(
out of
492
reviews
)
Clinical Locations
Primary Location
Huntsman Cancer Institute - Cancer Hospital South
1950 Circle of Hope
Salt Lake City
,
UT
84112
Board Certification
|
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surg)
National Board of Medical Examiners
|
Patient Rating
Patients consistently praise Dr. Contreras for clear, thorough explanations and for taking time to answer questions so they understand their treatment options and feel confident in care. Many describe him as compassionate, attentive, and a good listener who helps reduce anxiety and instills trust. Reviewers also highlight his surgical skill and the responsiveness and professionalism of his team, saying they felt well cared for throughout diagnosis, procedures, and follow-up.
Generated via Patient Reviews
4.9
/5
( out of
492 reviews
)
The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers. The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments |
Surgery
-Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
|---|---|
| Academic Divisions |
Cardiothoracic Surgery
|
| Board Certification |
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surg)
National Board of Medical Examiners
|
Education history
| Post Graduate Training | Harvard School of Medicine | MSME |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship | Cardiothoracic Surgery - University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine | Fellow |
| Chief Resident | General Surgery - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science | Chief Resident |
| Residency | General Surgery - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science | Resident |
| Professional Medical | Medicine - Mayo Medical School | M.D. |
| Undergraduate | Biochemistry - Gonzaga University | B.S. |
Selected Publications
Journal Article
- Contreras N (2026). Adult Pectus' Augmented Reality. J Am Coll Surg.
- Schfer M, Heiler JC, DiChiacchio L, Ramakrishna S, Tumarkin E, Hill B, Scott A, Raman S, Frye L, Cahill B, Morrell M, Kagawa H, Contreras N, Selzman CH, Goodwin ML (2026). The Preoperative Role of Right-Sided Heart Function in Primary Graft Dysfunction After Bilateral Lung Transplantation. Ann Thorac Surg.
- Kohn GP, Litle V, Eliya Y, Leng S, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Contreras N, Davies A, Lackner R, Mak KS, Mala T, Markman B, Mukherjee S, Nevala-Plagemann C, Smyth E, Sultan J, Worrell S, Yamamoto S, Wijnhoven BPL, Griffiths EA (2026). ISDE guidelines on the management of cT2N0 esophageal cancer. Dis Esophagus, 39(2).
- Schfer M, Selzman CH, DiChiacchio L, Heiler JC, Ramakrishna S, Tumarkin E, Hill B, Kagawa H, Contreras N, Raman S, Frye L, Cahill B, Morrell M, Goodwin ML (2025). Reduced left atrial compliance exacerbates primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 170(6), 1840-1849.
- Schfer M, Mitzman B, Scaife CL, Magarinos J, Ramakrishna S, Tumarkin E, Hill B, Varghese TK Jr, Contreras N (2025). Pre-Operative Reduced Atrial Compliance Is Predictive of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy. Echocardiography, 42(9), e70298.
- Schfer M, Contreras N, Ramakrishna S, Zimmerman JM, Varghese TK Jr, Mitzman B (2025). Pre-Operative Atrial Deformation Indices Predict Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Lung Resection Surgery. Echocardiography, 42(2), e70105.
- Contreras N, Litle VR (2022). Systemic Disease and the Impact on Esophageal Carcinoma Management: The Big Picture. Ann Thorac Surg, 117(1), 197.
- Contreras N, Litle VR (2022). Pulmonary Segmentectomy: Does Virtual Reality Have Bite? Ann Thorac Surg, 115(5), 1255-1256.
- Contreras N, Litle VR (2022). Follow the Leader? Can Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Follow Non-small Cell Lung Cancer's Lead With Immunotherapy? Ann Thorac Surg, 114(5), e361.
- Contreras N, Litle VR (2022). Systemic Disease and the Impact on Esophageal Carcinoma Management: The Big Picture. Ann Thorac Surg, 117(1), 197.
- Contreras N, Litle VR (2022). Invited Commentary: COVID-19 and Cancer Casualty: Managing Esophageal Cancer. J Am Coll Surg, 235(2), 184-185.
