Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand
https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1811174170&view=plain

Sartaj Sanghera, MD

Specialties

Surgical Oncology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Sartaj Sanghera, MD

Surgical Oncologist with Wellstar since 2013.

Specialties

Surgical Oncology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Surgical Oncologist with Wellstar since 2013
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly image of Sartaj Sartaj Sanghera, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About Sartaj Sanghera, MD

Dr. Sanghera completed his medical degree at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. He completed an internship and residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. as well as a research fellowship in molecular and cellular oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and a clinical fellowship in surgical oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y.

Board certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Sanghera is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Surgeons and Society of the Surgical Oncology. Dr. Sanghera is in practice with Wellstar Medical Group, Summit Surgical.

Specialties

  • Surgical Oncology

Education & Training

  • Kasturba Medical College - INDIA

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • Maimonides Medical Center

Fellowship

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Certifications

  • American Board of Surgery (Surgical Oncology)

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
  • Wellstar Douglas Hospital
  • Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
  • Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
  • Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Hindi
  • Punjabi

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.7

Based on 153 patient ratings

Treated me with courtesy and respect
Shared easy to understand information
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

The staff exhibited exceptional professionalism. Following a thorough review of my medical history with Dr. Collins, I appreciated the comprehensive attention given to all aspects. Consequently, the treatment plan developed by Dr. Sanghera was highly appropriate, reflecting a complete understanding of my overall presentation.

April 24, 2025

4

The waiting time, it was too long and my appointment was 10:15 and I was there at 10 and it was 11:30, I still was sitting outside. Finally, they called me, went inside and sat again inside for another 30 minutes. I did not appreciate that. That was the only thing. But the doctor was nice when he came. Thank you.

April 6, 2025

4

Since we have not had surgery I cannot respond. However the Dr made us feel very confident in the procedure he will be performing.

March 30, 2025

5

Front office group outstanding!! Doc Sanghera is the kind of guy you'd like to drink a beer with. Good guy!!

March 23, 2025

4

You need more. parking

March 23, 2025

4

Doctor didn't clearly point out to me abdominal lesions and kept switching imaging screens

March 22, 2025

5

Great experience.

March 16, 2025

5

Good

March 9, 2025

5

Great team!

March 7, 2025

5

keep up the good & GODs work cheers

February 19, 2025

5

Very good experience

February 9, 2025

5

very satisfied

December 9, 2024

5

Thorough review of my case noting all relevant factors affecting my course of treatment. Awaiting results of next test to determine next steps. Very honest and succint in explaining everything.

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone in this office was so nice. I was very impressed with Dr. Sanghera, who explained everything very well to me and made me feel at ease.

December 6, 2024

5

We were totally satisfied with our visit.

November 15, 2024

5

It was good

November 12, 2024

5

We found the staff from the front desk through the check-in process, the nurses and Dr. Sanghera to be top quality and very reassuring. I would recommend them to anybody.

November 6, 2024

5

Excellent care Zero complaints

November 3, 2024

5

I trust this doctor completely. He is great.

October 28, 2024

5

I literally cannot recommend them enough. A billion stars doesn't cover how we feel about these doctors.

October 25, 2024

5

Very satisfied with the information and everyone was really professional and caring

September 27, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is very knowledgeable and takes his time to explain things to you. He pulled up my mri and showed and explained it to me. Answered all my questions.

September 15, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is one of the best Oncology surgeon specializing in Whipple surgery. He always treats me with empathy and patiently listens and answers all my questions and concerns. His staff is wonderful and always very helpful, courteous and amiable. Their office is also kept very clean.

August 31, 2024

4

The wait time was unacceptable. Our conversation took less than 10 minutes and I waited for more than an hour online for the Dr to arrive.

August 24, 2024

5

Dr. Sanghera takes the time to explain what is going on with your health and always has a plan of action. He also tells you the process completely and addresses any concerns.

August 17, 2024

4

Dr was very polite and courteous. Explained the oncology procedures to the point that I felt that I knew what was coming down the road! ALL the nurses were extremely polite, helpful and courteous

August 15, 2024

5

It is always good. The Doctor is always very helpful.

July 21, 2024

5

Efficient practice. I was seen promptly and had a good discussion with the surgeon about upcoming surgery and preop testing. Well done!

July 12, 2024

5

Everyone was extremely kind & considerate. I am new to this cancer thing and they were very understanding.

June 30, 2024

5

I appreciate the research and how the explanation of My problems

June 28, 2024

5

The staff exhibited exceptional professionalism. Following a thorough review of my medical history with Dr. Collins, I appreciated the comprehensive attention given to all aspects. Consequently, the treatment plan developed by Dr. Sanghera was highly appropriate, reflecting a complete understanding of my overall presentation.

