This is a replacement/new beginning for a thread that used to be around for quite a long time. It is an unscientific, anecdotal list of surgeons that members of J-pouch.org have been very satisfied with. It is not alphabetical, nor is it arranged by geographical area; due to the nature of discussion boards, it would be impossible to maintain the list in that order anyway.

I am starting this list with the original "seed" postings that started the list many years ago. I tried to keep the list updated, but admit to falling behind near the end (of course, I didn't know it was the end, lol!)
My hope is that people will read through the list to see if their doctor is already on it, before adding a redundant listing. It is also my hope that people will add doctors that they have been very happy with, who are not already on the list, and that this list will get bumped to the top of the discussion area every once in awhile so that it doesn't get lost again!

If anyone sees doctors who are no longer in this specialty, or who have moved their practice, please send me a private message with the new information and I will edit the entry. Once this list goes to several pages (and I can tell you from past experience that it will), please list by page number any information that needs updating.

I hope that people with all types of continent diversions and ileostomy's find this list helpful!

Dave H


Is there a number 1 or group of top colorectal surgeons (for j-pouch) in America?
I remember when I had an amnio years ago, the doctor was actually known as "Mr. Amnio."
Is there a Mr. (or Ms.) J-Pouch?
Patchwork Girl


I, being a satisfied patient and thus very biased, would say Dr. Becker of the Boston

Medical Center. I think he is a pioneer in the field, a great surgeon and a good and kind

man.
Regina


Dr. Lee Smith, Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC. Bedside manner totally sucks but

the man works wonders with at knife.
chris5-oh


I think some of us are on the wrong coast based on your email address but I must (anyway)

highly recommend Dr. Donald B. Colvin who performs his magic at Inova Fairfax Hospital in

Fairfax, Va.
His office near the hospital is at 8316 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, Va. 22031 Suite 401
Tel:703-280-2841
He has another office, which is also where his ET nurse is, in Reston, Va.

http://www.fairfaxcolorectal.com/


These might be a good place to start for anyone looking to find a doctor or surgeon:

You can find doctors that are members of the CCFA (Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of

America) at:

http://www.ccfa.org/physician/?TMI=4

and this:

List of Colo-Rectal Surgeons: http://www.fascrs.org


Dave H


Eric Fonkalsrud at UCLA Medical Center.
310-825-6712. He has been my daughter's surgeon for 11 years now. I can't say enough good

things about him. He was voted surgeon of the year by the Chrons Colitis Foundation of

Southern California in either 1998, or 1999.
ConnieT


When I did my research for this surgery, I found that the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland

Clinic were rated among the top. I chose Cleveland because it was the closer of the 2. Dr.

Remzi and Dr. Fazio did the surgery and I have had very very remarkable results. Pretty

textbook recoveries, very little buttburn, and after 1 year, 2-3 bm's a day...and no urgency

feelings and no leakage.
Cindy B-N


I had my surgery done by Dr. Randy Crim at St. Paul in Dallas, he was trained at Cleveland

Clinic. He is very professional and I like his partners also.
Lucy


Dr. Karen Deveney at Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon did mine. What a

great lady. She has done well over 300 operations of this type. She usually gets the more

difficult cases when people have waited too long before having the operation done. (She does

a lot of cancer operations when she has very little to work with and some patients have

wasted away and too far gone before she gets them.)
Clint


I would have to say that Dr. Jeff Harnsberger, from the Dartmouth Hitch**** Clinic in

Manchester, NH is the best. I couldn't have found a nicer and more understanding surgeon.

