Adrienne Forstner-Barthell, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Dr. Forstner is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon, who founded a thriving female colon and rectal practice after returning to the Valley in 2006. She received training at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale after attending medical school at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and received her specialized surgical training with the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Orlando. She specializes in the treatment of colon and rectal and anal cancer, in particular the robotic and laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgical approaches to this disease. She helped to bring to the valley a revolutionary minimally invasive approach to rectal cancer resection, called Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery. She performs screening colonoscopies and treats all forms of benign colon and anorectal disease - including anal pain, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, fissure, fistulas, fecal incontinence, rectocele, rectal prolapse and constipation. She continues to pursue cutting edge approaches to issues such as robotic surgery and the sacral nerve stimulator for fecal incontinence.

Dr. Forstner was chair of the Cancer Committee until it dissolved and participated in the Medical Executive Board at Banner Thunderbird Hospital from 2008-2017. She is an adjunct professor for AT Still University and trains PA students for this school and for Midwestern. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Forstner is also a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. She is on staff at hospitals in Phoenix, Glendale, and Sun City/Peoria. She spends what free time she has working on "Por Ellos," her Nicaraguan charity, and traveling, singing and hiking with her husband.

Procedures Performed and Conditions Treated by Dr. Adrienne Forstner

Abdominal Surgery - Minimally Invasive (laparoscopic & da Vinci) intestinal surgery for all disorders below.

• Colon Cancer
• Rectal Cancer (including ultra-low surgery and sphincter-preserving surgeries)
• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Colostomy and Ileostomy Dysfunction/Repair

Anal Disease and Surgery

• Rectal Bleeding
• Abscess
• Anal - Cancer / Fissures / Itching / Pain / Skin Tags Pap Smears
• Hemorrhoids
• Condyloma and Anal Dysplasia
• Fistulas
• High Resolution Anoscopy in Anal Dysplasia
• Pilonidal Cysts
• Rectal Prolapse
• Rectocele
• Fecal Incontinence (Implants)
• TEM for Rectal Tumors

Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy

Hospitals and Surgery Centers Staffed At

• Rectal Bleeding
• Abscess
• Anal - Cancer / Fissures / Itching / Pain / Skin Tags Pap Smears
• Hemorrhoids
• Condyloma and Anal Dysplasia
• Fistulas
• High Resolution Anoscopy in Anal Dysplasia
• Pilonidal Cysts
• Rectal Prolapse
• Rectocele
• Fecal Incontinence (Implants)
• TEM for Rectal Tumors

Patient Testimonials

Shannon S. - "Dr. Forstner-Barthell is an AMAZING doctor. There is no one else who I would trust for my care. We found a large mass on my ascending colon that could not be removed via colonoscopy so I had to have surgery. Dr. Forstner-Barthell was with me every step of the way. She took her time in listening to all of my questions and was available any time I needed her. Every facility and staff that I came into contact with had nothing but praise for Dr. Forstner-Barthell. We caught the mass early and no cancer. I will be a life long patient of Dr. Forstner-Barthell. She saved my life. I am grateful to and for her. Thank you Dr. Forstner-Barthell!!!"

yvonne y. - "I first met Dr. Forstner -Barthell with an unusual problem, pelvic floor dysfunction. It was such a relief to discuss openly my issues and following her instructions improving one area of my problems. She was so sincere and supportive listening to me. Even more, she had empathy for what I live with and was very knowledgeable about this mainly unknown disorder and the devastating effects of this."

Cheryl M. - "She is GREAT!!! told me exactly what to expect - and the first few days after were a bit sore - but OMG - life now is sooooooo much better. I will tell everyone to see Dr. Forstner.......THANK YOU SO MUCH DR.....you and your staff were AWESOME!!!!!!! I will recommend you to Everyone!!!"

K - "I have been a patient of Dr. Forstner for several years now and I must say, she is the best. Dr. Forstner is very kind, and does not make you feel that she is rushing. Dr. Forstner has been providing me with excellent care and I recommend her often."

Janice - "Found out that I had colon cancer on a routine colonoscopy, there is no other surgeon I would want to perform my surgery than Dr Forstner. She is straight forward & truly cared that I was well & had a great outcome to my surgery. I would highly recommend her!!"

Source: Google.com - Google Reviews Link

Source: Healthgrades.com - Healthgrades.com Review Link

Location and Contact Info