
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Dr. Lyen C. Huang, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCRS, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Family & Preventative Medicine and Population Health Sciences at the University of Utah. He specializes in complex and minimally-invasive intestinal surgery. His clinical practice includes the treatment of cancers of the small bowel, colon, rectum, and anus; inflammatory bowel disease; diverticulitis; and other diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Huang received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Stanford University and his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He completed his General Surgery residency at Stanford University followed by a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
He is a co-leader of the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) Colorectal Cancer Research Group and an associate member of the HCI Cancer Control and Population Sciences (CCPS) program. He serves as the Physician-Scientist Advisor to the University of Utah Health Regional Network, LLC. He is a member of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology committee on Colorectal Cancer Screening and a former committee member for Colorectal Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment. He has routinely presented and served on committees for the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), American College of Surgeons (ACS), Society of Asian Academic Surgeons (SAAS), and Association for Academic Surgery (AAS).
His research focuses on (1) peri-operative opioid stewardship, appropriate disposal of unused opioids, and patient recovery after surgery, (2) dissemination and implementation of quality and safety initiatives across health systems, particularly those in rural and under-served communities, (3) improving access and quality of rural/frontier cancer care, and (4) misalignment between the law, state and federal policy, drug courts, and health systems. He is funded as a University of Utah CTSI KL2 Mentored Career Development Scholar and a clinical advisor to the NIH HEAL Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network (ERN).
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, sailing, running, cycling, camping, and spending time with his family.
Clinical Locations
Clinic 2B, GI Oncology
801-587-4700
Fax: (801) 585-1312
General Surgery, Area E
801-587-5854
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor Family & Preventive Medicine - Adjunct Assistant Professor Population Health Sciences - Adjunct Assistant Professor |
Academic Divisions | General Surgery Public Health |
Board Certification | American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery American Board of Surgery |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.9/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.9/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.9/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.9/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
October 16, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Huang spent an hour discussing my situation with me and my husband. We appreciated his patience with us as he told us about the pros and cons of my problem as he sees them, and answering our questions.
UofU Patient
October 08, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Everyone was helpful and caring
UofU Patient
August 18, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Best doctor I've ever seen.
UofU Patient
June 18, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Would most highly recommend Dr. Huang
UofU Patient
June 17, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Even though there was a long wait - Dr. Huang made sure all of our questions were answered and freely made recommendations as appropriate. His "bed-side manners" were exceptionally good and well received. Frankly, his feedback and thorough explanations and concern made the lengthy visit more than worth it - if he treats all patients like me . . . No wonder I had to wait. Dr HUANG is a superb Dr.
UofU Patient
May 26, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Our experience with Dr. Huang and his resident was outstanding.
UofU Patient
March 24, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr Huang is an excellent provider. I feel extremely fortunate to be his patient
UofU Patient
February 14, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
First time to see Dr Huang. I was impressed. Also third year med student, Joaquin Zetina was really good.
UofU Patient
February 12, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr.Huang is knowledgeable, smart, and kind. His staff is the same. Fortunate to have their care. [NAME REMOVED]
UofU Patient
February 05, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr Huang is wonderful. We have a history and he listens and he also provides teaching opportunities to people coming into his line of work. I am always happy to provide these opportunities to help the upcoming doctors. Dr Huang listens to me and we come up with the plan for bettering my health. Thank you Dr Huang.
UofU Patient
December 11, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
The best in the world
UofU Patient
October 10, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Doctor did a great job, I had been to a different Dr. Who left quite a bit information out and had only one option for me.
UofU Patient
August 28, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Fortunate to have the help.
UofU Patient
July 25, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Excellent care and concern by Doctor. Terrific!
UofU Patient
July 19, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Huang provides a very caring environment. He explains the procedures clearly and is very concerned about my comfort.
UofU Patient
July 17, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Took the time to explain my condition and treatment options in terms that were easily understood
UofU Patient
July 15, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Excellent care. Feel so fortunate to have Dr Huang as my provider
UofU Patient
July 04, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I left with tears of happiness, that there was hope for how I'd been feeling and a road map ahead for care.
UofU Patient
May 24, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Huang was very easy to talk to, and explaining treatment. he was very honest with me, didn't try to talk me into something.
UofU Patient
May 15, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Huang has always been very helpful to offer options and to listen.
