Kirk A. Ludwig, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Photo of Kirk A. Ludwig, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colorectal Surgery
Chief, Professor
Call for an appointment
414-777-7700
Call for an appointment
Clinical Cancer Center - Froedtert Hospital
414-805-0505
Colorectal Surgery
414-955-5783

About

Dr. Ludwig is a member of the colorectal surgery team. This team is comprised of surgeons, nurses and support staff who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. They work closely with colleagues in surgical oncology, gastroenterology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology to ensure that patients get the very finest medical and surgical care for the full range of benign and malignant colorectal disorders.

The colorectal surgery team is committed to providing outstanding and compassionate care to patients with colorectal diseases. The team believes that this type of care comes from the intense dedication and specialization of the staff to specific colorectal disease processes and that coordinating efforts with their medical and surgical colleagues ensures patients get the best multidisciplinary care available.

Dr. Ludwig and team are active in research and widely cited in academic publications regarding colorectal cancer and benign colorectal conditions.

  • Peterson KJ, Simpson MT, Drezdzon MK, Szabo A, Ausman RA, Nencka AS, Knechtges PM, Peterson CY, Ludwig KA, Ridolfi TJ. Predicting Neoadjuvant Treatment Response in Rectal Cancer Using Machine Learning: Evaluation of MRI-Based Radiomic and Clinical Models. J Gastrointest Surg. 2023 Jan;27(1):122-130.
  • Peterson KJ, Blank JJ, Deshpande RR, Liu Y, Peterson CY, Ludwig KA, Ridolfi TJ. A Cautionary Note Regarding Obesity and Young Adult Rectal Cancer. J Gastrointest Surg. 2022 Apr;26(4):927-928.
  • Hu KY, Wu R, Szabo A, Ridolfi TJ, Ludwig KA, Peterson CY. Laparoscopic Versus Robotic Proctectomy Outcomes: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis. J Surg Res. 2020 Nov;255:495-501
  • Hu KY, Simpson MT, Blank JJ, Szabo A, Eastwood D, Ludwig KA, Peterson CY, Ridolfi TJ. Use of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. J Surg Res. 2019 Nov;243:447-452
  • Ridolfi T.J., Berger N, Ludwig KA. Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: Current Management and Future Directions. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Sep;29(3):239-45. PMCID: PMC4991969
  • Peterson CY, Blank J, Ludwig K. Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patients: Considerations in Treatment and Management Principles and Practice of Geriatric Surgery: Third Edition: With 261 Figures and 155 Tables. 1 January 2020:903-929
  • Staiger RD, Rössler F, Kim MJ, Brown C, Trenti L, Sasaki T, Uluk D, Campana JP, Giacca M, Schiltz B, Bahadoer RR, Lee KY, Kupper BEC, Hu KY, Corcione F, Paredes SR, Spampati S, Ukegjini K, Jedrzejczak B, Langer D, Stakelum A, Park JW, Phang PT, Biondo S, Ito M, Aigner F, Vaccaro CA, Panis Y, Kartheuser A, Peeters KCMJ, Tan KK, Aguiar S, Ludwig K, Bracale U, Young CJ, Dziki A, Ryska M, Winter DC, Jenkins JT, Kennedy RH, Clavien PA, Puhan MA, Turina M. Benchmarks in colorectal surgery: multinational study to define quality thresholds in high and low anterior resection. Br J Surg. 2022 Nov 22;109(12):1274-1281.
  • Kosinski L, Ludwig K, Habr-Gama A, Perez R. Shifting Concepts in Rectal Cancer Management: A Review of Primary Rectal Cancer Treatment Strategies. CA Cancer J Clin 2012 May-Jun;62(3):173-202.

    • Overview

    Treatment & Services

    Anorectal Abscess and Fistula Surgery
    Anorectal Physiology Laboratory Testing
    Complex Pelvic Surgery
    Ileal Pouch (J-pouch) Surgery
    Laparoscopic Treatment for Colorectal Disease
    Pre-Sacral or Retro-Rectal Tumors Surgery
    Rectal and Anal Ultrasound
    Recto-Vaginal Fistula Repair
    Restorative Proctocolectomy
    Small Intestinal Tumor Surgery
    Sphincter-sparing Techniques for Rectal Cancer
    Surgical Treatment for Constipation
    Trans-Anal Excision of Rectal Polyps
    Virtual Visit

    Diseases & Conditions

    Anal Cancer
    Anal Fissure
    Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Small Intestines, Colon, Rectum and Anus
    Colon Cancer
    Diverticular Disease
    Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
    Fecal Incontinence
    Hemorrhoids
    Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer Syndrome
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
    Rectal Cancer
    Rectal Prolapse

    Ages Seen

    Infant
    Child
    Adolescent
    Adult
    Senior

    Languages Spoken

    English

    Hospital Affiliations

    Froedtert Hospital

    Locations

    Clinical Cancer Center - Froedtert Hospital
    8800 W. Doyne Ave.
    Milwaukee, WI 53226
    414-805-0505
    Get Directions
    Center For Advanced Care - Froedtert Hospital
    8900 W. Doyne Ave.
    Milwaukee, WI 53226
    414-777-7700
    Get Directions
    Clinical Cancer Center - Froedtert Hospital Center For Advanced Care - Froedtert Hospital

    Education & Training

    University of Cincinnati Medical Center - OH - Doctor of Medicine - (1988)

    Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - WI - Internship in Surgery - (1988-1989)

    Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - WI - Residency in General Surgery - (1989-1994)

    Cleveland Clinic - OH - Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery - (1994-1996)

    Board Certifications

    Surgery
    Colon and Rectal Surgery

    Patient Reviews

    The comments are submitted by patients (or their caregivers) and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network. Learn more about our survey.*

    Ratings

    * Due to high volume, only the most recent 30 comments are displayed for a selected value.

    Dr Ludwig is patient with all my questions and explains things in easy to understand terms. When facing surgery, this is an excellent bedside manner. I would recommend him to anyone.
    Dr Ludwig did an excellent job and explained everything In a way that I could understand.
    First visit with a new doctor and was impressed with the entire visit.
    Dr Ludwig took the time to listen to my concerns and talk me through each of them. He had a true understanding of my complicated background and was able to give me his professional advice with all things considered. I am grateful that he made me feel like a person as opposed to a number.
    Everyone has been very supportive of my issue and have worked to get it solved in a very timely manner.
    Dr. Ludwig and his entire team is amazing! The best of the best.
    Visit froedtert.com/doctors for videos, patient reviews and more.