Mayo Clinic's approach

Your Mayo Clinic care team

Surgeons in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic offer the latest in diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the colon, rectum and anus. These surgeons work closely with colleagues in gastroenterology and hepatology, medical oncology, inflammatory bowel disease, and other specialties to ensure that you receive comprehensive, innovative and supportive care.

Mayo Clinic's team of experienced ostomy nurses, also known as wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurses, play a crucial role in supporting you before and after ostomy surgery. They provide expert care, education and guidance on managing ostomies, helping you adapt to a new lifestyle and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Decades of experience

Mayo Clinic surgeons have extensive experience in the latest techniques and regularly perform both routine and highly complex procedures for conditions affecting the digestive system, including colon or rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and many other conditions. Working in a high-volume practice, our teams are leading the way in surgical skill and evaluation for surgical options as part of a broader care plan.

Faster recovery

These Mayo Clinic approaches promote faster healing and smoother recovery:

  • Minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Mayo Clinic surgeons also are skilled at minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques, which are proved to result in shorter hospital stays and fewer complication rates.
  • Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). ERAS is a program designed to help you recover more quickly and smoothly after surgery by focusing on nutrition, pain management and physical activity.

Expertise and rankings

Nationally recognized expertise

Outside organizations recognize colorectal cancer care at Mayo Clinic through accreditations, grants and rankings:

  • Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center meets the strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center and is the only such center with three unique locations. These standards recognize scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Mayo Clinic is among the highest-ranked cancer centers in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.
  • Mayo Clinic ranks No. 1 in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery according to U.S. News & World Report.
  • Mayo Clinic is accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked as the top hospital in Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, is ranked as the top hospital in Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, is ranked the top hospital in Florida.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:

Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.

More information about billing and insurance:

Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Health System

May 02, 2025
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  2. Hedrick TL, et al. AGA clinical practice update on management of ostomies: Commentary. Clinical Gastroenterology Hepatology. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.03.
  3. Landmann RG, et al. Ileostomy or colostomy care and complications. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 10, 2025.
  4. Living with an ileostomy. United Ostomy Associations of America. https://www.ostomy.org/ileostomy/. Accessed April 2, 2025.
  5. Townsend CM Jr, et al. Colon and rectum. In: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 10, 2025.
  6. Feldman M, et al., eds. Ileostomies, colostomies, pouches, and anastomoses. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 10, 2025.
  7. Lebwohl MG, et al. Stoma care. In: Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 10, 2025.
  8. Berti-Hearn L, et al. Ileostomy care: A guide for home care clinicians. Home Healthcare Now. 2019; doi:10.1097/NHH.0000000000000776.
  9. Colostomy or ileostomy stoma site selection, preoperative. Lippincott Procedures. https://procedures.lww.com. March 10, 2025.
  10. Ileostomy facts. United Ostomy Association of America. https://www.ostomy.org/ileostomy/. March 10, 2025.
  11. Ostomy surgery of the bowel. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ostomy-surgery-bowel. Accessed March 27, 2025.
  12. Ileostomy guide. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/surgery/ostomies/ileostomy.html. Accessed April 2, 2025.
  13. New ostomy patient guide. United Ostomy Association of America. https://www.ostomy.org/new-ostomy-patient-guide/. Accessed March 27, 2025.
  14. Health Education & Content Services. Ileostomy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
  15. Recovering and lifestyle changes after an ileostomy. National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ileostomy/recovery/. Accessed April 2, 2025.