Madhulika G. Varma

MD

Colorectal surgeon
Chief, Colorectal Surgery

Dr. Madhulika (Mika) Varma, chief of colorectal surgery at UCSF Medical Center, specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. Her areas of expertise include colorectal and anal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and pelvic floor disorders. She also is a specialist in treating many of these diseases using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgical techniques.

Varma is director of the Center for Pelvic Physiology, which evaluates patients with fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic floor prolapse, rectal cancer and anal fistula. She is co-director of the UCSF Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and a member of the Women's Continence Center and Women's Health Clinical Research Center. Varma's research interests include clinical outcomes for inflammatory bowel diseases and defecation disorders.

Varma earned her medical degree at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She completed a residency in general surgery at UCSF and spent a year at the University of Minnesota for specialized training in colon and rectal surgery. In 2000, she returned to UCSF, where she completed a fellowship in clinical outcomes research and epidemiology.

  • Education

    Brown University School of Medicine, 1991

  • Residencies

    UCSF Medical Center, General Surgery, 1998

  • Fellowships

    University of Minnesota, Colon and Rectal Surgery, 2000

  • Board Certifications

    Colon and Rectal Surgery, American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    Bengali

    French

"I love the feeling of the immediacy of helping people… and seeing the patient feel better. It's very gratifying."

Meet Dr. Varma

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.7

    Overall Experience
    153 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 29, 2024
    Overall experience with the entire UCSF organization is top-notch. UCSF has made me feel the assurance that everyone will do everything possible to help me with my disease. I am blessed and grateful to have UCSF on my side.
    Aug 22, 2024
    The only comment I have is about myself, that I refrained from asking as many questions as I should have, but the provider was excellent!!
    Aug 15, 2024
    The treatment and care couldn't be better.
    Jun 12, 2024
    Every one were very respectful and nice.
    May 23, 2024
    Dr.Varma is top notch , I believe I could not get better care anywhere.
    May 16, 2024
    I learned a lot about my current condition, and was included in planning an in-person follow up visit,
    Apr 06, 2024
    Dr. Varna and her medical assistant were very kind and made my needs feel heard and important. I had a great experience with UCSF. Thank you
    Apr 04, 2024
    Great service! Thank you!
    Apr 02, 2024
    Dr Varma is the best! She took the time to explain every detail from my health and wellness before surgery, what I can expect during the operation. The importance of losing weight-possible complications and risks.
    Mar 26, 2024
    Very Good Experience
    Mar 26, 2024
    Dr. Varma was excellent in covering all my concerns. I could tell she was very informed with my medical issue and clearly explained what she recommended to do. I would highly recommend Dr. Varma, plus she has a great smile.
    Dec 05, 2023
    Dr Varma is exemplary and provided excellent care
    Nov 14, 2023
    This was a second opinion appointment. I think had it been a formal surgical consultation- we would have discussed in more detail the explanation of my condition and the potential risks of the recommended treatment.
    Nov 10, 2023
    Dr. Varma was knowledgeable, friendly, encouraging
    Aug 15, 2023
    I felt very comfortable and confident in her as my surgeon.
    May 16, 2023
    Dismissive.
    May 02, 2023
    Dr. Varma exceeded all of our expectations !!
    Mar 02, 2023
    I traveled across the country after sending medical reports with photos, and expressed my desire for alternative, thinking, as my case was extremely difficult. I believe that the provider upon reviewing my case, and me, verbally expressing my needs with the PAs that I would not have had an in person appointment when my only option was exactly the same as the physicians here locally advise me of. I was extremely excited because I had hoped that upon review of my case I would've either been turned down or scheduled because there was something that could be done for me. It was a huge waste of time and energy based on false hope.
    Feb 28, 2023
    All was good
    Feb 04, 2023
    Dr Varma was thorough in all of her work. We had a good visit with her, and her staff. We will recommend Dr. Varma to others.
    Feb 02, 2023
    Dr. Varma was extremely informative about my upcoming procedure. She even diagrammed on a handout what would be taking place during the surgery. Her explanations and answers to my questions have left me feeling very comfortable about my upcoming surgery.
    Feb 02, 2023
    Outstanding experience! Cannot wait to see Dr Varma again. Wish all doctors had her enthusiasm and bedside manners.
    Dec 05, 2022
    Dr. Varna was excellent and treated me with great professionalism and helpfulness.

    Selected research

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    My work

    Q&A: Enjoying the challenge of colorectal surgery

    Dr. Varma loves caring for diverse patients who need many types of procedures at a world-class institution like UCSF.

    Read the story

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