Dr. Lester Gottesman

Anorectal Abscess Last November I had what I thought was an internal hemorrhoid. The pain was tremendous and I could barely sit down without wincing. After seeing Dr Gottesman, he confirmed that I actually had an anorectal abscess. Dr Gottesman said that I needed to undergo a procedure in order to get rid of it. We decided to go for it then and there and did local anesthesia. The procedure itself is not as bad as I thought. The most uncomfortable part was the beginning when he applied the local anesthesia. After the surgery, Dr. Gottesman was nice enough to get on an uber with me and make sure I got home ok - it was a precaution, he said, just in case the anesthesia had an after effect on me. Recovery is definitely tough, especially the first 10 days. Sometime after day 10, I started to see 'the light'. I followed Dr. Gottesman's instructions exactly as described and I'm sure my recovery was quicker because of it. after week 3 I went back to my workout routine and by week 5 or 6, I was practically back to normal although some healing was still happening. Notable points from recovery: 1. Going to the bathroom hurts, but it gets better. Dr. Gottesman told me to use Citrucel and drink a lot of water. 2. I spent most of the day in the bathtub with warm water.. this is where I found the most relief. 3. I would get lightning spasms every once in a while, they went away. 4. Blood is normal and I had bleeding for maybe 3 weeks, kept bleeding afterwards too but it was less. I am fully recovered now and am so glad I went to Dr. Gottesman. As a person, he is fantastic. His experience is probably unmatched in the country and his service is top notch - somewhat of a rarity these days. Cannot recommend him enough and I hope he 'saves your life' like he did mine.

Dr. Gottesman has been my doctor for more than five years. During that time he performed two surgical procedures which changed the quality of my life. His experience as a surgeon and clinician are unrivalled and his concern with his patients is exemplary. He listens and responds in a way that lets you know he cares about the 'whole' patient. He is a true gentleman, honest, reserved and with a quiet sense of humor that made me feel at ease even in the most stressful times. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Not sure why he's classified as an oncologist. His specialty is Colorectal Surgery (yes, he surgically treats numerous colorectal conditions - but he doesn't medically treat cancer "in general"). One of a handful of the finest ColoRectal surgeons in the country. Was Chief of the department at Roosevelt Hospital and head of the fellowship training program for decades. But, more importantly -- a great person -- genuinely interested in helping his patients and goes out of his way to be supportive. I wouldn't go to or recommend any other colorectal surgeon in the NY area. One of the best doctors I've ever known.

The nicest and most courteous doctor I’ve ever met. You are in amazing “hands” with Dr. Gottesman.

Excellent Doctor... grateful for his care, concern and expertise in both my surgeries...he is one of a kind.