Choosing a Colorectal Surgeon

Once surgery is on the table, choosing the right surgeon matters — both for outcomes and for how comfortable you feel through a process that, as covered elsewhere on this site, involves real pain and a meaningful recovery period.

Credentials worth checking

• Board certification in colorectal surgery (in the US, this means certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, in addition to general surgery board certification) — this is a specific, additional credential beyond general surgery training, reflecting focused training in exactly this anatomical area
• Where they trained and how long they’ve been in practice
• Hospital or surgical center affiliations, and whether these are accredited facilities

Questions to ask about their specific experience

• How many hemorrhoidectomies (or whichever specific procedure is being discussed) do they perform in a typical year?
• What’s their personal experience with the specific technique being recommended for you (see Comparing surgical options for the range of options)?
• What are their personal complication rates, to the extent they can share this?

Beyond credentials: fit and communication

• Does the surgeon explain your specific situation and the reasoning behind their recommendation clearly, in terms you understand?
• Do they answer your questions directly, including ones about pain and recovery, without minimizing them?
• Do you feel comfortable asking follow-up questions, including ones that might feel uncomfortable to bring up?

How to find a colorectal surgeon

• A referral from your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist
• Your insurance provider’s directory, filtered specifically for colorectal surgery (not general surgery) if your plan requires in-network care
• Hospital or academic medical center websites, which often list surgeon subspecialties and areas of focus

When a second opinion makes particular sense

Given the more significant recovery involved in most surgical options covered in this section, a second opinion before proceeding is a reasonable and normal step — see Getting a second opinion for the general approach, which applies here just as much as at the diagnostic stage.

Questions to bring to your surgical consultation

See Questions to ask your surgeon for a fuller, specific list to bring to this appointment.

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This page is for general education. Specific credentialing systems and directories vary by country.