Andreas M. Kaiser, M.D.
Andreas M. Kaiser, M.D., is professor and chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery in the Department of Surgery at City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center). He graduated in 1988 from the University of Zurich in Switzerland followed by an internship in surgical pathology and a residency in general surgery at the University of Zurich Hospital from 1990 to 1998. In addition, Dr. Kaiser completed a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School, a fellowship in Visceral Surgery at the University Hospital in Zurich, and a fellowship in colorectal surgery at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.
Before joining City of Hope, Dr. Kaiser was faculty in surgery (most recent role as a professor) at USC from 2000 to 2019, and he served as interim chairman of the Department of Colorectal Surgery from 2008-2009. He is board-certified by the Swiss Board of Surgery in General Surgery (1998) and in Visceral Surgery (2006), and by the European Surgery Qualification Board in Coloproctology (2002). He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (FASCRS) and most recently was inducted as a fellow of the most prestigious American Surgical Association. He is a member of several national and international professional associations and committees. He is a member of the NIH Advisory Board for the Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Network of the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Kaiser has extensive experience in every aspect of even the most complex colorectal diseases and has become a referral center for challenging cases. He provides comprehensive interdisciplinary management for all stages of colorectal and anal cancer, hereditary colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, acute/chronic diverticulitis, functional disorders of the colon and rectum, and benign disorders of the anus. Dr. Kaiser has written numerous articles and book chapters, including his own book "McGraw-Hill Manual of Colorectal Surgery," and he was an editor of the "SAGES Manual Colorectal Surgery" (2019), as well as "Chassin's Surgical Strategies in General Surgery" (5th edition, 2022). Dr. Kaiser also serves as editor-in-chief of Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology and associate editor of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, the official journal of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. He served as guest editor on "Hereditary Colorectal Cancer" for "Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery" and was the lead author on an ASCRS Task Force for "New Technologies for Fecal Incontinence."
Dr. Kaiser also serves as editor-in-chief of Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, as co-editor of the Journal of Robotic Surgery and associate editor of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, the official journal of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
Services
Technology
- Robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, including 3D laparoscopy, (robotic) transanal minimally invasive surgery forrectal polyps and cancer (r-TAMIS)
- Radical multivisceral resections for advanced or metastatic cancer, complex pelvic redo surgery in teamwork with urology, orthopedic/neurosurgery, liver surgery
- Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) for rectal polyps and cancer
- Endoluminal surgical intervention, combined endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery
- Anorectal: stapled hemorrhoidectomy (PPH), sacral nerve stimulation, complex reconstructions
- Continent ileostomy (T-pouch, Kock pouch, BCIR)
Diseases
- Colorectal cancer of all stages: rectal cancer, colon cancer, hereditary cancer (FAP, Lynch and others)
- Anal cancer: primary cancer, recurrent cancer, palliative setting
- Complications after surgeries in other institutions
- Inflammatory bowel disease: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Acute and chronic diverticulitis
- Colonic/enteric fistula formation (to skin, bladder, vagina)
- Benign disorders of the anus: hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anorectal abscess, colorectal fistulas, rectovaginal fistulas, pilonidal disease, pruritus ani and STDs
- Functional disorders of the colon and rectum (prolapse, constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction)
Continence Preservation (Sphincter Preservation)
Sphincter-saving surgery for cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, continent ileostomy (Kock pouch, T-pouch), sphincter reconstruction
Transfusion-Free Surgery/Jehovah's Witness program
Fecal Incontinence, including:
Sacral nerve stimulation (interstim, neuromodulation), artificial bowel sphincter (neosphincter), magnetic ring (Fenix), Secca procedure, Solesta injection, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse
Diagnostics
Colonoscopy, advanced endoscopy, endoluminal surgical intervention, combined endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery, endorectal ultrasound, anophysiology testing (manometry, EMG, pudendal nerve testing)
2006, Swiss FMH Subspecialty Board Certification in Visceral Surgery (FMH 28741, valid indefinitely)
2002, EBSQ European Board of Surgery Qualification in Coloproctology (part II)
2001, EBSQ European Board of Surgery Qualification in Coloproctology (part I)
1998, Swiss FMH Board Certification in General Surgery (FMH 28741, valid indefinitely)
1989, Doctorate in Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
1988, M.D., (Swiss Federal Diploma as Physician), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
1984, Preclinical Medical School Exam, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
2000-2001, Clinical Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
1998-2000, Department of Surgery, Clinic for Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
1997, Clinical Observership at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, New York, NY
1993-1995, Research Fellowship, Harvard School of Medicine and Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA
1995-1998, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich (Prof. Dr. F. Largiadèr
1990-1993, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich (Prof. F. Largiadèr)
1991-1992, Division of Surgery, County Hospital Wattwil SG (Dr. U. Gasser/Dr. K. Balmer)
1991, Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital, Zürich (Prof. U.G. Stauffer)
1989, Institute of Pathology, City Hospital Triemli Zürich (Prof. R. Maurer)
2020-present, Professor and Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
2020-present, Professor, Department of Surgery, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
2012-2019, Professor of Clinical Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
2006-2012, Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
2008-2009, Interim Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
2001, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
2000-2001, Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
1999-2000, Lecturer in Surgery, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Colon cancer, rectal cancer and anal cancer (including hereditary cancer syndromes):
2. Define the role of various surgical modalities (endoluminal, MIS, MAS, etc.) as to their appropriateness in the management of premalignant, malignant and specifically locally advanced or metastatic disease (T4, sphincter invasion, M1b disease, carcinomatosis, etc.).