UofU Patient
May 12, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
The doctor explained all of my upcoming procedures in great detail. I felt very comfortable with the level of care.
UofU Patient
April 19, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Huang always takes the time to listen to my concerns and explains medical terms, treatment with compassion .
UofU Patient
April 17, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Fortunate to receive care from Dr. Haung. Kevin Jones
UofU Patient
March 26, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
The Doctor provided thorough instructions and listened to all questions and concerns.
UofU Patient
February 27, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr. Huang is knowledgeable, personable, and helpful. Lots of confidence in his care. [NAME REMOVED]
Dr. Lyen C. Huang, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCRS, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Family & Preventative Medicine and Population Health Sciences at the University of Utah. He specializes in complex and minimally-invasive intestinal surgery. His clinical practice includes the treatment of cancers of the small bowel, colon, rectum, and anus; inflammatory bowel disease; diverticulitis; and other diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Huang received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Stanford University and his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He completed his General Surgery residency at Stanford University followed by a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
He is a co-leader of the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) Colorectal Cancer Research Group and an associate member of the HCI Cancer Control and Population Sciences (CCPS) program. He serves as the Physician-Scientist Advisor to the University of Utah Health Regional Network, LLC. He is a member of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology committee on Colorectal Cancer Screening and a former committee member for Colorectal Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment. He has routinely presented and served on committees for the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), American College of Surgeons (ACS), Society of Asian Academic Surgeons (SAAS), and Association for Academic Surgery (AAS).
His research focuses on (1) peri-operative opioid stewardship, appropriate disposal of unused opioids, and patient recovery after surgery, (2) dissemination and implementation of quality and safety initiatives across health systems, particularly those in rural and under-served communities, (3) improving access and quality of rural/frontier cancer care, and (4) misalignment between the law, state and federal policy, drug courts, and health systems. He is funded as a University of Utah CTSI KL2 Mentored Career Development Scholar and a clinical advisor to the NIH HEAL Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network (ERN).
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, sailing, running, cycling, camping, and spending time with his family.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor Family & Preventive Medicine - Adjunct Assistant Professor Population Health Sciences - Adjunct Assistant Professor |
Academic Divisions | General Surgery Public Health |
Board Certification | American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery American Board of Surgery |
Education History
Fellowship | Mayo Clinic Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellow, 2017 |
Chief Resident | Stanford University School of Medicine General Surgery Administrative Chief Resident, 2016 |
Residency | Stanford University School of Medicine General Surgery Resident, 2015 |
Research Fellow | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health/Brigham and Women’s Hospital Implementation Science, Health Services Research Research Fellow, 2013 |
Research Fellow | Stanford University School of Medicine Health Disparities and Outcomes Research Fellow, 2011 |
Residency | Stanford University School of Medicine General Surgery Resident, 2010 |
Internship | Stanford University School of Medicine General Surgery Intern, 2009 |
Professional Medical | Stanford University School of Medicine Medicine M.D., 2008 |
Graduate Training | University of Cape Town M.P.H., 2007 |
Undergraduate | Stanford University Major: Symbolic Systems; Minor: Political Science B.S., 2000 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Johnson JE mentored MPH candidate, Bleicher J, Blumling AN, Cain BT, Cohan JN, Savarise M, Harris AHS, Kaphingst KA, Huang LC (2022). The Influence of Rural Healthcare Systems and Communities on Surgery and Recovery: A Qualitative Study. J Surg Res, 281, 155-163.
- Himbert C mentored PhD candidate, Warby CA, Gigic B, Ose J, Lin T, Viskochil R, Peoples AR, Ashworth A, Schrotz-King P, Scaife CL, Cohan JN, Jedrzkiewicz J, Schirmacher P, Grady WM, Cohen SA, Krane M, Figueiredo JC, Toriola AT, Siegel EM, Shibata D, Round JL, Huang LC, Li CI, Schneider M, Ulrich A, Hardikar S, Ulrich CM (2022). Associations of individual and combined physical activity and body mass index groups with pro-inflammatory biomarkers among colorectal cancer patients. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 31(12), 2148-2156.