- Liu S, Contreras N, Krezalek MA, Abd El Aziz MA, Merchea A, Kelley SR, Behm K (2022). Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery: a single institutional experience. Updates Surg, 74(3), 1011-1016.
- Krezalek MA, Contreras-Peraza N, Parker ME, Kelley SR, Behm KT (2020). Hybrid Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery Approach to Large and Low-Lying Rectal Polyps. Dis Colon Rectum, 63(7), 1001-1006.
- Contreras N, Jakub JW (2019). The achilles heel of minimally invasive inguinal lymph node dissection: Seroma formation. Am J Surg, 219(4), 696-700.
- Hernandez MC, Khasawneh M, Contreras-Peraza N, Lohse C, Stephens D, Kim BD, Zielinski MD (2019). Vaccination and splenectomy in Olmsted County. Surgery, 166(4), 556-563.
- Khasawneh MA, Contreras-Peraza N, Hernandez MC, Lohse C, Jenkins DH, Zielinski MD (2019). Outcomes after splenectomy in children: a 48-year population-based study. Pediatr Surg Int, 35(5), 575-582.
- Contreras N, Joyce DD, Van Handel AC, Farley DR (2015). Video voiceover feedback: economised surgical skills training. Med Educ, 49(11), 1146.
Review
- Kagawa H, Contreras N, Goodwin M, Frye L, Raman S, Cahill B, Hachem R, Morrell M, Selzman CH (2025). Targeting leukocytes, neutrophil extracellular traps and cytokines: A conceptual review to prevent primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. [Review]. Transplant Rev (Orlando), 40(2), 100989.
- Shehata DG, Pan JM, Pan Z, Vigneswaran J, Contreras N, Rodriguez E, Sakowitz S, Magarinos J, Pereira S, Wilder FG, Watkins AA (2025). Equity and Opportunities in Lung Cancer Care-Addressing Disparities, Challenges, and Pathways Forward. [Review]. Cancers (Basel), 17(8).
- Contreras N, Essig R, Magarinos J, Pereira S (2024). Abuse, Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination, and Allyship in Cardiothoracic Surgery. [Review]. Thorac Surg Clin, 34(3), 239-247.
- Contreras N, Varghese TK Jr, Mitzman B (2024). Management of Congenital Hernias in Adults: Foramen of Morgagni Hernia. [Review]. Thorac Surg Clin, 34(2), 147-154.
Book Chapter
- Contreras N, Jakub JW (2025). Minimally Invasive Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection. In Tewari M (Ed.), Minimally Invasive Surgery in Cancer: Techniques & Outcomes. New York: Springer Nature.
Commentary
- Savannah Gelhard, Sydney Vincenti, Sara J Pereira, Nicolas Contreras (2024). Commentary: Disparities in Gender and Diversity Representation Among Surgical Subspecialties: Are we Losing Momentum? J Orthop Orthop Surg.
Case Report
- Jacob Beiriger, Hilary C McCrary, Kajsa Affolter, Nicolas Contreras, MD (2026). Trancervical Enucleation of Giant Cervicothoracic Esophageal Tumor. Ann Thorac Surg Short Rep.
- Valeriya Vasenina, Jessica Magarinos, Brian Mitzman, Thomas K Varghese, JrNicolas Contreras (2025). Spontaneous Bilateral Second Rib Fractures After Robotic Thoracic Outlet Surgery: A Rare Complication. Ann Thorac Surg Short Rep.
Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast
- Krezalek MA, Contreras-Peraza N, Parker ME, Kelley SR, Behm KT (2020). Hybrid Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery Approach to Large and Low-Lying Rectal Polyps. [Dis Colon Rectum]. United States.
Dr Contreras has great skill and is also very patient and personable in his bedside manner. I feel very fortunate to have had him do my chest repair surgery.
So happy I was associated with Dr Contreras and help to get through a very stressful time. Hats off to the entire staff!
If one requires the care of a Surgeon, Nicolas Contreras is your man ! Praise the Lord !
