Vanderbilt Colon and Rectal Surgery

--- “Dr. Herline, I want to thank you for the wonderful job you did when you performed my colorectal surgery. I was very nervous and can't thank you enough for being so patient in explaining everything to me. You have a very reassuring manner. I also want to mention how thoughtful your staff has been - both the office staff and the medical staff. You are extremely lucky to have such compassionate people on your staff. On a scale of 1-10, they are an 11!” – B.H., colorectal surgery patient (April 2013)

"I had diverticulitis for eight years. No one in my home town would do surgery… saying I didn’t need it. In that time, I had been hospitalized four times, staying four nights each time. The last time I was in the hospital, I found Dr. Herline online. I saw Dr. Herline within two weeks. He was kind and attentive to my needs: to live a healthy and full life. I was scheduled for surgery on my first visit with him. For my minimally invasive colon resection, I was in the hospital only one night! I have been pain free now for three years. I loved all the nurses, doctors and staff. PS -- I now eat corn, peanuts and POPCORN! – B.S., divertivculitis patient (December 2012)

--- "Dr. Herline, thank you so much for all you have done to get me well. Your knowledge and expertise exceeded all that we could ever have hoped for in my recovery. Your kindness, compassion and wonderful bedside manner helped me to not give up and to keep on pushing myself to get better. Also, your staff (especially Julie) has been so wonderful. I appreciate all of you with all my heart!"  -- L.S., colon polyps patient (August 2012)

--- "Dr. Herline and staff, thank you for all that you have done for me during my surgery at Vanderbilt. From the first consultation, I felt like I had known you a long time. You explained everything perfectly. The care was excellent and the nursing staff were top notch, checking in on me regularly. I would certainly recommend Vanderbilt and you to anyone. It has really been a pleasure getting to know you and the kind person you are. Keep up the good work you are doing." – C.G., rectal cancer patient (April 2012)

--- "Dr. Herline, I want to take this opportunity to update you on the surgery you performed on my wife for ulcerative colitis in 2006 and 2007. She is able to carry on a normal lifestyle now, and we have been able to travel around the country as a result of your care. We have been happy to share our success story with others, who have, in turn, come to Vanderbilt for similar procedures. You and your staff treated us like family and for that we are forever grateful." – D.C., husband of ulcerative colitis patient (April 2012)

--- "Dr. Herline, many thanks for the great care you took while treating R. for his anal fistula. We are grateful you did not rush for a faster solution to this problem. Time and patience versus possible incontinence was an easy choice for us to make. R. is doing terrific! We are hopeful this problem will never resurface, but should this occur, you will be our first line of defense. It was so very nice to meet you. Nashville is fortunate to have such a talented medical doctor. -- T.V., wife of anal fistula patient (October 2011)

--- "I had diverticulitis for eight years. I heard about Dr. Herline and his ability to perform laparoscopic surgery. I met with him and had surgery soon afterwards. He has changed my life, after being in the hospital only one and a half days. I cannot thank him or his staff enough! Thank you, Dr. Herline. -- B.S., diverticulitis patient (October 2011)

---“Dr. Herline, it was great seeing you today. You have no idea how great it is to finally feel amazing again, thanks to your ileostomy, which I now call Stella. Thanks for making her so perfect; she fits in just the right place under my clothes so I can keep active. You are an amazing surgeon and I am forever grateful for you and all of your help. I know I’m not your typical patient… and there aren’t too many people who come to your clinic desperate for help due to severe constipation like I did, but if you ever do run across another patient who is hesitant about having an ileostomy, please share my contact information so they can connect with someone “like them.” Now that I’ve got my strength back and feeling healthier than I have in years, I’m excited to introduce Stella to the ski slopes over Christmas and who knows what else in 2011! There may be some day in the years ahead when I get brave again and want to give the anastamosis another try, if that’s even possible, but for now I’ve fallen in love with Stella and there’s absolutely nothing I would change about the way things have turned out. Stella is giving me the freedom to comfortably live my life to the fullest without having to always think about the pain and discomfort of my tummy. Colonic Intertia = the pits; Stella = a HUGE blessing!” – A.S., colonic inertia patient (December, 2010)

