Rodney Kratz

Bio

Dr. Rodney Kratz is a board-certified colorectal surgeon at the Swedish Colon and Rectal Clinic.  He covers the entire spectrum of diseases relating to the colon and rectum, both benign and malignant.  Many of Dr. Kratz's patients are very anxious about their conditions, and he believes that trust is vital to what he does.  He involves his patients in the decision-making process around their treatments,  and he strives to create a level of trust with each one.   At Swedish, Dr. Kratz works with a team of surgeons and medical specialists to provide the best quality of care for patients.



Specialties:

  • colon & rectal surgery

Affiliation:

  • Swedish

Location:

Group Memberships:

Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Colon & Rectal Surgery:

    TUESDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have developed a new DNA test for colorectal cancer and for cancer precursors that seems to be not only accurate, but also noninvasive.

    If approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, experts say, the test could be a welcome alternativ...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Colon & Rectal Surgery:

    FRIDAY, Oct. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking coffee instead of water may restore normal bowel function more quickly among people who have had surgery to remove part of their colon, a new study suggests.

    Researchers at University Hospital Heidelberg, in Germany,...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Colon & Rectal Surgery:

    THURSDAY, Aug. 23 (HealthDay News) -- People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer may be able to reduce their risk by getting thorough colonoscopies and adhering to recommendations for follow-up exams, a new study suggests.

    Researchers in Germany looked at more than 400 people w...Full Article

  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    What usually happens after colon polyps are removed?

    Patients normally are able to resume full activity and an unlimited diet immediately after colon polyp removal. The doctor should be notified promptly if bleeding persists, or if abdominal pain, fever, chills, or difficulty urinating are noted.

    If intravenous medication was given during the procedure,

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    What usually happens after colon polyps are removed?

    Patients normally are able to resume full activity and an unlimited diet immediately after colon polyp removal. The doctor should be notified promptly if bleeding persists, or if abdominal pain, fever, chills, or difficulty urinating are noted.

    If intravenous medication was given during the procedure,

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    Should I follow a special diet if I have diverticulosis?

    In the past, patients with colon pockets were placed on a special diet in the mistaken belief that this would help to prevent complications of the pockets. We now know that it is okay to eat seeds, nuts, tomatoes, strawberries, popcorn, etc., and that this will not increase the likelihood of developing

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    What usually happens after colon polyps are removed?

    Patients normally are able to resume full activity and an unlimited diet immediately after colon polyp removal. The doctor should be notified promptly if bleeding persists, or if abdominal pain, fever, chills, or difficulty urinating are noted.

    If intravenous medication was given during the procedure,

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    What usually happens after colon polyps are removed?

    Patients normally are able to resume full activity and an unlimited diet immediately after colon polyp removal. The doctor should be notified promptly if bleeding persists, or if abdominal pain, fever, chills, or difficulty urinating are noted.

    If intravenous medication was given during the procedure,

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    Should I follow a special diet if I have diverticulosis?

    In the past, patients with colon pockets were placed on a special diet in the mistaken belief that this would help to prevent complications of the pockets. We now know that it is okay to eat seeds, nuts, tomatoes, strawberries, popcorn, etc., and that this will not increase the likelihood of developing

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    How are pilonidal cysts treated?

    If the pilonidal cyst contains infected material or pus, it is important to release the fluid by making a small opening in the cyst. This is done after first making the area numb using Novocain-type local anesthesia. Once the fluid is released, the pain rapidly disappears. Antibiotics usually are

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    How long will it take to fix my constipation problem?

    While many people find considerable relief from constipation after a month, for others the process of adding more fiber to the diet may take up to six months or more to work.

    There is usually no way to predict in advance how quickly a particular individual will respond to such a program.

    Fiber sup

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    Should I follow a special diet if I have diverticulosis?

    In the past, patients with colon pockets were placed on a special diet in the mistaken belief that this would help to prevent complications of the pockets. We now know that it is okay to eat seeds, nuts, tomatoes, strawberries, popcorn, etc., and that this will not increase the likelihood of developing

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    How long does it take to heal hemorrhoids?

    When treated early, hemorrhoids usually disappear within a week or two. By increasing fiber and fluids in your diet, your stool will soften, thereby promoting more regular bowel movements. It also helps to eliminate excessive straining and to take warm baths.

    Most painful external hemorrhoids will

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    What usually happens after colon polyps are removed?

    Patients normally are able to resume full activity and an unlimited diet immediately after colon polyp removal. The doctor should be notified promptly if bleeding persists, or if abdominal pain, fever, chills, or difficulty urinating are noted.

    If intravenous medication was given during the procedure,

    ...  Full Post
  • Rodney Kratz
    Rodney Kratz of Swedish answered:
    How long will it take to fix my constipation problem?

    While many people find considerable relief from constipation after a month, for others the process of adding more fiber to the diet may take up to six months or more to work.

    There is usually no way to predict in advance how quickly a particular individual will respond to such a program.

    Fiber sup

    ...  Full Post