Meet the colorectal surgeons at Houston Colon
Dr. Eric Haas
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Dr. Haas is a colorectal surgeon at Houston Colon with more than 20 years of experience. He developed the NICE Procedure, which eliminates the need for abdominal incisions in select colorectal surgical procedures. He also serves as Chief of the Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, Chief Quality Officer of Colorectal Surgery for HCA Healthcare's Gulf Coast Division, and Program Director of the Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery Fellowship at UT Houston.
Dr. Jean Paul LeFave
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Dr. LeFave focuses on rectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, in addition to rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence. He brings expertise in minimally invasive, single-port, and robotic colorectal surgery.
Dr. Joshua C. Coursey
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Dr. Coursey focuses on advanced minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery for malignant and benign diseases of the colon and rectum. He also treats a wide variety of anorectal disorders, with a focus on minimizing postoperative pain and length of hospital stay.
Dr. Mark Edgcomb
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Dr. Edgcomb studied osteopathic medicine and has been trained in advanced minimally invasive colorectal surgery. To address colon conditions and anorectal issues, he relies on minimally invasive techniques for optimal outcomes.
Dr. Matthew D. Weaver
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Dr. Weaver received extensive training and earned certification for the da Vinci robotic platform. Using his expertise, he specializes in performing advanced robotic procedures for colon and rectal cancer as well as diverticulitis.
Dr. Priya Prakash
Dr. Prakash completed advanced training in general surgery, including appendectomy. She also offers evidence-based care for women facing colorectal conditions, including bowel endometriosis.
Dr. Rachel J. Ellsworth
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Dr. Ellsworth specializes in treating colorectal diseases, including colon cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, and rectal prolapse. She also has a large practice specializing in anorectal conditions, ranging from hemorrhoids to anal fistulas.
Dr. Ryan Gunter
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Ryan Gunter, M.D., is a fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon with Houston Colon in Houston, TX. Dr. Gunter attended Texas A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. Dr. Gunter then attended the Texas A & M Health Science Center School of Public Health where he attained a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology, followed by his Doctor of Medicine at the…
Savannah Hill
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Savannah Hill is a board-certified adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner with a strong background in internal medicine and neurorehabilitation. With over two years of experience as an internal medicine nurse practitioner, Savannah has developed an understanding of a wide range of medical issues, making her a versatile and knowledgeable healthcare provider. Prior to this role, Savannah sp…
Dr. Tianming Liu
Colon & Rectal Surgery
Dr. Liu offers a background in general surgery and colorectal surgery. He treats many colorectal conditions, including diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colon and rectal cancer.
Virginia Alagugurusamy
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Virgina Alagugurusamy, AGACNP-BC, is board certified as an acute care nurse practitioner, who has developed a focus in the care of the colorectal patient. Virginia received her BS in Nursing at Southeastern Louisiana University in Baton Rouge, LA. She then went on to complete her MS in Nursing: Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from Texas Woman's University in Houston, TX. Virginia is…
Virginia Goranova
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Virginia Goranova, RN, MSN, FNP-C received her Bachelor of Arts Psychology and Education at the University of California in Santa Barbara and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Azusa Pacific University California. Virginia then went on to achieve her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner as Magna Cum Laude from Azusa Pacific University. Virginia wrapped up her medical education…
A team built to train
Beyond clinical care, Houston Colon’s surgical team actively advances the field through research, education, and surgical innovation:
- The Houston Colon physician team is training the next generation of colorectal surgeons, influencing the future of the field.
- Our surgeons are training established practitioners to teach them new techniques, such as the NICE Procedure.
- The team at Houston Colon continues to publish research about the diagnosis and treatment of colon and rectal conditions.