3. Define the best sequence of multimodality treatment (standard neoadjuvant vs total neoadjuvant vs adjuvant treatment) for rectal cancer depending on the stage at presentation and the presence or absence of local tumor complications (obstruction, perforation, fistulization).
4. Analyze the functional outcomes and quality of life of various sphincter-preserving surgeries for rectal cancer, specifically endoluminal, taTME vs abdominal oncological resection, alone and if further impacted by complementary modalities (radiation, chemotherapy).
Colorectal surgeries:
2. Comprehensive cost-benefit analysis
Cancer prevention:
2. Include genetic profiles to better define risk categories and frequency of surveillance.
Inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis:
2. Fine-tune surgical interventions.
3. Expand the role of less invasive surgeries.
Functional disorders:
2022, Fellowship of the American Surgical Association
2014-2022, Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor
2006-2022, Los Angeles Top Doctor
2006-2022, Pasadena Top Doctor
2018-2019, KSOM/USC Outstanding Teacher Award in Surgery Clerkship
2016, USC Keck School and Los Angeles County Excellence in Teaching Award
2014, USC Keck School and Los Angeles County Excellence in Teaching Award
2014, Victor Fazio, MD, MS Award for Editorial Excellence, Dis Colon Rectum
2010, USC Keck School and Los Angeles County Excellence in Teaching Award
2010, Fellowship of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (FASCRS)
2004, Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons
1997, Research Grant by the Olga-Mayenfisch Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland
1995, Scholarship of the European Pancreatic Club for the work "Relationship between the Severity, Apoptosis and Necrosis in Five Models of Acute Experimental Pancreatitis"
1993-1995, Research grant of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF grant #81ZH-36652)
1994, Young Investigator Award of the American Gastroenterological Association, the American Pancreas Association and of the International Association of Pancreatology for the work "Relationship between apoptosis and necrosis in pancreatitis induced by common bile-pancreatic duct obstruction in opossums and rats"
1982, “Top of the Year” graduate, Gymnasium (High School)
2022-present, American Surgical Association
2017-present, NIH Advisory Board Member, Pelvic Floor Network
2012-present, Society of University Surgeons
2011-present, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
2010-present, Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
2010-present, Association for Academic Surgery
2009-present, Foederatio Medicorum Chirurgicorum Helvetica
2008-present, International Society of University Colorectal Surgeons
2006-present, European Society of Coloproctology
2006-present, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
2002-2006, European Association of Coloproctology (merged into European Society Coloproctology - see above)
2004-present, Southern California Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
2004-present, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
2004-present, American Medical Association
2001-present, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
2000-present, Society of Surgeons of the Alimentary Tract
1999-present, Association of Invasive and Operative Physicians of Switzerland (Foederatio Medicorum Scrutantium)
1999-present, Swiss Surgical Society
1996-present, Swiss Society for Visceral Surgery
1994-2000, Swiss Society for Research in Surgery
1993-present, American Pancreatic Association
1993-present, Massachusetts Medical Society
1997-2006, New York Academy of Sciences
1988-present, Swiss Medical Association (Foederatio Medicorum Helveticorum)
BOOKS
- Kaiser, A.M. The McGraw-Hill Manual of Colorectal Surgery. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2008. 760 pages. ISBN 978-0-07-159070-9.
- Kaiser, A.M. (Editor): Hereditary colorectal cancer. Seminars in Colon Rectal Surgery 2011;22(2):63-146 (June 2011).