--Samantha (Sammie)


My surgeon is my guardian angel. Dr. Jeffrey Milsom of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City

performs colectomies and J-pouch surgeries laparoscopically. I have no scars, just little

"scratches", and no complications. He is wonderful and is one of only a handful of surgeons

that performs these surgies this way in the world.
Zabelle


I used Dr. Ky who is Dr. Milsom's partner at Mt Sinai. Wonderful caring surgern. By the way

Dr. Milsom comes from the Cleveland Clinic.
Susan (AllyKat)


Hi-
My surgeon was Dr. Bruce Harms of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has performed over

500 pouches. He is a wonderful doctor who does excellent work.
I am not sure waht the magic number is. I would definitely err on the side of caution as

experience does play a role in many operative decisions (ie. what sort of pouch--s,w,J--to

make.)
Phil S


My surgeon was Dr. Harvey Sugerman at the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond. Great

staff, bedside manner, and especially his work!
Vicki


Hi! I live in Findlay, Ohio. I had step one of my surgery 3 weeks ago tomorrow. It was done

by Dr. Tracy Hull at the Cleveland Clinic. She has done more than 100 j-pouch surgeries and

spent one whole year doing only j-pouch surgeries. I had a very successful surgery, so far.

She was trained under Dr. Fazio at the Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland is well known as being

one of the best colo-rectal hospitals. Being in Columbus, I think it would be worth the

short trip to Cleveland to meet with a surgeon there. Email me if you have any questions.
hambo127@aol.com
Susan H.


The surgeon I had at MT Sinai hospital in NYC was Dr.Bauer. When I had my jpouch done, he

told me I was his 1,101 jpouch patient! I think that qualifies him as an expert! Have had no

problems, either...
Good luck,
Sharon


Dr. John Rombeau, University of Pennsylvania--absolutely the best of the best!!
Lisa Booth


Have to agree the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA is the way to go. I had Dr. Patricia

Roberts- perfect outcome. They have only single rooms. Also, the ET nurses, especially Donna

are a life-saver, couldn't have made it through without her!
Three of the colo-rectal surgeons there received the "Best of Boston" award.
Lauren


Sure I am biased but my Doc was and is fantastic. Dr Harry Kahn,M.D.,M.P.H.at Evergreen

Colorectal, PLLC in Kirkland,WA. His number is 425-899-6300. Young, talented, great bed side

manner, listens, cares, and I would recommend him to anyone. Guess I already have....
Erik S


When I saw Dr. Fazio recently he referred me to Dr. Zane Cohen (Toronto), Dr. Bob Beart

(USC) and Dr. John Pemperton (Mayo) three other Doctors also Top in the field...
Pouchperson

Dr. Roger Hurst from the University of Chicago. A great doctor who has wonderful bedside

manners and very caring.
FartblossomDr. Robert Jacobson and Dr.Paitoon Tulanon at Baylor in Dallas.

I didn't choose...just sent over to them and I am a satisfied customer.

(If you have surgery in the DFW Metroplex, let me know - I'll come visit!)

Kim


I would happily recommend Dr. Pemberton of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Jason

has only had the first step of the two step procedure so far but we were both very impressed

with him and his team. Very courteous, patient, helpful, and concerned about the whole

person.

Sarah (red_radioflyer)


Dr. Jorge Marcet at Moffitt Cancer Center & Tampa General Hospital in Tampa Hospital! This

man is incredible! He saved my DH's life! We truley love him!
Amanda A. (Anthony's Wife)


I'd like to see Dr. Peter Marcello of the Lahey Clinic added to this list. I'm two weeks

post takedown and going to the bathroom 6 - 8 times a day. I sometimes sleep through the

night and have had no accidents. He's great! Also I second the comments on Donna Loener (ET

nurse - Lahey clinic). She's awesome too!
Kyle


My surgeon was Dr. Scott Goldstein at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

WONDERFUL doctor...young, funny, great bedside manner, and an absolutely amazing surgeon. I

had my takedown 6 years ago and now only see him for routine yearly exams.
BESSW


Hi - I've posted about him before, but I think Dr. Peter Mowschensen at Beth Israel in

Boston is the BEST surgeon for j-pouch surgery. He's also really nice and is always around

to answer any questions you may have. I believe he's performed over 400 of these surgeries.

I've had my pouch for almost 2 years and I've be extremely happy. - Lisa


Dr. Scott Goldstein at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia! Great surgeon, good

person, sense of humor and always, always available for phone calls, questions, etc.
Maureen


While my surgeon was not an acclaimed colorectal surgeon, but a general surgeon, he was the

only one in the Kaiser system in my area with experience with j-pouches when I needed

surgery in 1995. Dr. Larry Dennen did excellent work and showed himself to be very

forthcoming and knowledgeable. I have seen a lot of surgeons, and he was up there with the

best I've seen. I was able to have my surgery 30 minutes from my home in Fremont, CA and be

fully covered by my HMO (no charge).