April 24, 2025

5

Front office group outstanding!! Doc Sanghera is the kind of guy you'd like to drink a beer with. Good guy!!

March 23, 2025

5

Great experience.

March 16, 2025

5

Good

March 9, 2025

5

Great team!

March 7, 2025

5

keep up the good & GODs work cheers

February 19, 2025

5

Very good experience

February 9, 2025

5

very satisfied

December 9, 2024

5

Thorough review of my case noting all relevant factors affecting my course of treatment. Awaiting results of next test to determine next steps. Very honest and succint in explaining everything.

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone in this office was so nice. I was very impressed with Dr. Sanghera, who explained everything very well to me and made me feel at ease.

December 6, 2024

5

We were totally satisfied with our visit.

November 15, 2024

5

It was good

November 12, 2024

5

We found the staff from the front desk through the check-in process, the nurses and Dr. Sanghera to be top quality and very reassuring. I would recommend them to anybody.

November 6, 2024

5

Excellent care Zero complaints

November 3, 2024

5

I trust this doctor completely. He is great.

October 28, 2024

5

I literally cannot recommend them enough. A billion stars doesn't cover how we feel about these doctors.

October 25, 2024

5

Very satisfied with the information and everyone was really professional and caring

September 27, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is very knowledgeable and takes his time to explain things to you. He pulled up my mri and showed and explained it to me. Answered all my questions.

September 15, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is one of the best Oncology surgeon specializing in Whipple surgery. He always treats me with empathy and patiently listens and answers all my questions and concerns. His staff is wonderful and always very helpful, courteous and amiable. Their office is also kept very clean.

August 31, 2024

5

Dr. Sanghera takes the time to explain what is going on with your health and always has a plan of action. He also tells you the process completely and addresses any concerns.

August 17, 2024

5

It is always good. The Doctor is always very helpful.

July 21, 2024

5

Efficient practice. I was seen promptly and had a good discussion with the surgeon about upcoming surgery and preop testing. Well done!

July 12, 2024

5

Everyone was extremely kind & considerate. I am new to this cancer thing and they were very understanding.

June 30, 2024

5

I appreciate the research and how the explanation of My problems

June 28, 2024

4

The waiting time, it was too long and my appointment was 10:15 and I was there at 10 and it was 11:30, I still was sitting outside. Finally, they called me, went inside and sat again inside for another 30 minutes. I did not appreciate that. That was the only thing. But the doctor was nice when he came. Thank you.

April 6, 2025

4

Since we have not had surgery I cannot respond. However the Dr made us feel very confident in the procedure he will be performing.

March 30, 2025

4

You need more. parking

March 23, 2025

4

Doctor didn't clearly point out to me abdominal lesions and kept switching imaging screens

March 22, 2025

4

The wait time was unacceptable. Our conversation took less than 10 minutes and I waited for more than an hour online for the Dr to arrive.

August 24, 2024

4

Dr was very polite and courteous. Explained the oncology procedures to the point that I felt that I knew what was coming down the road! ALL the nurses were extremely polite, helpful and courteous

August 15, 2024

4

The waiting time, it was too long and my appointment was 10:15 and I was there at 10 and it was 11:30, I still was sitting outside. Finally, they called me, went inside and sat again inside for another 30 minutes. I did not appreciate that. That was the only thing. But the doctor was nice when he came. Thank you.

April 6, 2025

4

Since we have not had surgery I cannot respond. However the Dr made us feel very confident in the procedure he will be performing.

March 30, 2025

4

You need more. parking

March 23, 2025

4

Doctor didn't clearly point out to me abdominal lesions and kept switching imaging screens

March 22, 2025

4

The wait time was unacceptable. Our conversation took less than 10 minutes and I waited for more than an hour online for the Dr to arrive.

August 24, 2024

4

Dr was very polite and courteous. Explained the oncology procedures to the point that I felt that I knew what was coming down the road! ALL the nurses were extremely polite, helpful and courteous

August 15, 2024

5

The staff exhibited exceptional professionalism. Following a thorough review of my medical history with Dr. Collins, I appreciated the comprehensive attention given to all aspects. Consequently, the treatment plan developed by Dr. Sanghera was highly appropriate, reflecting a complete understanding of my overall presentation.

April 24, 2025

5

Front office group outstanding!! Doc Sanghera is the kind of guy you'd like to drink a beer with. Good guy!!

March 23, 2025

5

Great experience.

March 16, 2025

5

Good

March 9, 2025

5

Great team!

