Surgeons in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic offer the latest in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. Surgeons see more than 11,000 patients each year at Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, making the practice among the largest in the world collectively. Surgeons work closely with colleagues in gastroenterology, oncology, radiation oncology, urology and other specialties to ensure that you receive comprehensive, innovative and supportive care.
Colon and rectal surgeons at Mayo Clinic have completed training in general surgery as well as advanced training in the treatment of colon and rectal problems. They treat hundreds of gastrointestinal conditions and have particular expertise in:
In addition, Mayo surgeons are skilled in specific techniques, including:
Mayo Clinic is one of the few institutions where surgeons from different specialties routinely remove tumors from different organs in the same operation (synchronous treatment). This approach combines two operations into one and streamlines treatment of people who have advanced tumors.
Research excellence
Mayo Clinic surgeons are active in research to find new and better ways of diagnosing and treating disease and in educating the next generation of surgeons. Mayo colon and rectal surgeons:
- Have authored hundreds of articles published in leading medical journals in the areas of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, rectal cancer, complex tumors, rare tumors, intraoperative radiation therapy and recurrent tumors, and benign conditions such as diverticulitis, motility problems and incontinence
- Receive National Health Institutes and other grants annually
- Define cutting-edge areas of investigation, including stem cell research, microbiome research and electronic health record-based informatics research
In 2009, a Mayo colorectal surgeon performed the first single-incision colectomy, in which the entire colon was removed through a single tiny incision around the navel.
In addition, Mayo colorectal surgeons:
- Pioneered the procedure to remove the diseased colon and rectum and reconnect the intestines to the anus (ileoanal anastomosis) so that a person can continue to eliminate wastes normally
- Specialize in nerve and sphincter-sparing procedures that preserve healthy tissue and normal function
- Are experienced in treating recurrent cancers with intraoperative radiation therapy
Patient experience
Mayo Clinic's colon and rectal surgeons bring together advanced care practices and organizational excellence to create a unique patient experience:
- Multisite practice. Mayo Clinic colon and rectal surgeons care for adults at all three campuses and for pediatric patients at Mayo's Minnesota campus. Adult patients can be seen at any of the three sites after their procedure.
- Comprehensive care. All the specialists, tests and procedures a patient needs are available at the same location, where integrated teams coordinate every step from start to finish.
- Outstanding outcomes. Colon and rectal surgery patients at Mayo Clinic experience excellent outcomes. The experience of Mayo Clinic physicians and the integrated team approach results in successes that compare favorably with national averages.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Colon and rectal surgeons work with a team of doctors trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Mayo Clinic offers several surgical services and procedures, including but not limited to those listed below. Not all services may be available at all locations. Please confirm when you call to request an appointment.
Enhanced recovery after surgery
The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach involves specific processes of care that help you recover as quickly as possible after surgery. It involves teamwork among surgeons, anesthesiologists and nursing staff to maintain and restore nutrition, activity and bowel function postoperatively.
ERAS elements include:
- Preoperative counseling
- Shortening the preoperative fast
- Pre-emptive pain control, including NSAIDs and nonopioid oral analgesics
- Minimizing IV fluids during hospitalization
- Avoidance of opioid pain medications
- Aggressive movement out of bed, including walking on the day of operation
- Faster initiation of diet
The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic has used ERAS since 2009. With its introduction, the division has noted shortened lengths of stay and increased patient satisfaction. Often patients can be discharged two or three days after a bowel resection. Applying ERAS requires a higher level of vigilance on the part of the operating team. Patients need to be counseled appropriately regarding the potential for issues that may arise after discharge. Older patients, people with multiple health concerns, and those undergoing extensive open surgery may need a longer duration of care.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Mayo Clinic colon and rectal surgeons have expertise in all types of colon and rectal problems. They work with a team of doctors trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Mayo Clinic provides management and services for several conditions, including but not limited to those listed below. Availability of the services may vary among Mayo locations. Please confirm when you call to request an appointment.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.
Find doctors and medical staff:
Mayo Clinic's colon and rectal surgery practice is consistently recognized by external organizations for providing outstanding patient care. These endorsements reinforce surgeons' commitment to providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.
Surgeons see more than 11,000 patients each year at Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, making the practice among the largest in the world collectively.
Mayo colorectal surgeons developed the procedure to remove the diseased colon and rectum and reconnect the intestines to the anus (ileoanal anastomosis) so that one can continue to eliminate wastes normally. In 2009, a Mayo colorectal surgeon performed the first single-incision colectomy, in which the entire colon was removed through a single tiny incision around the navel.
Mayo Clinic colon and rectal surgeons actively contribute to care and research in the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center ranks in the top tier of cancer centers for cancer research, treatment and education. Mayo specialists have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of every kind of cancer.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Mayo Clinic colon and rectal surgeons actively develop and refine procedures used to treat gastrointestinal conditions, including colon and rectal cancer. Mayo Clinic researchers continually study new diagnosis and treatment options for people with all types of conditions and conduct clinical trials.
Mayo Clinic colorectal surgeons are leaders in research on colon and rectal cancers, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and the application of minimally invasive surgery to treat colorectal diseases.
Colon and rectal surgeons primarily measure clinical outcomes related to disease-specific outcomes. By evaluating the safety and processes of care, Mayo Clinic surgeons have become leaders in defining multidisciplinary best practices.
Their work on complex pelvic tumors, laparoscopic cancer surgery, intraoperative radiation therapy, robotic and minimally invasive surgery, ileoanal pouch (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease has made them leaders in research on outcomes.
Among other accomplishments, Mayo Clinic colorectal surgeons:
- Pioneered the procedure to remove the diseased colon and rectum and reconnect the intestines to the anus (ileoanal anastomosis) so that one can continue to eliminate wastes normally
- Performed and reported on the first 100 laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
- Performed and reported on the largest series of multivisceral resections for cancer
- Performed and reported on the largest series of recurrent cancers
- Performed the first single-incision colectomy, which is the removal of the entire colon through a single small incision around the navel
- Specialize in developing nerve and sphincter-sparing procedures that preserve healthy tissue and normal function
- Creatively treat recurrent cancers with intraoperative radiation therapy
Mayo Clinic colon and rectal surgeons are developing new programs in microbiome research, young-onset cancers, stem cell research and natural language processing. These efforts will position Mayo surgeons to define new standards of care based on new technologies.
Publications
See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic physicians on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Colorectal research trainee positions
Read more about research trainee positions at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota.
Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced. See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
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Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.