---"A little over a year ago, Dr. Alan Herline and the entire team of medical and support staff at Vanderbilt gave me my life back. Having suffered with severe Ulcerative Colitis for four year(s), I decided to trade in the physical and emotional pain of being a young person with a debilitating condition, for a busy, fun life again. I am embarrassed that it has taken me so long to officially submit my testimonial, but, quite frankly, I forgot I was sick! Since my total colectomy and ileostomy in April of 2009, I have enjoyed a full quality of life with my young children, family and friends again. I was literally up and back to the life I had before my disease within a month. EVERY single team member at Vanderbilt -- from Dr. Herline and his associates and the ostomy nursing staff to the business office and housekeeping staff -- provided me and my family with valuable information, a friendly and supportive environment, and the best medical care I could have had. When I chose Vanderbilt for my surgery, I knew I would receive quality care; what I got, though, was so much more. Should I ever need a major medical procedure again, I will turn to the best at Vanderbilt." -- S.H., ulcerative colitis patient (November, 2010)

---"Dear Dr. Herline and staff, this summer I passed the one-year milestone from my surgery there at Vandy in June of 2009. I just wanted to let you know that it was a wonderful year and that I feel better than at any time since I was in college, some 20 years ago. I really appreciate all of your work and I can't thank you enough." -- K.S., Crohn's patient (June, 2010)

---"Dear Dr. Herline, I want to thank you for your excellent medical care. It has been 5 weeks to the day, and I am feeling great! I also want to let you know that everyone in your department who I have come in contact with has been professional and helpful beyond all expectations. You have to be extremely proud of them. Thank you again. And please thank your staff for me for all of their help." -- L.D., Crohn's colitis patient (June, 2010)

--- "Dr. Herline and Staff, I just wanted to say "Thank You" for the wonderful care you showed my dear adoptive son...You performed minor surgery Jan 6th for an abscess near his rectum. He has done so well! He is so relieved to be healed and pain free. It was so hard for him to communicate...but all of you were wonderful to him and myself. God Bless you all and Thank you again." - J.H., mother of K.N., abscess patient (March 2010)

--- "Dr. Herline, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you. I am grateful the Lord placed you in my life at a time that was so hard for my whole family. [My husband] and I truly believe you allowed God to guide your hands through the first surgery while I was pregnant as well as the other two that have followed. You will never know what it meant to us when you prayed with us before performing that first major surgery. The Lord took care of our baby girl as well as me! I also want to point out a very special nurse that you have working for you. Julie Hood is by far the best nurse that I have ever dealt with. She is so sweet and caring. She has made this whole experience as pleasant as it can be. If I have any questions or fears all I have to do is call and leave her a message and I know that she will return my call and not only answer my question but usually put my mind at ease. Also, if I have had anything that she thinks I need to be seen by you about she works me into the schedule. I wanted to recognize her for the wonderful job she does! Thanks again for all you and your staff have done to help me. I am thankful that the j-pouch was available for me. This has been a difficult thing to go through but I am truly blessed to be able to feel good and enjoy the life the Lord has given me." - J.C., ulcerative colitis patient (June, 2009)

--- "Dr. Herline, I can't thank you enough for the care that I received from you and your team. I've had many health problems and hospitalizations in the past few years and have never received the level of care that I experience[d] during my stay on the round wing...I am now able to enjoy my life at such a greater level since my resection...I want to thank the nurses that cared for me, again, I've never received such a great level of care. You have a wonderful team! I'd also like to mention how much I appreciate your 'accessibility'. In example...I had a problem on a Sunday evening and called your answering service, I immediately received a return call from an on-call physician that took the time to listen and also inform me of what I should pay attention to in order to seek medical attention. I was hospitalized, as you know, my doctor phoned you and was called back by you within ten minutes. He was so amazed by that, he came back to my room to tell me...If only we had more like you! Thank you so much!" - T.V., diverticulitis patient (June, 2009)

