Michael Krishna Rao, MD

Doctor Michael Krishna Rao is the only minimally invasive colorectal surgeon and proctologist in Hawaii. With Dr. Rao, you will receive the best treatment possible since he has an unparalleled surgical and treatment advantage as an advanced endoscopist. Imaging from a colonoscopy will always trump a MRI when it comes to the accuracy of staging cancerous tumors. Rao, MD came highly recommended by several of my most trusted longtime doctors who are widely respected in the medical field as Castle and Connolly’s “Top Doctors.” I was impressed that this prodigy of a doctor was already part of the “old boys network” here in the Hawaiian Islands. Birds of a feather flock together and the best only recommend the best. After doing extensive research and seeking multiple opinions, I’ve found Dr. Rao performs the highest volume of rectal surgeries in the Pacific. This is essential due to the complexity of rectal surgery and the associated complications which involve many essential… functions that can severely affect one’s quality of life. It is clear that patients are likely to experience less complications with high volume surgeons since they have acquired the necessary muscle memory to meticulously dissect tissue near vital organs within tight margins and through intricate nerve pathways as in my case with my successful mid-lower rectal tumor removal. Dr. Michael Rao is the only colorectal surgeon on Oahu that is well versed to perform surgeries both robotically and laparoscopically. His successful surgical outcomes are from his diversified training across the nation in high volume clinics from exceptionally talented mentors. He is also skilled at performing many other minimally invasive rectal and colon procedures so that your recovery time will be a lot quicker and your scars will be the smallest as surgically possible. This is essential to prevent hernias if operated on in the abdominal area and if you are concerned with overall aesthetics post operation. While I was in Kuakini hospital recovering from rectal surgery due to a cancerous tumor removal, Dr. Rao checked up on me daily. On my worst days, he even checked up on me twice to see how I was doing. Whether in a clinical or hospital setting, his visits are never rushed and he takes the time to educate you and address all of your questions or concerns that you have. He will even provide you with printed handouts as supplemental information. If you are lucky enough to get accepted as his patient, you can message him directly through his online portal. This extra service can be a rarity these days since a lot of doctors don’t participate in direct message response due to time constraints. Doctor Rao’s Da Vinci robot uses 3D imaging technology and provides the best camera views strategically essential for minimally invasive procedures. His robot located at Kuakini hospital has spared all of my nerves that control many of my essential functions during rectal surgery. Mid to lower rectal surgery in my opinion should only be performed robotically with a skilled, experienced and high volume surgeon like Dr. Michael Rao since it involves meticulous dissection of tissue to get to the rectum without damage to essential nerves that cradle the rectum. As a resident of Honolulu, I’m so glad I decided to not get this procedure performed on the mainland and chose to stay in Honolulu so that Dr. Rao could perform this very complex surgery on me. Since my surgery four months ago, I have had no complications regarding essential functions. Best of all, I am amazed how small my scars are in my abdominal area from the many incisions that rectal surgery comes with. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Rao, MD, MPH as a colorectal surgeon, proctologist and an endoscopist if you can be on Oahu, Hawaii. He is compassionate, extremely likable, comes highly recommended, well-versed and a master at minimally invasive procedures. As a stage IV cancer patient, Dr. Rao has gone above and

His a good doctor

Dr Rao was kind, compassionate and very knowledgeable. He explained the surgery very thoroughly to me before the procedure and made me feel a lot less anxious. I felt that I was in great hands on the day of my surgery.

After seeing several doctors, t ended up at Colorectal Associates. Dr Rao was absolutely amazing. I had specific concerns that he was very understanding of. Post surgery I am better than I even expected. I am very grateful to Dr Rao and highly recommend him.

Everything was great from beginning to end. Great customer service and really helpful. Amazing doctor!

Very informative and answered all my questions and concerns.

Dr Rao put me on his surgery schedule and changed my life. After months of waiting and uncertainty about how my cancer should be dealt with he took hold of the reins and guided me expertly through the solution. My surgery was 100% a success. Everything from pre-surgery travel and lodging to post surgery care and travel home was overseen by him in the kindest, most thoughtful manner. I am eternally grateful.

Dr. Rao was my surgeon recently and it couldn't have gone better. From my first meeting to our continuing online follow ups, he spends time with one, his explanations are clear, he welcomes questions and concerns, all things that make an otherwise stressful procedure easier to bear. I cannot praise him enough; I've had over two dozen surgeries over the years by surgeons with wildly different personalities and approaches but found Dr. Rao the most calming, caring and human of them all. I have a new quality of life thanks to him.

He responds right away when I have concern

Easy to ask questions, fast follow up.