Jan


Dr. Rolando Rolendelli.
Temple University Hospital/Northeastern Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Professor of surgery @ Temple U. M.D. F.A.C.S

Address: Broad & Ontarios streets, 4th floor parkinson pavilion, 19140 zip code.

office # (215) 707-2072

E-mail: rolando.rolandelli@temple.edu

Board certified colorectal & general surgeon.

EXCELLENT EVERYTHING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fueled_By_Stool2778


I have to agree with Lisa 27. Dr. Mowschenson, in Boston, is fabulous! There are a few of

his "graduates" on the board here and I think we are all satisfied customers.
Kara (mksalvas)


Dr. Coller at Lahey Clinic, Burlington did my 3 surgeries. And he's great!! I have had no

real problems. I go about 6-8 times a day.

I also think Donna Lohner is a great ET nurse there, along with Kerry.
~Heatha (Poucher 916)


I am very glad to see that Dr. Peter Marcello from Lahey in Burlington, Mass made the list.
He is an incredible surgeon and a very nice mad to boot. Also, he trained at Cleveland

Clinic and does the pouch surgery by scope whenever possible.
I have had great results from my 2 operations. I also have great control and usually sleep

all night without having to use the bathroom. Lahey Clinic is a first rate facillity with

all private rooms and a wonderful Colon-rectal floor with most of the nurses specializing in

ostomy/pouch care. Also ET nurses, Donna and Kerry are tops and they hold support meetings 4

time a year for all of us Pouchers!
Terri (Tazzy)

the last reply was supposed to say that DR. MARCELLO is a very nice MAN (not mad). I can't

type...uugg.....
(Tazzy)


Dr Moreye Nusbaum, M.D.
Professor of Surgery
University of Pennsylvania
39th & Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-8026

If you go back to the home page and click on support you'll see a picture of him with Grace

Williams.

According to the nurses at Presby he has golden hands. He certainly did an excellent job

with myself and Colin.

Peggy


So, how come nobody has mentioned the great Dr. Fazio, trainer of j-pouch surgeons and fixer

of botched j-pouches. He fixed mine at the Cleveland Clinic after 2 1/2 years when nobody

could figure out what was wrong with me. But, I am very jealous of Cindy B-N saying she

poops 3 times a day -- I am closer to 10.
DebbieMo


Dr. Dayton at the University of Utah hospital, he is fantastic, he has great bedside

manners, and he will sit down and talk to you as long as you need to talk, and he will

awnser any questions that you have, to me he is the best surgeon ever!

Dusti (Chantel)


lol @ everyone bragging about their surgeons. I guess that's better than everyone

complaining about them, though

I didn't get a colorectal surgeon, in retrospect I suppose I could have, but my pediatric

GI, Dr. Rothbaum (CCFA's Physician of the Year in 1998- ok I gotta brag too, I like him )

at St. Louis Children's Hospital (ranked by US news as 6th best pediatric hospitalin the US-

hehe, I'll stop now) referred me to one of the general pediatric surgeons there, Dr. George

Mychaliska. He's only 39 or something, but I really think he's a great doctor, not only very

intelligent and careful, but polite and friendly, and he talks to me like an adult (I'm 18

BTW) which matters to me alot, since I like to consider myself a fairly intelligent person

and do not appreciate being talked down to as if I'm a 3 year old. I've noticed alot of

pediatric doctors have a habit of that. (Although, I'm sure there's a lot of doctors in

general that talk down to their adult patients as if they were 3 year olds)
but anyway, I was really impressed with my surgeon when he made special arrangements to see

me on a Saturday because I was having problems, and took the time to call my house himself a

number of times. So even though he's no a colorectal surgeon and hasn't done 3000 j-pouches,

I still like him alot and would reccomend him (well, to anyone who still meets the

requirements to go to a pediatric hospital )

Kate (Kate1026)


hi, if anyone is looking for a pediatric gi surgeon we went to dr. steve dolgin at mt.sinai

hospital in nyc not only has he performed 100's of j-pouch sutgeries on the ped. population

but the bed side manner was phenomenal and i can't say enough good things about nan his

nurse practitioner we are more than 2 years post-op and i just got another follow up call

from her the other day. christine
(nick's mom)


Hi I noticed that there aren't many pouchpeople from the Midwest other than Kate from St.

