Dr. Thomas J. Polascik

I specialize in the surgical management of benign and malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract. Specifically trained in laparoscopic resection of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, I perform the full range of colorectal operations, including reconstructive operations, such as ileal pouches. My clinical, research, and administrative efforts are all focused on implementing perioperative care practices that ensure best patient outcomes. Bridging specialties to best care for GI surgery patients, I particularly enjoy combined cases. For instance, I regularly operate with the pediatric surgery team on younger patients with IBD or pelvic cancer. Until my exposure to surgery in medical school, I thought I wanted the patient-doctor relationship well-known to primary care. With experience, however, I realized this relationship was possible in the practice of surgery. Colorectal surgery allows me the privilege of long-term relationships with a great variety of patients; close relationships with my colleagues; and administrative positions that promote the best care. Dr. Marosky-Thacker is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Bladder Reconstruction. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Rectal Prolapse, Hernia Surgery, and Hemorrhoidectomy.

Karen Stitzenberg is a General Surgeon and a Surgical Oncologist in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Dr. Stitzenberg is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Bladder Reconstruction. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Melanoma, Bladder Reconstruction, and Hernia Surgery. Dr. Stitzenberg is currently accepting new patients.

I am a colorectal surgeon, which means that I am a surgeon of the abdomen. I treat patients with diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract, specifically with diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and also GI cancers, such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, and anal cancer. I try to engage with the patient as much as I can. I use as many visual things as possible, pictures or diagrams, to help explain conditions or treatments a little easier. The benefit of coming to Duke is that we have multiple specialties, so if a diagnosis is unclear to me, I have a team of colleagues who help me and patients can be comfortable knowing a team of specialists can help find a solution. Dr. Lan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Bladder Reconstruction. His top areas of expertise are Proctitis, Colorectal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Bladder Reconstruction, and Ureteroscopy.