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Dr. Michael Zehnpfennig and Montana Colon have served patients throughout Missoula and Western Montana since 2020. We are pleased to announce the relocation of the practice to Bozeman, where Dr. Zehnpfennig will partner with Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center.

This transition will expand access to fellowship-trained colorectal care for patients throughout Central and Southwest Montana. Patients undergoing colon and rectal surgery will also have access to the Intuitive da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, the newest generation of robotic surgical technology.

Michael Zehnpfennig, MD, is a fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon providing advanced, patient-focused care in Bozeman, Montana. He treats colon and rectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse, complex anal fistulas, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and other disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. His goal is to ensure that Montanans can receive specialized colorectal care without leaving the state.

Dr. Zehnpfennig graduated with honors from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, in 2006. He then completed his general surgery internship and residency at Wayne State University and began practicing as a general surgeon in Montana in 2011.

During his early years in practice, Dr. Zehnpfennig recognized that many Montanans with complex colon and rectal conditions had to travel out of state for subspecialty care. To address that need, he completed a fellowship in minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston under the guidance of Dr. Eric Haas, a nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive colorectal surgery. After completing fellowship training in 2020, Dr. Zehnpfennig returned to Montana to bring this expertise to patients throughout the state.

Dr. Zehnpfennig has performed more than 1,000 robotic operations and specializes in robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery. He performs complex procedures for colon cancer, rectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colostomy reversal, and rectal prolapse.

He has particular expertise in natural-orifice specimen extraction, an advanced technique that allows the surgical specimen to be removed without a large abdominal extraction incision. This approach is associated with less postoperative pain, fewer wound-related complications, and faster recovery than conventional abdominal specimen extraction.¹

Dr. Zehnpfennig uses the Intuitive da Vinci robotic platform to perform transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for selected rectal tumors and robotic ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) for rectal prolapse. He also performs advanced procedures for complex anal fistulas, including endorectal advancement flap, ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract, commonly called the LIFT procedure, and transanal opening of the intersphincteric space, or TROPIS.

For benign anorectal conditions, Dr. Zehnpfennig provides comprehensive treatment for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal skin tags, and other common but often undertreated disorders. Treatment options include office-based procedures, surgical hemorrhoid treatment, cosmetic removal of anal skin tags, and Botox injections for chronic anal fissures.

His practice incorporates enhanced recovery principles designed to reduce pain and help patients return home and resume normal activity sooner. These include minimally invasive surgical techniques, multimodal pain control, early feeding, early mobilization, and careful fluid management. Many patients undergoing colon resection meet discharge criteria on the first postoperative day, and selected patients may qualify for same-day discharge.

Patients receive direct, specialist-level care from diagnosis through recovery. To schedule a consultation, contact the office by phone or request an appointment online.

1. Cao L, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Colorectal Disease. 2025. 

Dr. Farshid Araghizadeh, MD, MBA, FASCRS, is a board-certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon with Alliance Colorectal Specialists in North Fort Worth (Alliance). He specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgery for a full range of colorectal conditions, including colon and rectal cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, complex hernias, and abdominal wall reconstruction. He also treats all anorectal disorders, such as hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, rectal prolapse, and pelvic floor disorders.

Dr. Araghizadeh earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor society. He completed General Surgery training at UT Southwestern/Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and a Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He also holds an MBA from UT Dallas, with a focus on improving surgical care quality and efficiency.

Before joining Alliance Colorectal Specialists, Dr. Araghizadeh served as Professor and Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at UT Southwestern (2008-2019) and later developed a successful private practice with the GI Alliance (2019-2025). He has held multiple hospital leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at Medical City Alliance, and serves on several professional committees dedicated to advancing robotic and colorectal surgery and maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice.

A seven-time D Magazine “Best Doctor”, Dr. Araghizadeh has authored numerous publications, textbook chapters, and lectures both nationally and internationally. He is widely recognized for combining advanced surgical skill with a compassionate, individualized, patient-centered approach.

Dr. Araghizadeh welcomes new patients at his practice in North Fort Worth.

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Gene L. Syn, MD, is one of the skilled physicians practicing at Minimally Invasive Medical Group, which has offices in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Irvine, California. 

He is a second-generation Korean-American who was born in Los Angeles and raised in Orange County, California.  He graduated from the UCLA School of Medicine in 1992.  He then did his general surgery residency at the New York Flushing Hospital Medical Center from 1992 to 1997. He further specialized in colon and rectal surgery at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center from 1997 to 1998. 

Dr. Syn received his board certification from the American Board of Surgery as well as the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He has been practicing colon and rectal surgery in Southern California for over 20 years.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Syn or another member of the team at Minimally Invasive Medical Group, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Meet Dr. Santiago

Lourdes T. Santiago, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon at Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Santiago specializes in the treatment of colon and rectal cancers, as well as pelvic floor disorders.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and serving as a major in the United States Army, Dr. Santiago relocated to Tampa Bay, Florida, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Science and Chemistry at the University of South Florida.