March 7, 2025

5

keep up the good & GODs work cheers

February 19, 2025

5

Very good experience

February 9, 2025

5

very satisfied

December 9, 2024

5

Thorough review of my case noting all relevant factors affecting my course of treatment. Awaiting results of next test to determine next steps. Very honest and succint in explaining everything.

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone in this office was so nice. I was very impressed with Dr. Sanghera, who explained everything very well to me and made me feel at ease.

December 6, 2024

5

We were totally satisfied with our visit.

November 15, 2024

5

It was good

November 12, 2024

5

We found the staff from the front desk through the check-in process, the nurses and Dr. Sanghera to be top quality and very reassuring. I would recommend them to anybody.

November 6, 2024

5

Excellent care Zero complaints

November 3, 2024

5

I trust this doctor completely. He is great.

October 28, 2024

5

I literally cannot recommend them enough. A billion stars doesn't cover how we feel about these doctors.

October 25, 2024

5

Very satisfied with the information and everyone was really professional and caring

September 27, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is very knowledgeable and takes his time to explain things to you. He pulled up my mri and showed and explained it to me. Answered all my questions.

September 15, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is one of the best Oncology surgeon specializing in Whipple surgery. He always treats me with empathy and patiently listens and answers all my questions and concerns. His staff is wonderful and always very helpful, courteous and amiable. Their office is also kept very clean.

August 31, 2024

5

Dr. Sanghera takes the time to explain what is going on with your health and always has a plan of action. He also tells you the process completely and addresses any concerns.

August 17, 2024

5

It is always good. The Doctor is always very helpful.

July 21, 2024

5

Efficient practice. I was seen promptly and had a good discussion with the surgeon about upcoming surgery and preop testing. Well done!

July 12, 2024

5

Everyone was extremely kind & considerate. I am new to this cancer thing and they were very understanding.

June 30, 2024

5

I appreciate the research and how the explanation of My problems

June 28, 2024

5

The staff exhibited exceptional professionalism. Following a thorough review of my medical history with Dr. Collins, I appreciated the comprehensive attention given to all aspects. Consequently, the treatment plan developed by Dr. Sanghera was highly appropriate, reflecting a complete understanding of my overall presentation.

April 24, 2025

4

The waiting time, it was too long and my appointment was 10:15 and I was there at 10 and it was 11:30, I still was sitting outside. Finally, they called me, went inside and sat again inside for another 30 minutes. I did not appreciate that. That was the only thing. But the doctor was nice when he came. Thank you.

April 6, 2025

4

Since we have not had surgery I cannot respond. However the Dr made us feel very confident in the procedure he will be performing.

March 30, 2025

5

Front office group outstanding!! Doc Sanghera is the kind of guy you'd like to drink a beer with. Good guy!!

March 23, 2025

4

You need more. parking

March 23, 2025

4

Doctor didn't clearly point out to me abdominal lesions and kept switching imaging screens

March 22, 2025

5

Great experience.

March 16, 2025

5

Good

March 9, 2025

5

Great team!

March 7, 2025

5

keep up the good & GODs work cheers

February 19, 2025

5

Very good experience

February 9, 2025

5

very satisfied

December 9, 2024

5

Thorough review of my case noting all relevant factors affecting my course of treatment. Awaiting results of next test to determine next steps. Very honest and succint in explaining everything.

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone in this office was so nice. I was very impressed with Dr. Sanghera, who explained everything very well to me and made me feel at ease.

December 6, 2024

5

We were totally satisfied with our visit.

November 15, 2024

5

It was good

November 12, 2024

5

We found the staff from the front desk through the check-in process, the nurses and Dr. Sanghera to be top quality and very reassuring. I would recommend them to anybody.

November 6, 2024

5

Excellent care Zero complaints

November 3, 2024

5

I trust this doctor completely. He is great.

October 28, 2024

5

I literally cannot recommend them enough. A billion stars doesn't cover how we feel about these doctors.

October 25, 2024

5

Very satisfied with the information and everyone was really professional and caring

September 27, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is very knowledgeable and takes his time to explain things to you. He pulled up my mri and showed and explained it to me. Answered all my questions.

September 15, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is one of the best Oncology surgeon specializing in Whipple surgery. He always treats me with empathy and patiently listens and answers all my questions and concerns. His staff is wonderful and always very helpful, courteous and amiable. Their office is also kept very clean.

August 31, 2024

4

The wait time was unacceptable. Our conversation took less than 10 minutes and I waited for more than an hour online for the Dr to arrive.

August 24, 2024

5

Dr. Sanghera takes the time to explain what is going on with your health and always has a plan of action. He also tells you the process completely and addresses any concerns.

