Kirk A. Ludwig, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Photo of Kirk A. Ludwig, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colorectal Surgery
Chief, Professor
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Cancer Center - Froedtert Hospital
Colorectal Surgery

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

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.

I appreciate I found the online faculty contact online that I could reach Dr. Ludwig after many attempts to schedule an appointment without success. His PA called me and gave me a chance to make an appointment. Dr. Ludwig is very knowledgeable and experienced in his field, The scheduling service at the cancer center is so difficult.
Even though I had a chunk of scrap metal put in my heart (which would scare the crud out of a lot of people) to prevent future strokes, I never had any concers about the procedure, because I have total faith in the Freodtert organization. I'm not suggesting that Froederdt is perfect since no organization is, but from my many experiences with Froederdt, I have found that EVERYONE is top notch. I actually had an enjoyable experience on the average.
Dr. Ludwig provided clear guidelines used in determining the appropriate treatment plan and gave me confidence in his decision that no surgery was needed.
Dr Ludwig was a wonderful dr & did an amazing job on my surgery, from pre-op thru post-op! He explains things woth pics & info, & is VERY caring!
Follow up to surgery and recovery. All is good.
All went very well. Dr Ludwig explained everything very well. I would recommend him to anyone.
Dr. Ludwig, his team, and everyone else involved with this experience are the reason I'm alive. It was a night and day difference from my time and St. Luke's in a very good way. I was seen, had surgery, and was in and out of Froedert from Friday to Monday for colon cancer/surgery. That's incredible. Thank you everyone!
The nurse practitioner did a great job contacting my muscular neurologist for recommendations regarding my upcoming surgery.
Dr. Ludwig is absolutely wonderful and an amazing surgeon. I would highly recommend him to anyone!
The doctor Kirk Ludwig was very attentive, competent, and patient. Thanks to him.
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