How a colonoscopy found cancer and a rare hereditary condition
Ralph Peranich and his wife of 48 years, Barbara, were so impressed by the high quality of cancer care at Geisinger after Mr. Peranich, 68, was diagnosed with a cancerous colon polyp during a routine colonoscopy last year. Having had a good patient experience at Geisinger Wyoming Valley while being treated for a previous diagnosis of leukemia, the couple once again chose Geisinger.
They were referred to Bogdan Protyniak, MD, a colorectal surgeon at GWV, who removed a portion of Mr. Peranich’s colon using minimally invasive robotic surgery. Dr. Protyniak believes that the ability to perform minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgeries makes Geisinger the best choice for colorectal cancer care in the region.
“With robotic surgery, the entire procedure takes place inside the body, with no major incision required,” Dr. Protyniak said. “This approach minimizes trauma to tissues, avoids hernias and other complications, allows patients to regain bowel function more quickly and decreases the length of hospital stay.”
Through genetic testing, Dr. Protyniak also diagnosed Mr. Peranich with Lynch syndrome, a rare hereditary condition that makes him much more susceptible to developing other gastrointestinal cancers in addition to colon cancer. He is being monitored closely and will undergo annual screening.
“Dr. Protyniak is the most caring physician we’ve ever had,” said Ms. Peranich. “When he says he’s going to call, he calls. Thanks to Geisinger, you don’t have to leave northeastern Pennsylvania to get great care.”