- Yu JK, Marwaha JS, Kennedy CJ, Robinson KA, Fleishman A, Beaulieu-Jones BR, Bleicher J, Huang LC, Szolovits P, Brat GA (2022). Who Doesn’t Fit? A Multi-Institutional Study Using Machine Learning to Uncover the Limits of Opioid Prescribing Guidelines, Surgery, accepted 3/30/22 . Surg J (N Y).
- Robinson KA, Thiels C, Stokes SM, Duncan SD, Feramil M, Fleishman A, Cook CH, Nathanson LA, Huang LC, Habermann EB, Brat GA (2022). Comparing Patient-Reported Opioid Use Across Multiple Hospital Systems to Clinician Consensus Recommendations: Closing the Gap between Belief and Reality. Ann Surg, 275(2), e361-365.
- Cain BT, Horns JJ, Huang LC, McCrum ML (2022). Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with greater mortality after high-risk emergency general surgery. J Trauma Acute Care Surg, 92.
- Huang LC, Johnson JE, Bleicher J, Blumling AN, Savarise M, Wetter DW, Cohan JN, Harris AAS, Kaphingst KA (2021). Promoting disposal of left-over opioids after surgery in rural communities: A qualitative description study. Health Educ Behav.
- Bleicher J mentored surgery trainee, Fender Z, Johnson JE, Cain BT, Phan K, Powers D, Wei G, Presson AP, Kwok A, Pickron TB, Scaife CL, Huang LC (2021). Use of post-discharge opioid consumption patterns as a tool for evaluating opioid prescribing guidelines. Am J Surg.
- Bleicher J mentored surgery trainee, Esplin J, Blumling AN, Cohan JN, Savarise M, Wetter DW, Harris AHS, Kaphingst KA, Huang LC (2021). Expectation-setting and patient education about pain control in the perioperative setting: A qualitative study. J Opioid Manag, 17(6), 455-464.
- Coffman AR, Tao R, Cohan JN, Huang LC, Pickron TB, Torgeson AM, Lloyd S (2021). Factors associated with the refusal of surgery and the associated impact on survival in patients with rectal cancer using the National Cancer Database. J Gastrointest Oncol, 12(4).
- Himbert C mentored PhD candidate, Figueiredo JC, Shibata D, Ose J, Lin T, Huang LC, Peoples AR, Scaife CL, Pickron B, Lambert L, Cohan JN, Bronner M, Felder S, Sanchez J, Dessureault S, Coppola D, Hoffman DM, Nasseri YF, Decker RW, Zaghiyan K, Murrell ZA, Hendifar A, Gong J, Firoozmand E, Gangi A, Moore BA, Cologne KG, El-Masry MS, Hinkle N, Monroe J, Mutch M, Bernadt C, Chatterjee D, Sinanan M, Cohen SA, Wallin U, Grady WM, Lampe PD, Reddi D, Krane M, Fichera A, Moonka R, Herpel E, Schirmacher P, Kloor M, von Knebel-Doeberitz M, Nattenmueller J, Kauczor H-U, Swanson E, Jedrzkiewicz J, Schmit SL, Gigic B, Ulrich AB, Toriola AT, Siegel EM, Li CI, Ulrich CM, Hardikar S (2021). Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer in the ColoCare Study: Differences by Age of Onset. Cancers (Basel).
- Bleicher J mentored trainee, Stokes SM, Brooke BS, Glasgow RE, Huang LC (2021). Patient-Centered Opioid Prescribing: Breaking Away from One-Size-Fits-All Prescribing Guidelines. ePub ahead of publication. . J Surg Res, 264, 1-7.
- Bleicher J, Cohan JN, Huang LC, Peche W, Pickron TB, Scaife CL, Bowles TL, Hyngstrom JR, Asare EA (2021). Trends in the Management of Anorectal Melanoma: A Multi-institutional Retrospective Study and Review of the World Literature (Accepted 1/7/21). World J Gastroenterol, 27(3), 267-280.
- Brecha FS, Ozanne EM, Esplin J, Stoddard GJ, Nirula R, Huang LC, Cohan JN (2020). Patient Willingness to Accept Antibiotic Side Effects to Reduce SSI After Colorectal Surgery. J Surg Res, S0022-4804(20), 30583-7.
