Rahal Kahanda, MD
Specializes in: Robotic, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Rahal Y. Kahanda, MD, is board certified in general surgery, colon and rectal surgery. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the John C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University. He completed his residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and his fellowship in colorectal surgery at Allegheny Health Network in Erie, Pennsylvania. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Kahanda’s special interests include:
- Anal abscess/fistula
- Anal fissures
- Bowel obstruction
- Cancers of the colon, rectum & anus
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticular disease
- Fecal incontinence
- Hemorrhoids
- Pilonidal disease
- Rectal prolapse
- Ulcerative colitis
Dr. Kahanda is passionate about minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques because he believes they have revolutionized the field of colorectal surgery.
“Robotic surgery gives me more maneuverability in pelvic spaces that are tough to access,” said Dr. Kahanda. “That means I can perform lifesaving surgeries for colorectal cancer with small incisions. Robotic surgery can also help minimize trauma to the nerves that affect quality of life factors such as urinary function.”
Dr. Kahanda’s patients can expect him to have compassion, empathy and patience. They can also expect him to communicate complex medical situations in understandable terms and take the time to answer all their questions.
When it came to choosing a career, Dr. Kahanda kept up the family tradition. Both his parents are scientists in New York, and his brother is a cardiologist in Virginia.
His interests include Formula 1 racing, cooking and playing the violin.