Colon and Rectal Surgery

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 2024–2025 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.