I had my colon/rectum removed by Dr Richard Hodin at MGH. He's great!

 I've only had consults with Dr. Deborah Nagle at Beth Israel Deaconess so I can't vouch for her surgery skills. I did like her very much.  She is a very considerate person and thoughtful. What hospital system are you win? Janet

I hope this helps 

thank you for the replies! Keep them coming if you wish....I think I have a good surgeon, I just wanted 2nd opinions to make sure for obvious reasons. thanks...

I think it's best to get the second opinion from a different  medical  institution. In the Boston area many of the hospitals are affiliated with Harvard, but there are some differences between, say Beth Israel Deaconess, and MGH.  I've had excellent results at Beth Israel, as well as Brigham and women's.  Lots of "groupthink" that goes on in hospitals and even something so simple as a way a procedure is done can make a difference in the diagnosis.

 In the past I have gotten up the food chain, to the surgeons or other specialists, by starting with a generalized doctor  in the department.  Your PCP should be able to make references for you, at least in his or her medical institution, but they don't always do so or do so very well. In the end, you need to be your own advocate.  It sounds like you are doing a good job of advocating for yourself, but I thought I'd add my two cents

Good luck.

thanks, good advice!

Dr. Poylin at Beth Israel