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About Us

All of our physicians are fully trained in general surgery and have special fellowship training in the medical and surgical problems of the colon, rectum and anus.

Who We Are

The Colon & Rectal Clinic of Ft. Lauderdale

Our physicians are all board certified in colon and rectal surgery by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Our clinic specializes in minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery while placing an emphasis on enhanced recovery pathways. They have expertise in sphincter saving surgery for rectal cancer, ulcerative colotis and familial polyposis. We also offer screening for colorectal cancer and colonoscopy and treat complex anorectal disorders including incontinence, pelvic floor abnormalities, anal fistulas, hemorrhoids, genetic hereditary colon cancer syndromes, pain, itching and bleeding.

Most of the procedures we perform are conducted in the office or in an outpatient surgery setting. For patients requiring hospitalization, we are on staff at several hospitals.

Charles P. Lago Sr., MD, FACS, FASCRS

Board certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Board certified in General Surgery

Dr. Charles P. Lago Sr.  is a graduate of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.  He completed a surgical residency at the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo and a Fellowship in Colon Rectal Surgery at Orlando Regional Healthcare System.

Dr. Lago is a Diplomat of the American Board of General Surgery and a Diplomat of the American Board of Colon Rectal Surgery.  He also served as the Chief of Staff for Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, Florida and as Medical Director of Colon & Rectal Surgery at Coral Springs Medical Center. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at HCA Florida Westside Hospital and serves as Medical Director of Colon & Rectal Surgery.

Dr. Lago has published numerous articles on surgical procedures and complications and diseases commonly found in colon rectal surgical candidates.   As a result of his studies and publications, Dr. Lago is frequently a guest lecturer at many symposiums and to many community groups locally and nationally.

In addition to academic and medical pursuits, Dr. Lago was a board member for the American Cancer Society, The Broward County Medical Association and numerous other medical and civic groups.  Dr. Lago has sponsored the Cancer Society’s annual “Relay for Life” fund raiser and a proponent of colon cancer awareness.  Dr. Lago served or presently serves:

  • Associate Program Director, HCA East Florida Division Northwest Regional/Westside Regional Surgical Residency
  • Research Champion, HCA East Florida Division Northwest Regional/Westside Regional Surgical Residency
  • Chairman of Cancer Committee, Commission on Cancer, American College of Surgeons, HCA Florida Westside Hospital
  • President of Colon & Rectal Clinic of Ft. Lauderdale
  • Board of Trustees University Hospital
  • Florida State Chairman Colon Cancer Committee American Cancer Society
  • President of Coral Springs Surgery Center Board
  • Board of Trustees, Westside Regional Medical Center
  • Chief of Staff, Westside Regional Medical Center
  • Chairman Credentials Committee, Westside Regional Medical Center
  • Chairman Colo-Rectal Cancer Task Force Broward County American Cancer Society
  • Board of Directors Broward County Medical Association
  • Featured in 2002 edition of "Consumers Guide to Top Doctors" - A National Publication
  • Named Top Doctor in South Florida in Miami Metro Magazine
  • Medical Doctor Colorectal Surgery Program at Coral Springs Medical Center

Joseph P. Corallo, MD

Board certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Board certified in General Surgery

Dr. Joseph P. Corallo is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon with over 15 years of experience in advanced minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Corallo has been instrumental in developing and expanding robotic colorectal surgery programs across South Florida. As an international proctor for Intuitive Surgical, he trains and mentors surgeons worldwide in state-of-the-art robotic techniques and complex colorectal procedures.

Dr. Corallo earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ/New Jersey Medical School) in 2004, followed by a General Surgery Residency and Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the nation’s premier academic centers. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Throughout his career, Dr. Corallo has received numerous awards, authored peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters, and presented nationally on innovations in colorectal surgery. He serves in multiple leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at HCA Westside Medical Center and Vice Chief of Staff at Broward Health Coral Springs, where he oversees clinical quality, education, and program development.

Deeply committed to education and mentorship, Dr. Corallo directs surgical training programs at several hospitals and is actively involved in resident education, surgical simulation, and curriculum design. He frequently lectures at hospitals and community outreach programs on colorectal health, prevention, and treatment.

Dr. Corallo is widely regarded by his peers for his surgical precision, compassion, and leadership — advancing the future of minimally invasive surgery through innovation, education, and patient-centered care.

  • Vice Chief of Staff, Broward Health Coral Springs — 2022 – Present
  • Site Director, General Surgery Residency, HCA South Florida Westside — 2020 – Present
  • Director of Surgical Simulation, HCA South Florida Westside — 2020 – Present
  • Assistant Site Director, Broward Health General Surgery Residency — 2020 – Present
  • Core Teaching Faculty, General Surgery, HCA South Florida Westside — 2020 – Present
  • Core Teaching Faculty, General Surgery, Broward Health GS Residency — 2020 – Present
  • Treasurer, Broward Health Coral Springs — 2020 – 2022
  • Chief of Surgery, Broward Health Coral Springs — 2018 – 2020
  • Vice Chief of Surgery, Broward Health Coral Springs — 2016 – 2018
  • Chief of Staff, HCA Westside Medical Center — 2013 – 2025

Maria A. Rojas, MD

Board certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Board certified in General Surgery

Dr. Maria A. Rojas is a graduate of New York Medical College in Westchester, New York. She completed her surgical residency at the University of Illinois and a Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Cook County Health and Hospital Systems in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Rojas is a Diplomat of the American Board of General Surgery and a Diplomat of the American Board of Colon Rectal Surgery. Dr. Rojas focuses on treating patients with a wide range of pathologies including advanced anal and rectal diseases, colorectal cancer, pelvic floor dysfunction, and inflammatory bowel disease. She currently performs screening and diagnostic colonoscopies, robotic and laparoscopic surgery, and advanced anorectal procedures.

Dr. Rojas has published numerous articles on surgical procedures and complications and diseases commonly found in colon rectal surgical patients.

  • Cancer Committee, HCA Florida Westside Hospital
  • CME Committee, HCA Florida Westside Hospital
  • Colorectal Committee, HCA Florida Westside Hospital
  • Peer Review Committee, HCA Florida Westside Hospital
  • Faculty, General Surgery Residency, HCA Florida Westside Hospital

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The Colon and Rectal Clinic of Ft. Lauderdale specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus with an emphasis on the surgical management of colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). We also treat a range  of common conditions such as hemorrhoidal pain and bleeding, anal burning and irritation, as well as anal fissures. Our commitment is to deliver exceptional, compassionate care to every patient and our community. 

Information

Bennet Medical Plaza

Coral Springs Office

  • 2901 Coral Hills Drive, Suite 360 Coral Springs, FL 33065
  • 954-236-5444
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this Colon and Rectal Clinic of Ft. Lauderdale website should be relied upon only for the purposes of medical education. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a physician or clinician treating a particular patient. The appropriateness of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information herein provided due to the actual condition of that patient.
Please confirm all preparations for surgery with the office prior to taking any of them. Not all preparations are the same, some may differ from patient to patient.