Colorectal Surgery

Dr. Andrew Shelton is the Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Stanford University, and leads a group of experienced board-certified colorectal surgeons (Drs. Dawes, Gahagan, Gurland, Kin, Kirilcuk, Morris, and Shelton) who treat diagnoses including: colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, polyposis syndromes, anorectal disorders, and pelvic floor dysfunction such as rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence.

The group has advanced surgical expertise in total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer; minimally invasive surgical techniques including laparoscopy, robotic surgery, and transanal endoscopic microsurgery; ileal pouches for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis; care of the complex Crohn's patient, sphincter-preserving operations for low rectal cancers; and cutting edge approaches to rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence.

Our colorectal surgeons actively collaborate with gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons from other sub-specialties to offer patients an integrated and individualized treatment plan. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) can be seen in our new Multidisciplinary IBD Program where colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists offer joint visits and direct input from dieticians, pharmacist, radiologist, social workers, and mental health professionals.

The section of Colorectal Surgery leads clinical, informatics, and health services research and actively collaborates in lab-based translational efforts across departments.