Daniel Lavy, MD

Daniel Lavy, MD, is a fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic procedures.

Dr. Lavy treats inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), diverticulitis, and colon and rectal cancers. He also treats common anorectal conditions, including hemorrhoids, anorectal fistulas, fissures, and rectal prolapse. He offers colonoscopies for screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes. In addition, he is at the forefront of treatment for fecal incontinence with extensive experience with sacral neuromodulation.

Dr. Lavy’s research on a broad range of topics has been published in several journals, and has also been selected for presentation at regional and national meetings of the American Society for Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the New York Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and The American College of Surgeons.

He became interested in medicine as a career while working as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT). “My time spent on the ambulance sparked my interest in medicine. While I loved treating people with acute emergencies, I realized I wanted to see patients’ care until the end.”

Dr. Lavy says he was drawn to surgery because he likes to work with his hands and enjoys making a tangible, immediate difference in people’s lives.

“Colorectal surgery also offers variety and a breadth of procedures in any given day, from colonoscopies to many different types of operations, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures,” he says. “Plus, anorectal issues are often embarrassing for people to talk about. During office visits, I think it is important that I make patients feel comfortable. Treatments for these problems can provide such improvement in their quality of life. Helping them can also be extremely gratifying.”

When he meets with patients, Dr. Lavy says he listens carefully and offers them enough time to express what is bothering them. “Much of my visits involve teaching my patients, which can include drawing an illustration to make sure they understand the problem and how we can fix it,” he says. “I also want to make sure they are clear on their expectations regarding recovery. Plus, all the decisions we make are collaborative. Surgery isn’t always ‘one size fits all.’”

Dr. Lavy is an assistant professor of medicine (surgery) at Yale School of Medicine. He belongs to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and serves on the board of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.