Testimonials & Reviews

Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colorectal Surgeon located in Los Angeles, CA

4.97/5 Star Rating
74 total reviews

Dr. Karen Zaghiyan always appreciates feedback from her valued patients. To date, we’re thrilled to have collected 74 reviews with an average rating of 4.97 out of 5 stars. Please read what others are saying about Dr. Karen Zaghiyan below, and as always, we would love to collect your feedback.

Kelley C.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 06/04/25
In 2019 I was diagnosed with Stage 2 rectal cancer. The good news, I was lying in a bed at Cedars-Sinai; unquestionably the best place to be if you’ve fallen ill. The bad, I had utterly no idea as to what I was going to do. How would I even begin to go about finding an oncologist, radiologist, and most importantly, a surgeon? For the few moments I laid there alone trying to process everything, the gravity of my diagnoses fell on me like a pall and the stress of having to select good doctors (and what the hell do I know about selecting good doctors??!!) was beyond overwhelming. I was assured by several of the attending doctors and staff that a chosen group of competent physicians would be visiting my room to discuss options and procedures. Still, the weight of the diagnoses coupled with the responsibility of choosing the right doctor(s) sat on my chest like a freight car. Then I heard a small knock on my door, and Dr. Karen Zaghiyan stepped inside. Those of you who’ve met Dr. Z undoubtedly know she strikes an immediate and resonant balance of intelligence, proficiency and compassion. Stashed in the crook of her arm was my blood work, x-rays and charts; she’d already poured over everything and was here to discuss. We talked about all of my options for surgery, including the one we ended up doing: Low Anterior Resection (LAR). Being in the Cedars-Sinai network (oh, and her office is right across the street; more on that later), coupled with the fact that Dr. Z is probably the hospital’s most eminent colorectal surgeon, the LAR option was available to me along with laser and traditional surgeries. Later I would learn Karen is not only proficient in LAR surgery, she’s quite often the key speaker (I looked it up) at the national meetings and conventions of ASCRS (American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons). It’s clear Dr. Z is not only in the vanguard of all techniques, methods and procedures in relation to colorectal surgery, she’s also regarded as a leader in this field by her peers. As I mentioned, Dr. Z’s abilities as a surgeon are immediately evident the moment you meet her. A striking aspect of these abilities is how wonderfully they’re tempered by a genuine humility. In concert with her prowess as a doctor, Karen is by far the most compassionate and caring doctor I’ve met at Cedars. Truth told, I knew Karen was going to be my doctor 5 seconds after she walked in my room… and thank God for that! My diagnosis was in February and we had scheduled the surgery for early June of that year. Visits to her office on Beverly (beautiful facility, directly across the street from the hospital) included instruction on the temporary ostomy pouch I would need to wear that summer post-surgery. Karen has on staff a “wound ostomy care nurse” who has specialized training in treating patients with ostomies. Her name’s Jennifer (around 30, wear’s an ostomy pouch herself) and she did all the preoperative counseling along with marking the stoma site where the bag would be. Let’s face it, colostomy and ostomy bags ain’t no picnic; but here’s a girl half my age who wears one permanently and is active in sports, dancing and just living in general; she wasn’t about to let such a trifle slow her down. In her own words, it really is “no biggie”. Jennifer had answers for all my questions and calmed all my anxiety about “the bag”. Alba (Karen’s Surgical Coordinator), Shonna (megawatt smile, manages the office) and Dr Z’s entire staff made everything before the surgery effortless. Really a crack team! The surgery went brilliantly and we were fortunate to get all of the cancer cells. Post MRI’s, CAT scants, X-Rays and blood work all indicate no cancer. My outcome was beyond anything I could have imagined or hoped for. I am fully aware how fortunate I am, and it’s rare a day goes by that I’m not reminded of this. It’s on those days I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s the same feeling I got 6 years ago after my diagnosis, when Dr. Zaghiyan stepped inside my hospital room.
Sharon C.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 03/29/25
Dr. Karen Zaghiyan gave me a new lease on life. When a colonoscopy found a suspicious mass (a tubularvillous adenoma) in my sigmoid colon, I researched colorectal doctors and found Dr. Z -- along with glowing reviews. I'm so glad I did. From the consult to the surgery, I felt confident that I was in good hands. The morning after my surgery, she came by during rounds to tell me that the news was good; they had removed my sigmoid colon and there was no spread beyond the colon wall -- my lymph nodes were clear. I was still groggy but I remember the relief and joy. Thank you Dr. Z!