Louis area. I'm from Appleton, Wisconsin and Dr. Jeffrey Klingbeil from Fox Valley Surgical

Associates did my 2-part jpouch surgery. I would recommend him to anyone in the Fox Valley

Area. He's the only one in this area, and I'm sure there are more around Madison & Milwaukee

that do this surgery. He's caring, very personable, and has a great sense of humor (which

really puts a person at ease). His address is 1818 N. Meade St., Appleton, WI 54911 I had my

pouch surgery on Sept. 4th.
judyfuer


A giant thanks to Dr. Robert Beart of the University of Southern California. A brilliant

surgeon and a fine man with a sense of humor. His bio is as follows:

http://www.surgery.usc.edu/divisions/Cr/faculty.htm
Suebear


I don't know how many people from Alabama might need a surgeon, but Montclair Surgical

Associates are the best in the business here. Dr. Pennington, Dr. Bishop (my primary

surgeon), and Dr. Thompson are all top-rate, very personable, and quick to respond. Between

the three of them, they have trained at all of the top places for colo-rectal surgery. They

do other surgeries as well, but colo-rectal is their speciality. They also all have great

personalities (seems to be rare in surgeons (overall) in this area), which comes in handy,

and they're all Christians, which is very important to me.

I would highly recommend this crack team to anyone without hesitation.

Elizabeth (mom2angels)


Suebear, great info you have posted!! I'll read it all after I get home from the studio.

To others that have posted on this subject. I also had Dr Beart, I think he must have

performed a terrific job on me as I have been so fortunate with my J-pouch. 2yrs 9 mos since

take dn and no problems. Maybe I'm fortunate cus of my genes as I'm older than any of you,

but I really think Dr Beart had alot to do with it.
Gloria (dgloria5)


can't believe I didn't see this post sooner.

I've been a poucher for 6 years and haven't had ONE problem...my surgeon was ALAN HACKFORD,

Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Boston Medical Center in Boston, Ma!!!!!

GREAT IDEA Dave!!
Laurie


Let me put my vote in for Dr. Ian Lavery at the Cleveland Clinic. You can see him operating

on the colorectal web page at www.clevelandclinic.org. He's the one being honored at the

annual Turnbull Symposium in a couple of weeks. I'm not the only one who thinks he's great!

MJ
Hygienist


Hi all,

Dr. James B. Williams II in ABQ, NM is my pal, my doc, and my saviour. he fixed me. plain

and simple. he's one only 2 Colo-rectal surgeons in NM...his partner is the other one...so,

i knew i was getting very good treatment...

adios,
ted
(Ted Frigillana)


Dr. James Becker, chief of surgery at the Boston Medical Center has done over 750 surgeries

of this type. I believe he is the most experienced surgion in the world at ileoanal

anastomosis (pull-through operation). I recieved excellant care there. If you want the most

experienced surgeon, Dr. Becker is the man.
stitch-in-time-saves-nine


I wasnt planning on replying to this message then thought who better to reply to it. I have

first hand knowledge it seems of most every surgeon in the US. Well at least thats what it

feels like. Four surgeons(that I can remember, never know what all that anestecia{However do

you do spell check in here?} does to the memory) and many residents that have gone on to be

surgeons. I can tell you that from talking with each of the surgeons Dr. Fazio is considered

the gold standard. For those of us not on the East Coast(sorry, anything East of Colorado is

East Coast to us Californians), Dr. Beart and Dr. Garcia Aguilera are highly recommended by

Dr. Fazio. I never had Dr. Fazio work on me but I did have Dr. Beart from USC and Dr. Garcia

Aguilera from UCSF. Both seemed to have a high level of confidence(well most doctors do even

when they may not deserve it)and skill. Bedside manner of both were just ok. Some days

better some days worse. As a side note I loved my most recent surgeons bedside manner. Dr

Varma from UCSF though she is not as experienced as the others. I do think it is critically

important to do your research and get the best surgeon you can. Complications can always

occur, but they can be compounded by surgeons without a high level of expertise or skill.

