Rebuilding Function—and Trust—in Complex IBD Cases

David W. Dietz, MD, has joined NYU Langone Health’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, bringing extensive expertise in complex colorectal surgery. Nationally renowned for his work in complicated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases, Dr. Dietz specializes in continent ileostomy (K-pouch) procedures and reoperative abdominal surgery to correct complications from prior procedures. A key focus of his surgical practice is helping patients avoid a conventional ileostomy through individualized, advanced care strategies.

In addition to his clinical role, Dr. Dietz serves as vice chair of value and transformation for the Department of Surgery, where he leads efforts to enhance surgical care delivery and outcomes.

Here, he reflects on the human side of complex colorectal surgery and shares his vision for advancing high-value surgical care.

Physician Focus: What led you to work on complex cases and reoperative procedures?

Dr. Dietz: When I was a resident and trainee at Cleveland Clinic many years ago, I worked with renowned colorectal surgeons who addressed the most complicated cases. They had excellent surgical skills and compassion for patients and their families. I saw physicians regain the trust of patients who had lost faith in the healthcare system, and that inspired me. I’ve worked to develop the same kind of approach. Reoperative surgery is often a months- or years-long journey that the physician and patient take together.

Physician Focus: You are one of the few surgeons worldwide performing K-pouch surgeries. What has motivated you to push the boundaries of your field?

Dr. Dietz: Being a K-pouch surgeon means that you are willing to enter a lifelong relationship with the patient. You make the commitment that you will always be available. Almost all my patients have my cell phone number and know they can call me for support at any time.

Because I spend so much time with these patients, I see how much the K-pouch operation can change their lives. Patients have told me that after the surgery, they begin going out again without fear that their ileostomy bag will leak, taking up hobbies, being more active…things many of us take for granted. It’s gratifying to help people recover their quality of life.

Physician Focus: How do you see your role as vice chair of value and transformation in the Department of Surgery?

Dr. Dietz: Studies suggest the healthcare industry in the United States wastes almost a quarter of the money spent in healthcare—between 7 and 9 billion dollars. Physicians focus on achieving the best outcomes but sometimes overlook the value of care by not being mindful of costs.

In my new role, I will work with leaders to help our department achieve excellent outcomes for the best value. This benefits everyone—patients, employers, hospitals, and society—because we free up dollars for other areas where they may be better spent, such as preventative care and social services.

Physician Focus: How does patient-centered care factor into your practice and how’s that supported here?

Dr. Dietz: One thing that drew me to NYU Langone was its reputation as a patient-centered healthcare organization. We want to understand what patients want to achieve, what their goals are, and what is most important to them, be it financial concerns related to treatment or quality of life issues.

My focus is on restoring health and quality of life, and I am honored to join the team at NYU Langone, where patient-centered care is at the heart of what we do.