He was so kind and caring and explained everything in great detail and in ways I could understand.
When I went to Dr. Contreras, I don't know that I had a lot of hope left, but, he gave me that hope back and encouraged me along with his staff to keep moving forward. Two successful surgeries later, I am back to doing everything I never thought possible again. I have my life back thanks to him and his wonderful staff and associates!
Absolutely. Dr Contreras is amazing!
Car Contreras listens and cares deeply about my care and me. I think he is really wonderful and empathetic to my true needs.
Dr Contreras is kind hearted, He has has always given me the impression that he genuinely cares about his patients. Dr Contras definitely checks all the boxes when it comes to the qualites that I look for in a doctor. Not forgetting mention that his team is very good at what they do.
He's very knowledgeable about what the best care is for you He explains everything throughly and is caring and attentive to your needs He never rushes through my appointment instead takes his time to make sure I feel comfortable with the care I'm receiving
Dr Contreras diagnosed me with not just one, but three diseases, concerning my digestive system, two of which are lifelong diseases, and he understood how hard the news was for me to take. He was very compassionate having to deliver such hard news to me. Dr Contreras also explained the three surgeries he will need to perform in a manner easy to understand. I've had two previous surgeries on my digestive system and I trust him 100% to perform these complicated procedures that other doctors have not had success with. I'm so thankful to have found Dr Contreras, knowing I'll have continued care from him for the rest of my life. It's such a blessing to have finally found a physician who has the highly skilled training, experience, and compassion to care for me in the years to come. I wouldn't have had to suffer needlessly through illness and two major surgeries for the last three years if I had found Dr Contreras first. I definitely recommend Dr Contreras.
Couldn't ask for a better lung doctor! He took the time to explain the procedure, keep me informed and aware of risks, calmed fears I had and followed up and through. The team work in his office is the best!! Can't thank them enough for all they did for me.
Very patient and explained everything I needed to know.
Dr. Contreras is awesome. So knowledgeable and kind. Took his time with me and made sure all our questions were addressed. Highly recommend him and his staff.
Excellent doctor and surgeon. I can't express enough good about my experiences with him.
He was extremely responsive to my concerns and friendly. Very knowledgeable and concerned for me. I felt it. Thank you
Dr Contreras treats me like a real person, and has honest concern and care for my health.
After connecting with Dr. Contreras, my surgerys and care were handled amazingly! His team is great, He is awesome, I felt 100 percent comfortable in his care!
Dr. Contreras is and expert surgeon who listens, cares, explains.
I felt like he really cared about me as a person.
Dr. Contreras made me feel very confident that his recommendation for treatment was well thought out and that he had my best interest in mind. Explanations were thorough and understandable. I trust him
Dr Contreras is very caring and compassionate to the people that he sees. He takes time to explain things to you, he went with me to ensure that I felt safe during a procedure that I had by another Dr because I was terrified. He held. My hand made sure I was s under good care He's Al'so Extremely patient with his patients. He's very professional. And I have found. Him to be very honest.
Unlike many doctors he actually listened carefully and was able to help me with his team when I went undiagnosed for over 3 years thank you all.
Dr Contreas is the most caring, incredible surgeon I have been blessed to have care for me. He listens, never making me feel rushed. He explained everything in great ddetail.Despite having some continued issues, he is listening to my concerns and finding the cause. Thank you for everything you are doing for me. I am blessed
Dr. Contreras has been in communication with us from the beginning. The way he and his team have responded to request or reached out to help us has been wonderful.
I'm pretty sure I couldn't have gotten a better, more experienced, more knowledgeable, more personable, more considerate provider.
Dr. Contreras has been great to work with. He is knowledgeable and has a great bedside manner. He listens carefully, and makes sure that I understand what is going on.
Amazing Dr! He truly cares. He listens to my concerns and has made me feel as comfortable as I can be about having surgery.
Dr. Contreras is a top notch Surgeon and a wonderful person. He was very thorough in his work and made sure I was taken care of properly.