Mike S (Single Guy)


Dr. Julio Garcia-Aguilar of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center

performed both stages of my j-pouch surgery and I have been extremely happy on both

occasions.

To his credit, Dr. Garcia-Aguilar was very supportive when I was at my lowest point with UC

actually encouraging me to try alternatives before rushing into surgery. When those

alternatives proved futile, Dr. Garcia executed with precision and the utmost

professionalism.

While relatively new to UCSF Medical Center, he brings with him a wealth of experience. It

is my understanding that Dr. Garcia lectures across the globe on colorectal surgery and

colorectal cancer.
Rob J


I had both stages done by Dr Mark Welton at Stanford (California). At 4 months post takedown

the surgery has worked out better than I had hoped, and my impression is he did a great job

with the knife. Bedside manner is reasonable and he recently moved to Stanford from UCSF.

I would highly recommend him based on my experience.

Andy P


I've only had one of the steps completed at this point, and have about 5 more weeks till the

takedown. But so far my surgeon, Dr. Richard Devine of the Rochester, MN Mayo Clinic has

been wonderful. I had so many problems after my first surgery and him and his nurse Sheila

O'Reilly were great.
Jess


What about Joel Bauer at Mt Sinai.
He did Queen Elizaberth, Rolf Benersche (sp?)
several other pro athletes.
Great support team-made my wife and mom very comfortable.
list is incomplete without him
2pennplaza


Hey!

3 year old pouch here... done by the fabulous and always-available Dr. Peter Mowschenson of

Beth Israel, Boston. He lets me email him and twice he responded to me while on vacation -

once all the way from London! Extremely devoted to his profession and his patients.

Wonderful man, amazing surgeon.

No surgical complications for me, NEVER any leakage or accidents, 4-5 bm's a day. Pouch is

perfecto!

Recently having some issues with adhesions but I don't believe that has anything to do with

the surgeon - just my sh!t luck!
Aleta


Dr. Bertram Chinn of Associated Colon and Rectal Surgeons in Edison, New Jersey.

Practices at Robert Wood Johnson, Mullenberg and JFK Hospitals all in Central Jersey.

Both he and all his associates, partners and fellows were wonderful with my surgery, care

and follow ups.
pamiu92


If you're in Southern California and USC is just too far away, give Dr. Daniel Ng in Newport

Beach a call. His hospital is truly top knotch and feels more like a hotel stay than a

hospital. His technique is great, responsive to all my questions and wishes, and has AWESOME

bedside manner. I've referred two members to him with greta results!
Twitt


Ditto what Twitt says about Dr. Ng! He is one of the most compassionate physicians I have

ever met. In addition, he is one very talented surgeon and his partner, Dr. Rad (great name,

huh?), is also wonderful.
CeCe


Rave, rave and more raves for my surgeon. Dr. Jacque Heppell at the Mayo Clinic in

Scottsdale Az. It has been over a year and so far not one complication. I feel

terrific......Love this man...A genius in my opinion.
dcgc


I have to add my surgeon(s) to the list. I had two and loved both of them. Dr. Elizabeth

Breen at Brigham & Women's is the best!!!! She was my sister's surgeon, as well. I also saw

Dr. Ronald Bleday (Brigham & Women's), who is awesome, as well. He did my adhesion/blockage

surgery & take down, while she was on maternity leave. Both of them are very knowledgeable,

skillful and excellent If you go to www.brighamandwomens.org you can do a search and get

clinical background & contact info on them.