August 17, 2024

4

Dr was very polite and courteous. Explained the oncology procedures to the point that I felt that I knew what was coming down the road! ALL the nurses were extremely polite, helpful and courteous

August 15, 2024

5

It is always good. The Doctor is always very helpful.

July 21, 2024

5

Efficient practice. I was seen promptly and had a good discussion with the surgeon about upcoming surgery and preop testing. Well done!

July 12, 2024

5

Everyone was extremely kind & considerate. I am new to this cancer thing and they were very understanding.

June 30, 2024

5

I appreciate the research and how the explanation of My problems

June 28, 2024

5

I appreciate the research and how the explanation of My problems

June 28, 2024

5

Everyone was extremely kind & considerate. I am new to this cancer thing and they were very understanding.

June 30, 2024

5

Efficient practice. I was seen promptly and had a good discussion with the surgeon about upcoming surgery and preop testing. Well done!

July 12, 2024

5

It is always good. The Doctor is always very helpful.

July 21, 2024

4

Dr was very polite and courteous. Explained the oncology procedures to the point that I felt that I knew what was coming down the road! ALL the nurses were extremely polite, helpful and courteous

August 15, 2024

5

Dr. Sanghera takes the time to explain what is going on with your health and always has a plan of action. He also tells you the process completely and addresses any concerns.

August 17, 2024

4

The wait time was unacceptable. Our conversation took less than 10 minutes and I waited for more than an hour online for the Dr to arrive.

August 24, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is one of the best Oncology surgeon specializing in Whipple surgery. He always treats me with empathy and patiently listens and answers all my questions and concerns. His staff is wonderful and always very helpful, courteous and amiable. Their office is also kept very clean.

August 31, 2024

5

Dr Sanghera is very knowledgeable and takes his time to explain things to you. He pulled up my mri and showed and explained it to me. Answered all my questions.

September 15, 2024

5

Very satisfied with the information and everyone was really professional and caring

September 27, 2024

5

I literally cannot recommend them enough. A billion stars doesn't cover how we feel about these doctors.

October 25, 2024

5

I trust this doctor completely. He is great.

October 28, 2024

5

Excellent care Zero complaints

November 3, 2024

5

We found the staff from the front desk through the check-in process, the nurses and Dr. Sanghera to be top quality and very reassuring. I would recommend them to anybody.

November 6, 2024

5

It was good

November 12, 2024

5

We were totally satisfied with our visit.

November 15, 2024

5

Everyone in this office was so nice. I was very impressed with Dr. Sanghera, who explained everything very well to me and made me feel at ease.

December 6, 2024

5

Thorough review of my case noting all relevant factors affecting my course of treatment. Awaiting results of next test to determine next steps. Very honest and succint in explaining everything.

December 7, 2024

5

very satisfied

December 9, 2024

5

Very good experience

February 9, 2025

5

keep up the good & GODs work cheers

February 19, 2025

5

Great team!

March 7, 2025

5

Good

March 9, 2025

5

Great experience.

March 16, 2025

4

Doctor didn't clearly point out to me abdominal lesions and kept switching imaging screens

March 22, 2025

4

You need more. parking

March 23, 2025

5

Front office group outstanding!! Doc Sanghera is the kind of guy you'd like to drink a beer with. Good guy!!

March 23, 2025

4

Since we have not had surgery I cannot respond. However the Dr made us feel very confident in the procedure he will be performing.

March 30, 2025

4

The waiting time, it was too long and my appointment was 10:15 and I was there at 10 and it was 11:30, I still was sitting outside. Finally, they called me, went inside and sat again inside for another 30 minutes. I did not appreciate that. That was the only thing. But the doctor was nice when he came. Thank you.

April 6, 2025

5

The staff exhibited exceptional professionalism. Following a thorough review of my medical history with Dr. Collins, I appreciated the comprehensive attention given to all aspects. Consequently, the treatment plan developed by Dr. Sanghera was highly appropriate, reflecting a complete understanding of my overall presentation.

April 24, 2025

Publications and Articles

Illustration of provider looking at colon with magnifying glass

Wellstar Offers Advanced Colorectal Cancer Care Close to Home

When a Wellstar patient is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, their multidisciplinary care team works with them to create a personalized care plan with advanced treatment available at every step. 

Support from the start

Patients are surrounded by a team of experts from the very beginning of their cancer care. To better prepare patients for treatment, Wellstar offers a “pre-hab” program with support services to care for patients’ overall well-being.