- Pannucci CJ, Fleming KI, Varghese TK, Stringham J, Huang LC, Pickron TB, Prazak AM, Bertolaccini C, Momeni A (2020). Low anti-Factor Xa level predicts 90-day symptomatic venous thromboembolism in surgical patients receiving enoxaparin prophylaxis: A pooled analysis of eight clinical trials. Ann Surg, 154(8), 697-704.
- McCrum ML, Cannon AR, Allen CM, Presson AP, Huang LC, Brooke B (2020). Drivers of Increased Mortality Associated with Care Fragmentation after Emergency General Surgery. JAMA Surg, 155(9), 841-848.
- Thiesset HF mentored PhD candidate, Schliep KC, Stokes SM, Valentin VL, Gren LH, Porucznik CA, Huang LC (2020). Opioid misuse and dependence screening practices prior to surgery. J Surg Res, 252, 200-205.
- Stokes SM mentored trainee, Kim RY, Kwok A, Varghese TK, Glasgow R, Brooke BS, Finlayson SR, Huang LC (2019). Home Disposal Kits for Leftover Opioid Medications After Surgery: Do They Work? J Surg Res, 245, 396-402.
- Lovely JK, Huang LC, Meyers AJ, Spears GM, Huebner M, Larson DW (2018). Post-surgical opioid prescribing patterns and risk factors for additional opioid prescriptions within one year after non-emergent colorectal surgery. Am J Surg, 218(1), 56-61.
- Holowatyj AN, Lewis MA, Pannier ST, Kirchhoff AC, Hardikar S, Figueiredo JC, Huang LC, Shibata D, Schmit SL, Ulrich CM (2019). Clinicopathologic and Racial/Ethnic Differences of Colorectal Cancer Among Adolescents and Young Adults. Clin Transl Gastroenterol, 10(7), e00059.
- Pannucci CJ, Fleming KI, Bertolaccini CB, Prazak AM, Huang LC, Pickron TB (2019). Assessment of Anti-Factor Xa Levels of Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery Given Once-Daily Enoxaparin Prophylaxis: A Clinical Study Examining Enoxaparin Pharmacokinetics. JAMA Surg, 154(8), 697-704.
- Cloyd JC, Huang LC, Ma Y, Rhoads KF (2016). Predictors of Readmission to Non-Index Hospitals Following Colorectal Surgery. Am J Surg, 213(1), 18–23.
- Molina G, Jiang W, Edmondson L, Gibbons L, Huang LC, Kiang MV, Haynes AB, Gawande AA, Berry WR, Singer SJ (2016). Implementation of the Surgical Safety Checklist in South Carolina Hospitals Is Associated with Improvement in Perceived Perioperative Safety. J Am Coll Surg, 222(5), 725-736.e5.
- Singer SJ, Jiang W, Huang LC, Gibbons L, Kiang MV, Edmondson L, Gawande AA, Berry WR (2015). Surgical team member assessment of the safety of surgery practice in 38 South Carolina hospitals. Med Care Res Rev, 72(3), 298-323.
- Huang LC, Tran TB, Ma Y, Ngo JV, Rhoads KF (2015). Factors that influence minority use of high-volume hospitals for colorectal cancer care. Dis Colon Rectum, 58(5), 526-32.
- Huang LC, Conley D, Lipsitz S, Wright CC, Diller TW, Edmondson L, Berry WR, Singer SJ (2014). The Surgical Safety Checklist and Teamwork Coaching Tools: a study of inter-rater reliability. BMJ Qual Saf, 23(8), 639-50.
- Huang LC, Ma Y, Ngo JV, Rhoads KF (2014). What factors influence minority use of National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers? Cancer, 120(3), 399-407.
- Rhoads KF, Ngo JV, Ma Y, Huang L, Welton ML, Dudley RA (2013). Do hospitals that serve a high percentage of Medicaid patients perform well on evidence-based guidelines for colon cancer care? J Health Care Poor Underserved, 24(3), 1180-93.
Review
- Cain BT mentored trainee, Huang LC (2021). Benign Colonic Strictures. [Review]. Dis Colon Rectum.
- Huang LC, Merchea A (June 2017). Dysplasia and Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. [Review]. Surg Clin North Am, 97(3), 627-639.
Commentary
- Huang LC, Kim RY, Berry WR (2013). Creating a Culture of Safety by Using Checklists. AORN J, 97(3), 365–8.
Global Impact
Education History
Graduate Training | University of Cape Town M.P.H. |