Dr. John H. Marks
John H. Marks, MD, is the Section Chief of Colorectal Surgery, Co-Director of the Harry P. Mirabile, Sr. Colorectal Cancer Center and Medical Director of the Colorectal Cancer Program, Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health. He has pioneered the use of advanced procedures and treatment plans, combined with new technologies and microsurgery, to offer patients improved safety, comfort and preservation of bowel function for colorectal surgeries. Dr. Marks has set the global standard of care for colorectal treatment.
Lankenau’s minimally invasive colorectal surgical and robotics program is the largest in the Delaware Valley. Having performed over 2,000 procedures, colorectal surgeons at Lankenau utilize laparoscopic surgery over 90% of the time compared to the regional average of less than 50% of procedures. By using the daVinci Robot to provide patients with a minimally invasive, advanced treatment option, patients enjoy a much speedier recovery and without the need for a colostomy bag.
Dr. Marks is performing the TATA (Transanal TEM with Coloanal Anastomosis and Transabdominal Assistance), which spares the rectum and greatly improves the quality of life for rectal cancer patients. In addition to the TATA, he has introduced several other techniques, including Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery and Single Incision Laparoscopic procedures after a cancer diagnosis. The sphincter preservation rate, which eliminates the need for a colostomy bag, is 93% at Lankanau vs. 40-60% for the national average. Outcome data also shows the recurrence rate of cancer at Lankenua is 2.3% vs. a 10-25% national average and the hospital’s survival rate is 88% compared to 68% nationally.
Dr. Marks’ presentation on his surgical technique was recently named best session at the American College of Surgeons. He was also named a Top Doctor in Colon and Rectal Surgery in U.S. News & World Report and Philadelphia Magazine. Dr. Marks is President of the Northeastern Society of Colorectal Surgeons and Secretary of the International Network of Comprehensive Rectal Cancer Centers. His memberships include the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association and a fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
Dr. Marks is a Senior Investigator at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research and is the author of numerous book chapters and scientific papers. He is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson Medical School, where he completed his internship, residency and fellowship.