“Patients often ask what they can eat or do to prepare for treatment, and we want them to feel empowered,” said Wellstar Surgical Oncologist Dr. Sahir Shroff.

Patients can meet with team members including dietitians, physical therapists or behavioral healthcare providers so they feel their best both physically and mentally.

Learn more about cancer support services. 

Innovative care options

Robotic surgeries provide patients with benefits like less recovery pain, less blood loss, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, or for some outpatient procedures, no hospital stay at all. That means patients can start living cancer-free sooner and get back to their routines and the activities they enjoy. 

About 85% of colorectal cancer surgeries at Wellstar are now robotic procedures, according to Wellstar Surgical Oncologist Dr. Sartaj Sanghera. 

“Robotic surgery has really provided us the tools as far as the instruments and vision so that a larger cohort of surgeons in general, colorectal surgeons and surgical oncologists have been able to adopt the technology,” Dr. Sanghera said.

Patients with smaller, early-stage tumors may be candidates for transanal minimally invasive surgery, known as TAMIS. Rather than making an incision in the abdomen to remove a tumor, the surgeon is able to access the tumor through the anus.

“It is working through a natural orifice, through the anus. It’s not actually poking a hole in the belly,” Dr. Sanghera said. “It’s really minimally invasive.”

TAMIS is usually offered as an outpatient surgery with no hospital stay. It has been especially helpful in treating patients who may be at higher risk with traditional surgery due to their age or other health conditions, Dr. Sanghera noted.

Clinicians also adapt treatment methods based on the location of the cancer, according to Dr. Shroff. For example, if one spot is near a blood vessel, the care team may opt to use radiation rather than surgery to prevent blood loss.

New approach to treatment improves outcomes

The colorectal cancer experts at Wellstar have adopted a relatively new approach to treatment called total neoadjuvant therapy, or TNT, which makes surgery the last step in the cancer treatment process. Patients receive chemotherapy and radiation first, then finish treatment with surgery.

“Recognizing that rectal cancer is a systemic disease, with risks of spreading to other parts of the body, we have evolved in our management of rectal cancer, offering an operation as the last step in the treatment process,” Dr. Shroff said.

Wellstar has seen positive results with this technique.

“We have adopted that approach for nearly all patients now,” said Wellstar Hematologist and Oncologist Dr. John French. “We are seeing that if you do that approach, it’s safe, more patients are able to complete all the therapy lines, and we are noticing an increase in pathologic complete response rates.”

Pathologic complete response describes the absence of any detectable cancer cells in a tissue sample following a particular treatment. It refers to the absence of cancer cells in the area of the body where the tumor was originally located, as well as anywhere the cancer may have spread.

Nonoperative care

Some patients at Wellstar don’t require surgery at all.

“There have been recent studies of a subgroup of patients who are treated pre-surgery through chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation and they are seeing great responses,” Dr. Shroff said.

The care team continues to monitor these patients for any signs of cancer.

“We're excited to offer this different pathway for patients,” Dr. Shroff said.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is based on the concept that a patient’s own immune system can fight their cancer.

When given, immunotherapy drugs wake up the patient’s own immune system to recognize and fight the cancer. People with colorectal cancer are screened for four proteins that help with DNA repair. If these proteins are missing or mutated, the patient is more likely to respond to immunotherapy.

While immunotherapy has been groundbreaking in the treatment of stage 4 colorectal cancer, only about 15% of patients are found to be eligible for the treatment based on their protein screenings, Dr. French noted. 

If you are interested in immunotherapy, ask your clinician about your care options.

Top-of-the-line rectal cancer care

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons.

To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal cancer center must demonstrate compliance with the NAPRC standards that address program management, clinical services and quality improvement for patients. Centers are required to establish a multidisciplinary rectal cancer team that includes clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.

Learn more about colorectal cancer care at Wellstar.

Continue reading this article
Frank and Llen Ryan in their living room.

Frank&LlenCare

When you first glance at Frank and Ellenora "Llen" Ryan, the word "fighter" likely isn't the top quality that pops into mind.

Between the two of them, they have defeated cancer twice, overcome debilitating spine pain and triumphed over a cardiology episode. Now, they’re fighting Parkinson’s disease with the same energy, confidence and heart.

Continue reading this article
Sartaj Sanghera, MD
Surgical Oncologist with Wellstar since 2013
Rating
4.7
Specialties
Surgical Oncology
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
Kasturba Medical College - INDIA
Residency
Maimonides Medical Center
Fellowship
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Certifications
American Board of Surgery (Surgical Oncology)
Spoken Languages
English, Hindi and Punjabi
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/sartaj-sanghera-md
Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about our internet privacy policy.