Hermann Kessler, MD, PhD
Colon and Rectal Surgical OncologyColon and Rectal Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- Spanish
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- Latin
- Greek
- Italian
- German
- English
Gender
MaleAbout Hermann Kessler
Biography
Hermann Kessler, MD, PhD, F.A.C.S is currently the Section Head of Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Kessler obtained his medical degree and Ph.D. from the University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. There he completed his surgical training with board exams and certifications in General Surgery, Comprehensive Visceral Surgery, and Proctology. He finished two years of clinical and research fellowships for advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the United States: the Cleveland Clinic and the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. During these years, he participated and completed numerous scientific studies. In May 2007, Dr. Kessler was appointed Professor of Surgery at the University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Dr. Kessler joined the Cleveland Clinic, Department of Colorectal Surgery as Section Head, Minimally Invasive Surgery in April 2013. Dr. Kessler is active in many other professional groups, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, International Society of Digestive Surgery, International Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal & Endoscopic Surgeons, International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, & Oncologists, Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Kessler’s specialty interests include laparoscopic and robotic surgery, colon and rectal carcinoma, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, J-pouch creation, re-do pouches, familial adenomatous polyposis, pelvic surgery, bowel fistula surgery, and intestinal endometriosis.
Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Mount Sinai Medical Center, 1999
- Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, 1998
- Medical Education: Medical School University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 1984
Board Certifications
- General Surgery: Bavarian General Medical Council, 1993
- Comprehensive Visceral Surgery Proctology: Bavarian General Medical Council, 1993
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2025-07-16, Dr. Kessler has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing.
In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
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Insurances Accepted
Video
Ratings & Reviews
4.7 out of 5
200 ratings, 38 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2026
I have been working on this for almost a year Dr. Kessler got me in got me taken care of in about a month thank you very much
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/6/2026
Dr Callahan electrophysiologist and Dr Kessler Colorectal were as usual wonderful, also their staff were superb
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/6/2026
Dr. Kessler was very professional at my actual meeting with him earlier.. And was at the zoom as well..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
100% I''d recommend him and Cleveland Clinkc
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
I was very please on how the nurses took there time with me. Explaining on my meds of or if I had questions about my care. Dr. Kessler and his team were great. He explained everything thoroughly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Dr. Kessler, his assistant and nurse were all kind, respectful and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Dr Kessler was excellent in every way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Very high level of excellent care by doctors, & nurses and hospital staff. Top rated hospital for patient care. Wonderful and skilled doctors. Thank you Cleveland Clinic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Dr Kessler, is outstanding Dr n takes his time to discuss the issues with me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/26/2026
I've been going to Dr. Kessler since 2020/21 and would highly recommend him and his staff!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Dr Kessler and his team are fabulous. Not only do I receive the highest quality technical care, but he is always engaging and genuinely interested in my well-being.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
The staff was amazing, and Dr. Kessler was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/8/2025
I could not ask for a better team. Dr. Kessler and his staff are the most skilled, compassionate and supportive team I have ever seen. I owe them my life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Kessler is a very caring doctor. I am grateful to have him taking such good care of me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr. Kessler made sure I understood all aspects of my medical condition. He was reassuring and I felt very comfortable with my decision to have surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
It was very clear to me from the start that Dr. Kessler and his team place the patient first to achieve the best possible outcome.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
I was able to see Dr. Kessler the day following my colonoscopy. Any additional appointments were made with ease and in a very timely manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2025
Always a good experiance with Dr. Kessler
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
The providers were great at listening to all me. I am VERY pleased with the service they provided!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
Doctor Kessler saved my life !!!He is awesome and his team !They always make any situation easy !!!!Never add any fear !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
Dr. Kishler was very kind and caring and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
I will definitely recommend the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Kessler.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr Kessler is the BEST!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2025
Love Dr. Kessler!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Dr Kessler was very attentive, did not rush through the appointment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
We have appreciated Hermann Kessler, and his team so much! His resident assistant was extremely good this visit. Unfortunately, I don't recall his name. Dr. ? Before Dr. Kessler came in, this man was doing the initial intake and provided reassurance and concern with an additional new symptom.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
Dr. Kessler is a Cleveland Clinic treasure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Treated me very well. Got me in next day.great dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr Christopher and Dr Kessler were wonderful. Very caring about my situation and made sure I was as comfortable as possible.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
Dr Kessler is a superb physician. His brilliance in his field coupled with his exemplary interpersonal skills makes him a great and valuable asset to Cleveland Clinic
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Dr. Kessler is the best! I always feel like I'm in good hands under the care of him and his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Dr Kessler is the best in every aspect of care. 5 out of 5!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Good meeting with Dr Kessler. He took his time and explained everything I wanted to know. Felt better after talking to him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Very good experience, Dr Kessler is easy to talk to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Dr. Kessler is a wonderful and caring physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
Dr Kessler and his team are top tier! Dr Pacheco and Morgan are incredible, and Dr Kessler is the most incredible physician I know.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
Dr. Kessler and his fellow were extremely thoroughly, caring, concerned, and kind. They treated with me with the utmost respect, ensuring I was comfortable and even joking with me to put me at ease during an uncomfortable procedure. They gave me hope, had great referral suggestions, and brought the light back into my eyes after a really rough period at home. I cannot recommend Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgery enough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
Dr. Kessler is a treasure!