Imiru D.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 01/01/25
I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Karen Zaghiyan and Dr. Jesse S. Zuckerman for the outstanding care and treatment I received during my recent colorectal surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. From the very first consultation, Dr. Zuckerman took the time to listen to my concerns, review my medical records thoroughly, and explain the procedure in detail. He addressed all my questions and ensured I felt confident and reassured every step of the way. The entire team was professional, attentive, and compassionate, which made the entire process much smoother than I had anticipated. The surgery was a complete success, and I’m now fully recovered and able to enjoy my daily life again with significantly less pain. I truly feel like I’ve gotten my life back, thanks to the expertise, compassionate care, and professionalism of Dr. Zaghiyan and Dr. Zuckerman. I highly recommend Dr. Karen Zaghiyan and Dr. Jesse S. Zuckerman to anyone in need of colorectal care. Their skill, dedication, and genuine concern for their patients are truly unmatched!
Sanjay P.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 12/23/24
The article published is guide to many. Really excellent.
Connie O.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 12/14/24
From the moment I walked through the door everyone was very friendly. I was in my appointment on time. The doctor listened to all of my concerns, gave me a quick examination and gave me wonderful feedback on things that I could do going forward. I highly recommend this office for your needs
Mona D.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 09/09/24
She has been a blessing to me . After so many years my digestive complication and seeing so many doctors and surgeon, she was the one who diagnosed my situation recommended the surgery . After my surgery I have totally a different life experience and of course for better . I just love her.
Nadine L.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 04/18/24
Felt comfortable the moment I walked into the office. I got to be seen and treated quickly! Dr. Zaghiyan was personable and friendly, and had a great bedside manners.
Rachel J.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 04/14/24
Treated the problem
Phil L.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 03/08/24
I saw Dr Z today she was great as usual. She performed my surgery 2 years ago. I am now cancer free. She is an excellent Doctor I would recommend her to everyone!
Sandra C.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 02/08/24
Dr. Zaghiyan and staff were great. Going through cancer is scary and, knowing I need a big surgery, I felt reassured and listened to. Thank you!!
Sara B.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 11/22/23
She is a true Doctor.
Doron S.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 11/16/23
Dr. Zaghiyan was great. Fast, knowledgeable and got straight to it. I was in and out so quick it was a pleasure.
Norm B.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 08/09/23
I left my consultation with Dr. Zaghiyan feeling like I could not be in better hands. She’s very kind, easy to talk to, and practical in her approach. I could not have been more pleased with my visit.
Wyatt F.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 05/24/23
Dr. Karen is an excellent and gentle doctor and would recommend to anyone.
Larry Y.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 05/04/23
Dr Zaghiyan saved my life by removing my diseased bowel and skin so I could have my kidney transplant done. I remember her taking the afternoon off to discuss my case with my wife and I. I was told that if she couldn’t do it then nobody would try. Dr Z was so kind and caring as she reviewed the file of all my surgeries and near death experiences. When I awoke from my surgery I asked my wife how long was I under. A short time meant I was inoperable but when my wife said over 5 hrs she and I started crying. Dr Zaghiyan saved me and I went on to have a kidney transplant at Cedars Sinai. My care by my doctors was the very best.
Janae M.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 03/23/23
What an amazing doctor. I am so thankful to have found Dr. Zaghiyan. She is a GREAT doctor and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for this type of specialist. She is great from the beginning.
Sharon A.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 03/11/23
She was excellent
Julie B.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 02/13/23
Dr. Zaghiyan is great. I was searching for a good dr and saw my share of good but she was great. She listens and spend time with you answering questions. Very helpful.
Athina S.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 01/30/23
Amazed by the quickness and ease of my first visit. Dr. Zaghiyan is absolutely wonderful.
Norma K.
5/5 Star Rating
Submitted 12/19/22
Had to reschedule, my husband woke up with a cold sneezing and I didn’t want to take a chance by going in. You have a great office and that’s a big percentage of what I look for when going with a new doctor.