It is a big comfort to know that they really care about me!
He cares about me.
Great physician, very patient, kind, caring, took his time with me explained everything very carefully, amazing customer service! I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Contreras for anybody that needs his services.
Dr. Contreras is an amazing Dr. I had concerns about cadaver inside of my body, most people thought I was crazy, but he didn't hesitate to find an option I was comfortable with. He really listens and I can tell that he wants me to be okay. He has also explained my upcoming surgery and requirements very well. He is a doctor I feel comfortable talking to and asking questions and he has set clear expectations for after surgery. Because of the type of Dr he is and his personality, I am not terrified to have surgery like I have been in the past. I also know that it's a very painful surgery so I have an idea of what to expect and I'm appreciative that he has started me on pain management early to help with pain now and post surgery. His honesty about the fact that I may have pain, even after recovery, is helpful. I can tell he really cares for his patients which to me, is just as important as his knowledge and skill.
Compassionate and explains everything so anyone can understand
Wonderful doctor.
Highest example of professionalism. Talked to my wife and I in a way that could be understood. Explained fully risks and benefits of surgery.
Nicolas Contreras is an excellent Dr I have told many people about him! Very kind and caring person!!!
Dr. Contreras is an exceptional doctor. He was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer our questions.
Excellent doctor and was there to answer any questions if I wanted to ask any
Works alone cannot describe how great Dr Contreras is as a provider. Wish he was my PCP
He explained everything about my condition in detail. and took time to answer my questions. Was very satisfied with his recommendations.
Very knowledgeable and willing to listen! I considered going to a different hospital where my past surgeon works but Dr Contreras has exceeded my expectations as far as knowledge, understanding and explaining everything so it's easy to understand. He's also very nice which helps ease my anxiety.
Dr. Contreras was great and went over everything with me to make sure I knew my options.
Awesome interactions and I felt very comfortable with him and his staff!
I have absolute confidence in the care he provided. His compassion and care for me as a patient and as a person were obvious during every visit.
I felt that Dr. Contreras listened to my concerns. He explained in detail about what the options were which was very helpful to me. He was very kind and helpful.
When his staff and him spoke to me, I was very with them. And also, I trusted them.
Doctor Contreras is professional, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Dr Contreras was exceptional along with his nurse with all aspects of my appointment.
Great first experience with Dr. Contreras. He made me feel comfortable, eased my mind and explained the next step.
So helpful
He is an exceptional doctor and so hopeful and explaining everything.
He is a kind caring Dr. I would recommend him to anyone!!
He could not have been more informative or more caring. Many of our questions were anticipated and all were answered. We have great confidence in relying on Dr. Contreras for my upcoming surgery.
Dr Contreras was amazing! Best Doctor I have ever seen. Highly recommend.
Dr Contreras is a skilled surgeon. He explain the procedure with clarity and made me feel comfortable submitting to a big procedure.
Dr. Contreras was not only professional and capable but you could also tell that he genuinely cared.
Amazing dr., very knowledgeable, skilled and caring.
Informative and caring. We have complete confidence in allowing him to handle my surgery.
Dr Nicolas Contreras was truly amazing. His expertise was evident. When you submit to a procedure such as my husband's, you want to know you're in the best possible hands. He immediately put our minds at ease. We knew we could trust my husband's life to him.
Was kind and gentle. Made sure I understood what needed to be addressed. Felt lucky he was the Doctor I got
Thank you, Dr Contreras and your team. It is because of HCI and Dr Contreras that I am alive and recovering. He explained everything that was going to happen and was extremely reassuring and compassionate. He made a very scary time in my life feel much more manageable and comfortable. He is brilliant and kind and his patients can tell how much he cares.
The best! So thoughtful, thorough and kind. I feel hope for the first time in over a year.
He is AWESOME. Very tuned in to explaining everything to me. He has an excellent sense of humor, which helps keep the anxiety down lower.
Dr. Contreras is very caring, straight forward and made my husband and I feel like we were in excellent care. He answered all questions about surgery and follow up care. I feel very confident in his care