Wolfgang B. Gaertner, MD, MSc

Dr. Gaertner is originally from Vancouver, Canada, but spent most of his childhood and early life in Mexico. After receiving his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico, he completed a research fellowship, general surgery residency and colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He is actively involved in both basic science and clinical research of diseases of the colon and rectum, and has published numerous articles and book chapters in his field. Dr. Gaertner is certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ABCRS); and his clinical expertise includes colorectal oncology, inflammatory bowel disease, and minimally invasive approaches to colorectal diseases.

• Mpls.St.Paul Magazine "Top Doctor—Rising Star" (2015)

• Member, American Medical Association (2007-present)
• Member, Academy of Surgical Research (2006-present)
• Member, American College of Surgeons (2006-present)
• Member, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (2006-present)
• Editorial Board Member, World Journal of Gastroenterology

• Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal diseases (laparoscopy and robotic surgery)
• Colorectal Oncology
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Transanal endoscopic microsurgery
• Sphincter preserving operations for rectal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Clostridium difficile infection after colorectal surgery
• Postoperative abdominal adhesions
• Parastomal hernia repair

• Ileal pouch fistulas after restorative proctocolectomy: management and outcomes. Gaertner WB, Witt J, Madoff RD, Mellgren A, Finne CO, Spencer MP. Techniques in Coloproctology 2014.
• Multidisciplinary and Evidence-based Management of Fistulizing Perianal Crohn’s Disease. Sordo-Mejia R, Gaertner WB. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology 2014 Aug 15;5(3):239-51.
• The Evolving Role of Laparoscopy in Colonic Diverticular Disease. Gaertner WB, Kwaan MR, Madoff RD, Rothenberger DA, Belzer GE, Melton GB. World Journal of Surgery 2013 Mar;37(3):629-38.
• Results of combined medical and surgical treatment of rectovaginal fistulas in Crohn’s disease. Gaertner WB, Madoff RD, Mellgren A, Spencer MP, Goldberg SM, Lowry AC. Colorectal Disease 2011 Jun;13(6):678-83.
• Fistula-associated anal adenocarcinoma in Crohn's disease. Iesalnieks I, Gaertner WB, Glaß H, Strauch U, Hipp M, Agha A, Schlitt HJ. Inflammatory Bowel Disease 2010 Oct;16(10):1643-8.