the pelvis near important nerves, blood vessels, and sphincter muscles. A qualified rectal cancer surgeon should carefully review your biopsy, colonoscopy, MRI or CT scan, tumor location, cancer stage, and overall health before recommending surgery. Treatment options may include robotic rectal cancer surgery, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery, low anterior resection, or abdominoperineal resection in Broward County when needed.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD is a board-certified general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic colon and rectal surgery, including da Vinci robotic surgery. She has more than 15 years of medical and surgical experience, has personally performed more than 2,000 surgeries, and has treated more than 8,000 patients. Dr. Bhatt began practicing as a colorectal surgeon at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale and later served as Chief Colorectal Surgeon at Florida Medical Center.
Patients searching for a Rectal Cancer Doctor in Fort Lauderdale, Rectal Cancer Specialist in Broward County, Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery in South Florida, or rectal cancer surgery near me can schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatt to review their diagnosis, treatment options, and the safest surgical plan for their condition.
Still Have Questions About Rectal Cancer Surgery?
Private evaluation for rectal cancer diagnosis, treatment options, surgical planning, and second opinions.
Assessment for robotic, laparoscopic, transanal, or open rectal cancer surgery when medically appropriate.
Education and guidance for patients who may need a temporary ileostomy or permanent colostomy.
Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Davie, Coral Springs, Plantation, Sunrise, Weston, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and nearby areas.
Major insurance plans and self-pay options may be available for rectal cancer consultation, diagnostic evaluation, robotic rectal cancer surgery, laparoscopic rectal surgery, open rectal surgery, and ostomy-related care when medically appropriate. Coverage may vary by plan, diagnosis, procedure, and surgical facility.
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