Maddie (mscatz)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dave H,

I didn't see my doctor on the list and wanted to add him! His name is Dr. Lewis Jacobson at Indiana Universtity Hospital in Indianapolis. I love him! He is very professional, has fabulous bedside manner, explains everything clearly and is very knowledgeable when it comes to j-pouches! He's the best!
Jessica

Dr David Schoetz at Lahey Clinic...one of the original surgeons in the US performing the procedure over 20yrs ago! Has trained several of the surgeons listed on this board. I had awesome results, even though I was extremely ill beforehand. Donna Loehner is the ET nurse for the CR group at Lahey.....fabulous!!

My surgeon is not on the list yet.

He was Dr. David Larson at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. I was completely happy with him as a surgeon and with Mayo Clinic as the support services. I highly recommend him and Mayo Clinic.

Rick

Dr. Gordon Telford at Froedert/Milwaukee Medical College in Milwaukee, WI. Great Surgeon!

I have to add Dr. Phillip Fleshner at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles to this list. My daughter is just a month post takedown, and you wouldn't even know she had a pouch. He is an excellent surgeon.

Dr. William Wise, Columbus, Ohio. A little too quick when it comes to tapering a patient's Prednisone, but a competent surgeon.

Thanks for posting this again.
Although my surgeon Dr Malcom Goldsmith has long since retired and the other, Dr David Jagelman has passed. They were the best. They trained with Dr Fazio and all were good friends(Aussies).
After that it was a CCF fellow, Dr Jay Singh, who is now at Piedmont in Atlanta along with Dr Eric Weiss , CCF Weston, FL who saved my j pouch.
Both are excellent surgeons.
Holly

Dr. Paul Wise at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN. AMAZING surgeon and person. I did a lot of research before I chose a surgeon, and met with several before deciding on Dr. Wise. When I met him I KNEW this was my guy. He explains things so well-draws diagrams and everything! Also a truly brilliant man. You can access his "resume" on Vanderbilt Clinic's website. He is also so so so nice. Honestly one of the nicest men I've ever met. Never patronizing, excellent bedside manner, and funny! He did my surgery laproscopically and I am so pleased w/ the results. The only truly noticeable scar is the stoma scar. I had such an easy time w/ recovery too. I'm 7 months post reversal and am in the best shape of my life. The people in Nashville are super nice-talking about real Southern hospitality here, people! Steer clear of this one ostomy nurse though. I can't remember her name (I affectionately called her Nurse Ratchet), but she's from Michigan and has a very distinct accent among the smooth southern drawls. Ask for Bonnie or Martha for ostomy nurses-sweetest women in the world! Dr. Wise's partner, Dr. Herline did my friend's surgery and she is doing just as well as I am. I highly recommend both of these surgeons. Added bonus: Green Hills Mall (I think is the name??) I always get so excited anytime I can make a trip down there for an appointment (which is not often at all) so I can go shopping there!

Dr. Daniel Ng in Newport Beach is still there and as wonderful as ever (I had an appt. with him this afternoon.). However, his former partner, Dr. Rad now has his own practice in Newport Beach. I haven't seen him for awhile but my memories of his care while he was on call as Dr. Ng's partner are very, very positive!

Dr. Douglas Rosen

http://www.charlottecolorectal.com/

Charlotte Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates
2015 Randolph Road
Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28207

Phone (704) 333-1259
Fax (704) 333-0371

Dave already mentioned the Fairfax Colorectal group in northern VA (Fairfax and Reston) but I would like to add in addition to Dr. Donald Colvin, Dr. Paul Savoca, who was my surgeon. I got very lucky to have him, as I didn't have time to research doctors before my colectomy. If you're in Northern VA, I highly recommend Dr. Savoca, who works out of both Fairfax and Reston Hospitals.

Dr. Saclarides, Chicago, Rush University. Head of dept. Could not come recommended any higher, words cannot explain this cool dude who gave me my life back

Jose Dominguez
Cox Health (Ferrell-Duncan Clinic)
Springfield Mo.
http://home.coxhealth.com/clinicpages/profiles.asp?Key=1950

He is the best

Dr. Susan L. Gearhart
Asst. Professor of Colorectal Surgery,
John Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, MD.

Specializes in j-pouch surgery (two-step procedure)