Andreas M. Kaiser, M.D.

akaiser@coh.org
800-826-4673
Andreas Kaiser
Colorectal Surgeon
4.8 (234 RATINGS)
Clinical Expertise
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Anal Cancer
Diverticulitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Functional disorders of the colon and rectum
Benign disorders of the anus, incl hemorrhoids, fissure, fistula
Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TAMIS/TEMS)
Sacral nerve stimulation
Continent ileostomy (T-pouch, Kock pouch, BCIR)
Languages
French
German
Italian
Appointments
Professor and Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery
Clinical Teams
Colorectal Cancer
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Additional Contacts
Referring Physicians/Colleagues
800-826-4673
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, and did 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 USC.

Before joining City of Hope, Dr. Kaiser was a professor of clinical surgery at USC since 2000, and 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 Visceral Surgery (2006), and by the European Surgery Qualification Board in Coloproctology (2002). He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.) and of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (F.A.S.C.R.S.), and 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, as well as interdisciplinary treatment in the management of colorectal and anal cancer, hereditary colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, acute diverticulitis, functional disorders of the colon and rectum, and benign disorders of the anus. He has become a referral center for challenging cases. 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, 2021). 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)
  • Transanal endoscopic microsurgery 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: rectal cancer, colon cancer, hereditary cancer (FAP, Lynch and others); anal cancer: primary cancer, recurrent cancer, palliative setting; complex pelvic redo surgery in teamwork with urology, orthopedic/neurosurgery, liver surgery, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, 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, STDs), functional disorders of the colon and rectum (prolapse, constipation, 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)  
Location
Education & Experience
Board Certifications

  • 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)

Degrees

  • 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, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland

Fellowship

  • 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

Residency

  • 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)

Internship

  • 1989, Institute of Pathology, City Hospital Triemli Zürich (Prof. R. Maurer)

Professional Experience

  • 2020-present, 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

Research
Lab Members

Colon cancer, rectal cancer and anal cancer (including hereditary cancer syndromes):

1. Correlate a genetic profile to its potential for malignant transformation, its growth pattern and metastatic potential, prognosis and response to various treatment modalities with the goal to tailor to every patient the best prevention, treatment and surveillance while avoiding undertreatment and overtreatment alike.
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:

1. Optimize postsurgical outcomes and minimize morbidity, complications and length of stay.
2. Comprehensive cost-benefit analysis
 

Cancer prevention:

1. Define the extent of screening and treatment at advanced age.
2. Include genetic profiles to better define risk categories and frequency of surveillance.
 

Inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis:

1. Define the role of surgical interventions to optimize life expectancy and quality of life.
2. Fine-tune surgical interventions.
3. Expand the role of less invasive surgeries.
 

Functional disorders:

1. Optimize outcomes for patients with functional disorders (incontinence, constipation, prolapse).
Awards & Memberships
Awards

  • 2018-2019, KSOM/USC Outstanding Teacher Award in Surgery Clerkship

  • 2014-2019, Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor

  • 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, MB, 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)

Memberships

  • 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)

Publications

BOOKS

FURTHER PUBLICATIONS

  • Mirza KL, Chu DI, Dineen S, Stocchi L, Deppe LM, Kaiser AM. PG/CME Committee of the Society of Surgeons of theAlimentary Tract. SSAT PG/CME Committee Symposium Highlights: Perioperative Management-Best Practice in SurgicalQuality and Safety. J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Jan 8. doi: 10.1007/s11605-020-04839-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID:33420653
  • Hawkins AT, Albutt K, Wise PE, Alavi K, Sudan R, Kaiser AM, Bordeianou L. Continuing Education Committee of the SSAT.Abdominoperineal Resection for Rectal Cancer in the Twenty-First Century: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes. JGastrointest Surg. 2018 Aug;22(8):1477-1487. doi: 10.1007/s11605-018-3750-9. Epub 2018 Apr 16. PMID: 29663303.
  • Vartanian ED, Lynn JV, Perrault DP, Wolfswinkel EM, Kaiser AM, Patel KM, Carey JN, Hsieh PC, Wong AK. Risk FactorsAssociated with Reconstructive Complications Following Sacrectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018 Nov5;6(11):e2002. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002002. PMID: 30881800; PMCID: PMC6414132.
  • Zelhart M, Kaiser AM. Robotic vs Laparoscopic vs Open Colorectal Surgery: Towards Defining Criteria to the Right Choice. Surg Endosc 2017.
  • Maguire LH, Alavi K, Sudan R, Wise PE, Kaiser AM, Bordeianou L. Surgical Considerations in the Treatment of Small Bowel Crohn's Disease. J Gastrointest. Surg 2017; 21(2):398-411
  • Saldana Ruiz N, Kaiser AM. Fecal Incontinence – challenges and solutions. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23(1):11-24.
  • Rosen D, Kaiser AM. Seton management for transphincteric fistula in ano: harm or charm. Colorectal Disease, 2016;18:488-495.
  • Devaraj B, Liu W, Tatum J, Cologne K, Kaiser AM. Medically Treated Diverticular Abscess Associated with High Risk of Recurrence and Disease Complications. Dis. Colon Rectum 2016; 59:208-15.
  • Paquette IM, Varma MG, Kaiser AM, Steele SR, Rafferty JF. 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.
  • Alavi K, Chan S, Wise P, Kaiser AM, Sudan R, Bordeianou L. Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management. J Gastrointest Surgy 2015:19:1910-21.
  • Devaraj B, Kaiser AM. Surgical management of ulcerative colitis in the era of biologicals. Inflammatory Bowel Disease 2015; 21:208-220.
  • Kaiser AM, Hogen R, Bordeianou L, Alavi K, Wise PE, Sudan R. Clostridium difficile infection from a surgical perspective. J Gastrointest Surg, 2015; 19:1363-1377.
  • Devaraj B, Kaiser AM. Impact of Technology on Indications and Limitations for Transanal Surgical Removal of Rectal Neoplasms. World J Surg Proced, 2015; 5(1):1-13.
  • Devaraj B, Kaiser AM. Surgical management of ulcerative colitis in the era of biologicals. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2015; 21 (1): 208-20.
  • Lamb MN, Kaiser AM. 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.
 
Ratings & Reviews
Ratings and reviews below are gathered from the Press Ganey Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG CAHPS) survey. CG CAHPS is a standardized survey that is used to measure a patient's experience in the physician office setting. Ratings are an average of all responses to questions about a provider's care, with 5 stars being the highest.
Ratings
4.8
Show respect for what you say
4.8
Spend enough time with you
4.8
Rate provider 0-10
4.8
Recommend this provider office
4.8
Provider explain in way you understand
4.8
Provider listen carefully to you
4.7
Know important info medical history
Reviews
04/01/22
Worked perfectly. - Verified patient
04/01/22
Dr. Kaiser is one of the best in the world. - Verified patient
04/01/22
Dr. Kaiser is an excellent dr. and he has saved my life. I will be forever grateful. - Verified patient
03/29/22
Amazing surgeon , drew out everything explained perfectly what we would have to do !!! - Verified patient
03/12/22
I am an anxious person and Dr. Kaiser knows how to calm my fears and anxieties with his sense of humor and encouragement. He gives me all the facts without making me fearful or procedures and surgeries. - Verified patient