--- "Dear Dr. Herline and Staff: I want to thank you and your team for the outstanding care you provided during my stay at Vanderbilt. My entire family appreciated your willingness to see me quickly in response to the request of my local physician. The office staff and the hospital personnel were caring and efficient in the provision of pre-operative and post-operative services. A quick recovery from my colon surgery for an 83 year old serves as a testament to the skill level demonstrated by you and the surgical team. Visiting a surgeon is never a pleasant activity but you and your team made the entire process better than we expected. We greatly appreciate your help and we will recommend you and Vanderbilt Hospital to others in the future." - W.F., rectal cancer patient (May, 2009)

--- "Dear Dr. Herline and Staff, I wanted to drop you all a quick letter to express my appreciation as well as that of my family and friends. I was fortunate enough to find myself in your care following an initial diagnosis of appendeceal cancer after having an appendectomy. I am so thankful I was directed to you all for my surgery and recovery. Upon our initial meeting I was extremely impressed with the punctuality and courtesy of everyone in the Vanderbilt facility. I can honestly say I have never showed up at a medical facility for an appt that is at 10:30 and actually begins at 10:30. My experience only got better and better. Dr. Herline is an outstanding surgeon who has a very calming and comforting presence. I felt comfortable that I was in great care with him leading the surgery. However, the people I saw the most were nurses and staff and the experience they provided was first class. They are compassionate, friendly people who work in a very efficient and structured system that works so well in giving a patient a sense of confidence and assurance that everyone knows what’s going on. I didn’t want to make this letter to[o] dramatic, and I could go on and on about how good everyone is and why they are such. Simply enough, I thank you all more than you will ever understand. Keep up the great work." - E.W. appendiceal cancer patient (April, 2009)

--- "Dear Dr. Herline I want to express my thanks and sincere gratitude to you, your team, your staff and the nurses and staff on the round wing at Vanderbilt Hospital. When I came to Vanderbilt...I never expected to be staying for an illeostomy [sic]. Everyone was so kind and professional. My quality of life has improved 100% and I am grateful to you and your staff for making this happen. Thank You" - J.O., ulcerative colitis patient (March, 2009)

--- "Dr. Herline, On Jan 6, 2009, I entered Vanderbilt Hospital through the emergency room and was placed on the 4th floor round wing. This visit put me in contact with excellent nurses and a level of care that was exceptional. My needs were met in a timely manner that was compassionate and caring and always with a smile. I wish I knew all of their names. I know part of them, but do not wish [for] you [to] leave anyone out. To each of these nurses on the 4th floor round wing, and also to your staff, thank you and I appreciate your expertise and your kindness." - M.H., parastomal hernia and colitis patient (February, 2009)

--- "Dear Dr. Herline, As you recall on December 30, 2008, my wife had a sigmoid colon resection because of previous diverticulitis with resultant scarring...I wish to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for a magnificent job in taking care of my wife. Her surgery was treated by very competent, compassionate and kind personnel throughout her short hospital stay. Upon leaving the hospital, she has been very faithful about her instructions as to activities and diet. I am happy to report she hasn’t required any medication since leaving the hospital. I feel very confident she is recovering in a very satisfactory manner in that all biological functions seem to be back to normal. Again, I express my sincere thanks to you and your staff." G.M., MD, about his wife, L.M. (January, 2009)

--- "Dear Dr. Herline: I would like to express my extreme gratitude for you and the professional colon and rectal team. I had the opportunity to get to know the professionalism, down to earth, good people that surrounded me with you and the whole colon and rectal team. The ostomy nurses I can’t thank them enough for sharing their wisdom with me. The 4th floor nursing staff go way beyond their call of duty and they do it with great passion and care. It seems to me that you are a precise kind of person and your surround yourself with the same. I will always see you and the team as my heroes." - S.S., ulcerative colitis patient (September, 2008)

--- "Dear Dr. Herline, I wanted to write and tell you how impressed I was with your staff. They were all so nice and helpful. They made me feel at ease. One employee, Diana, was extremely nice and helpful. I talked with her on the telephone several times and she was always sweet and answered all my questions. You’re lucky to have such an employee working for you. Sincerely, B.W. PS – I feel lucky having met you and seeing you as a patient. You impress me as being a compassionate and caring doctor. - B.W., diverticulitis patient (August 2008)