- Sylla P, Kaiser, A.M., Popovich D (Eds): SAGES Manual Colorectal Surgery 2018-2019: 40 chapters. ISBN 978-3-030-24811-6. Springer Publisher, 2019
- Kaiser, A.M. (Colorectal Section Editor): In: S.E.H. Scott-Conner: Chassin's Operative Strategy in General Surgery. 5th edition, 2022: 57 colorectal surgery chapters). Springer Publisher, 2022.
FURTHER PUBLICATIONS
- Hanna, M.H., & Kaiser, A.M. Update on the management of sigmoid diverticulitis. World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27:760-781. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i9.760. View article.
- Mirza, K.L., Chu, D.I., Dineen, S., Stocchi, L., Deppe, L.M., & Kaiser, A.M. SSAT PG/CME Committee Symposium Highlights: Perioperative Management-Best Practice in Surgical Quality and Safety. PG/CME Committee of the Society of Surgeons of the Alimentary Tract. J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Feb;25(2):339-350. doi: 10.1007/s11605-020-04839-5. Epub 2021 Jan 8. View article.
- Melstrom, K.A., & Kaiser, A.M. Role of minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol. 2020 Aug 14;26(30):4394-4414. PMID: 32874053 PMCID: PMC7438189. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i30.4394. View article.
- Hawkins, A.T., Albutt, K., Wise, P.E., Alavi, K., Sudan, R., Kaiser, A.M., & Bordeianou, L. Continuing Education Committee of the SSAT.Abdominoperineal Resection for Rectal Cancer in the Twenty-First Century: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes. J Gastrointest Surg. 2018 Aug;22(8):1477-1487. doi: 10.1007/s11605-018-3750-9. Epub 2018 Apr 16. PMID: 29663303. View article.
- Vartanian, E.D., Lynn, J.V., Perrault, D.P., Wolfswinkel, E.M., Kaiser, A.M., Patel, K.M., Carey, J.N., Hsieh, P.C., & Wong, A.K. Risk Factors Associated with Reconstructive Complications Following Sacrectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018 Nov5;6(11):e2002. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002002. PMID: 30881800; PMCID: PMC6414132. View article.
- Zelhart, M., & Kaiser, A.M. Robotic vs Laparoscopic vs Open Colorectal Surgery: Towards Defining Criteria to the Right Choice. Surg Endosc 2017. PMID: 28812154 doi: 10.1007/s00464-017-5796-2. View article.
- Maguire, L.H., Alavi, K., Sudan, R., Wise, P.E., Kaiser, A.M., & Bordeianou, L. Surgical Considerations in the Treatment of Small Bowel Crohn's Disease. J Gastrointest Surg. 2017; 21(2):398-411. View article.
- Saldana Ruiz, N., & Kaiser, A.M. Fecal Incontinence – challenges and solutions. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23(1):11-24. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i1.11. View article.
- Rosen, D., & Kaiser, A.M. Seton management for transphincteric fistula in ano: harm or charm. Colorectal Disease, 2016;18:488-495. doi: 10.1111/codi.13120. View article.
- Devaraj, B., Liu, W., Tatum, J., Cologne, K., & Kaiser, A.M. Medically Treated Diverticular Abscess Associated with High Risk of Recurrence and Disease Complications. Dis. Colon Rectum 2016; 59:208-15. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000000533. View article.
- Paquette, I.M., Varma, M.G., Kaiser, A.M., Steele, S.R., & Rafferty, J.F. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2015;58(7):623-36. View article.
- Alavi, K., Chan, S., Wise, P., Kaiser, A.M., Sudan, R., & Bordeianou, L. Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management. J Gastrointest Surg. 2015:19:1910-21. View article.
- Devaraj, B., & Kaiser, A.M. Surgical management of ulcerative colitis in the era of biologicals. Inflammatory Bowel Disease 2015; 21:208-220. doi: 10.1097/MIB.0000000000000178. View article.
- Kaiser, A.M., Hogen, R., Bordeianou, L., Alavi, K., Wise, P.E., & Sudan, R. Clostridium difficile infection from a surgical perspective. J Gastrointest Surg. 2015; 19:1363-1377. doi: 10.1007/s11605-015-2785-4. View article.
- Devaraj, B., & Kaiser, A.M. Impact of Technology on Indications and Limitations for Transanal Surgical Removal of Rectal Neoplasms. World J Surg Proced. 2015; 5(1):1-13.
- Lamb, M.N., & Kaiser, A.M. Elective Resection versus Observation After Non-Operative Management of Complicated Diverticulitis with Abscess — A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dis Colon Rectum. 2014; 57 (12): 1430-40. View article.