Dr. Santiago returned to Puerto Rico, graduating with her Doctor of Medicine from the Ponce School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency and colon and rectal surgery fellowship training at the University of South Florida.  

She is a member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the Florida Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (FLSCRS). 

Dr. Santiago has an affiliation with many area hospitals, including St. Petersburg General Hospital in St. Petersburg, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Largo Medical Center in Largo, and Belleair Surgery Center in Largo. 

An advocate for education, Dr. Santiago gives regular presentations in English and Spanish about colon and rectal cancer throughout the Tampa Bay area. 

In her free time, Dr. Santiago enjoys giving back to the community she serves. In addition to her lectures and presentations, she volunteers at the Health Department, provides care at local free medical clinics, and participates in local toy drives during the holidays. 

Dr. Rolando H. Saenz, MD, is a dual board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. He offers a variety of surgical services to patients of Downtown San Antonio and nearby areas in Texas at his practice, San Lucas Surgical Associates. As one of the leading general and colorectal surgeons in San Antonio, he understands the unique needs of each patient and attends to them in a caring and compassionate manner.

Dr. Saenz completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He then spent two years as a surgical resident at the Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Illinois.

His passion for specialized care led him to open this forward-thinking private practice in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Saenz has operated on thousands of patients during his three decades of general and colorectal surgical practice, with excellent results. He is equipped to perform the latest cutting-edge surgical procedures and is particularly adept at colon cancer surgery.

Dr. Saenz believes in educating patients about their disease and encourages them to follow a healthy lifestyle as they heal. He ensures his patients feel comfortable by helping them understand the disease and how surgical intervention will work.

He is an active member of the San Antonio medical community and is affiliated with the Baptist Health System, Nix Health, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Northeast Methodist Hospital, and the Metropolitan Methodist Hospital.

He was born and raised in San Antonio, and his equal fluency in English and Spanish allows him to treat patients from a diverse cultural background. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Saenz, call San Lucas Surgical Associates today.

Meet Dr. Yavrouian

Dr. Robert Yavrouian, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in colon and rectal surgery.  Dr. Yavrouian has been serving the Southern California area for over a decade with offices  in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles and Glendale, California.

 Dr. Yavrouian is a Southern California native who attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia and completed his general surgery training at San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton, CA. He then returned to USC to complete his fellowship specializing in colon and rectal surgery.

He is trained to treat all aspects of colorectal health, including both benign and malignant conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. Dr. Yavrouian’s clinical interests include hemorrhoids, proctology, colonoscopy, anal abscess and fistula, anal fissure, pilonidal disease, diverticular disease, rectal prolapse, colon and rectal cancer, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

He is an attending surgeon at Glendale Adventist Medical Center and White Memorial Medical Center.  Dr. Yavrouian is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Northwest Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, and Armenian American Medical Society.

Dr. Yavrouian knows that visiting a surgeon for a colorectal problem can be both frightening and embarrassing.  He and his staff are committed to providing patients with the best possible care in a warm, caring, and compassionate environment.  Schedule an appointment by calling the nearest office or booking online today.

Board-certified colorectal surgeon Ren yu Zhang, MD, has dedicated his medical career to helping patients suffering from conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. At his practice in Las Vegas, Nevada, he prides himself on putting his patients first, taking the time to listen to their concerns and goals before offering an individualized treatment plan.

Dr. Zhang hails from the east coast. He graduated from the University of Rochester, majoring in Electrical Engineering and Developmental Biology. He then went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Subsequently, he completed his general surgery training at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester under internationally renowned surgeons, including Dr. Seymour Schwartz.

During his general surgery residency, he spent a year completing fellowship research at Cleveland Clinic, focusing on surgical outcomes in colorectal surgery. Under the guidance of Dr. Victor Fazio, his research projects were presented at various national conferences. Before joining Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care, he completed his fellowship training in colorectal surgery in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Focusing on the care and protection of your colon and rectal health, Dr. Zhang is committed to delivering the highest quality in comprehensive specialty care. Interested in both benign and malignant conditions of the colon and the rectum, he provides management and treatment of a wide range of conditions such as anorectal fistula, abscesses, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, anal/colon/rectal cancers, bowel incontinence, rectal prolapse, diverticular disease, colostomy/ileostomy, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Zhang offers minimally invasive robot/laparoscopic colon and rectal resection to help you with faster recovery and lesser pain in addition to comprehensive care in the cancer field ranging from a screening colonoscopy to a therapeutic colonoscopic polyp removal. Sensitive to your anxieties and concerns with anorectal or colorectal disease, Dr. Zhang will work closely with you to alleviate any physical and emotional stress to achieve the best outcomes for you. He also provides comprehensive care in the field of maintaining colon and rectal health, ranging from screening colonoscopies to therapeutic colonoscopic polyp removal.

Since he completed his training, Dr. Zhang has been in practice in Las Vegas. He looks forward to continuing to provide individualized care to the people of our community.