Nathan Smallwood, M.D.

Dr. Smallwood is a board-certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon. He performs anorectal procedures for hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas. He performs diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies and is one of the few physicians in the U.S. to have experience in using endoluminal vacuum therapy to treat anastomotic leaks. Dr. Smallwood has had an extensive experience with the da Vinci® Robotic System for both benign and malignant colon and rectal procedures. He specializes in sphincter sparing resections for rectal cancer including transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). He has experience in managing constipation, rectal prolapse, and the treatment for fecal incontinence with the sacral nerve stimulator. He is a member of the American Board of Surgery and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Why did you choose to specialize in colorectal surgery?

Having the opportunity to positively impact a patient’s life is truly a blessing and is the primary source of joy for me as a surgeon. This is why I especially love Colon and Rectal Surgery. As a Colon and Rectal Surgeon, I can prevent cancer with a colonoscopy or cure cancer with a surgical resection. In benign disease, Colon and Rectal Surgery can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life. This is especially true for those patients who have had to suffer in silence for months or years due to fecal incontinence or who have an anal fistula, fissure or hemorrhoids.

What do you and your family enjoy doing in your spare time?

My family and I enjoy spending time at my parent’s ranch fishing and feeding the cows. My daughters love to swim, go to the zoo, and before the pandemic, Chuck E. Cheese’s.

Is there a treatment/procedure that you want your patients to know more about? 

Bowel incontinence/leakage affects nearly 1 in every 8 adults over the age of 65. There are advanced therapies available that can help reduce the frequency of bowl leakage incidents, which can positively impact anyone’s quality of life and normal activity. It’s important that our patients know there are options to consider.  Below are some informative videos that were produced in collaboration with Axonics, my preferred partner for Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy. You can also click the button below for more detailed information about Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy.

Click here to learn more about Axonics Therapy for Bowel Incontinence