--- "To Alan Herline and staff of VUMC: Thank you all so much for the care and treatment I received while at Vanderbilt. I could not have asked for a better team of doctors and nurses. I will be forever grateful!!!" - B.B., diverticulitis patient (July 2008)

--- "Dr. Herline, My name is [L.S.] and Dr. Herline performed a colon resection on me in 2006 that changed my life. I have lived with Crohn's disease for 12 years and these last 2 years are the only years that I can say I've lived happily and lived feeling like a healthy person. I was never able to thank you Dr. Herline, but after seeing some of the testimonials on your website I was moved to do so. My quality of life improved 100% after that surgery and I'll be forever grateful. There isn't one day that goes by that I don't think about it and realize how lucky I am to have come in contact with such wonderful doctors. Thank you! - L.S., Crohn's patient (May 2008)

--- "Dear Dr. Herline, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for your expertise in making my colon surgery and recovery much easier than I had expected. Also, I want to compliment the excellent nurses and care partners who gave my wife and me their undivided attention during my stay at Vanderbilt Hospital. Their kindness, efficiency and knowledge made my recovery very comfortable, and for that I'm deeply appreciative. I would like to think that none of my family or friends will ever have to undergo this kind of surgery, but should this be the case, you can be sure I will strongly recommend you, your staff, and the nursing personnel who care for your patients." - C.R., colon cancer patient (February, 2008)

--- "To Dr. Alan Herline...& all the dedicated staff that helped pull me through my life threatening surgery & recovery situation while I was at Vanderbilt Hospital & Stallworth Rehab, etc. I feel that all you...done [sic] for me was a life saving miracle w/ the help of our creator. I have the utmost respect for Vanderbilt's setup & all the people connected to helping people with life threatening situations. Thank you." - N.H., rectal prolapse patient (November, 2007)

--- "Dr. Herline, ...My wife & I wanted to take some time to say hello and to thank you and your team...As you are aware, things did not go quite as planned after the initial surgery. I am here today to tell you and your team that without you, I would not be writing this letter. Your team and Vanderbilt both went above and beyond and showed why Vanderbilt has the reputation that it does. My entire family thanks you. I have never been a part of a group of people who showed more courage and care through my entire stay as the team at Vanderbilt. The follow up after I had been released every time was equally as impressive..." - T.R., colon volvulus patient (March, 2007)

--- "Dr. Herline and staff, Just a note to express our heartfelt appreciation, not only for your surgical skills, and they are marvelous, but also for your kindness and humanity. These qualities have obviously been embraced by your entire staff. Never have we been treated with such kindness and understanding, very professionally done, yet human. They served every possible need and even made suggestions for our comfort. My husband and I felt that we have enjoyed a twenty four hour holiday during my brief recuperative period." - J.W., patient (January, 2007)

--- "Dr. Herline,...Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. I feel great." - H.G.C., Ulcerative colitis patient (August, 2006)

--- "Dr. Herline - Thank you so much for leading me to good health! When you first came and spoke to me in the hospital about the option of surgery, it opened a new door for me. I could see a light at the end of the tunnel...You are a wonderful surgeon. Thank you for all you have done for me! and leading me to a wonderful, healthy life!" - C.Y., Crohn's patient (June, 2006)

--- "Dr. Herline, You were the first doctor that I went to that put me at ease. At my age I have had so much information thrown at me at such a short time frame that I was pretty much overwhelmed. When I came to see you I just knew everything was going to be okay. You have given me courage to get through my treatment..." - J.H., rectal cancer patient (December, 2005)

--- "Dr. Herline, Thank you for such a great operation. I never dreamed it would have gone this smoothly afterwards (knock [on] wood). I am very grateful to have you as a surgeon. Not just for the surgery itself, but you have a great presence and personal feel to you when talking with the family and patients. We were all very pleased!!...You guys did an awesome job from what I can tell, and I am glad I decided to go ahead and have it done..." - J.W., ulcerative colitis patient (April, 2005)