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Meet Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Dr. Karen Zaghiyan, World-Class Colorectal Surgeon in Los Angeles
Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a nationally recognized, distinguished leader in colorectal surgery and one of the most trusted experts in minimally invasive colorectal care. As a board-certified colorectal surgeon based in Los Angeles, she is known for combining advanced surgical innovation with deeply personalized, compassionate patient care. Her practice serves patients throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and the surrounding communities, while all major surgeries are performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center—one of the top hospitals in the country.
A Leader in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery
Dr. Zaghiyan has dedicated her career to expanding access to minimally invasive techniques that help patients heal faster, experience less pain, and preserve normal bowel function whenever possible.
She is an early adopter and innovator of advanced transanal approaches, including taTME (transanal total mesorectal excision) and taIPAA (transanal J-pouch surgery), for rectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. These techniques allow for exceptional surgical precision, better visualization, and improved functional outcomes, placing her at the forefront of colorectal innovation nationwide.
Her surgical specialties include:
Colorectal cancer- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis)
- Rectal prolapse & pelvic floor surgery
- Minimally invasive robotic colorectal surgery
- Anorectal Conditions (e.g. Hemorrhoids, Fistulas)
- J-Pouch surgery and pouch-related conditions
Academic Leadership & National Influence
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Zaghiyan plays a major role in shaping the future of colorectal surgery:
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Director, Colorectal Cancer Tumor Board
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Program Director, Colorectal Surgery Residency Program
01
Associate Professor of Surgery
Education & Advanced Training
Dr. Zaghiyan’s path reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence:
Research, Innovation & Advancing Patient Outcomes
As principal investigator for numerous local, national, and international studies, Dr. Zaghiyan continually advances the field through research focused on:
- Reducing surgical pain and enhancing recovery through nerve blocks
- Accelerated diet advancement after surgery
- Optimizing steroid use in IBD surgical patients
- Quality-of-life outcomes after J-Pouch surgery
- Innovations in transanal and organ-preserving rectal cancer surgery
Recognition & Awards
Dr. Zaghiyan is consistently honored for excellence in medicine, clinical outcomes, and leadership:
Learn More About Dr. Zaghiyan
Explore Dr. Zaghiyan’s work, interviews, and media features:
Request an appointment
For patients who need an urgent consultation, it is best to call us at (310) 289-9224. Otherwise, please complete and submit the form below and a member of our staff will contact you shortly.
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