In late August of last year I was diagnosed with perforated appendicitis at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas. Dr. Schultzel met with my family and me in the ER and provided immediate reassurance and a detailed explanation of the diagnosis and my options for treatment. He quickly realized that the reckless and unconcerned 24-year-old patient did not require the same degree of reassurance as his frantic mother in the chair next to him, and directed his attentions accordingly. This guy has the human element, something that can be quite rare in the medical field. The treatment involved the insertion of a percutaneous abscess drain and a regimen of antibiotics, followed by a laparoscopic appendectomy one month later. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Schultzel was more accessible than any other doctor I have ever met. Despite a busy schedule, he found the time to check on me before and after both surgeries. A few days after the appendectomy, on a Sunday, I called Dr. Schultzel's office to leave a message about some discomfort I was having. Much to my surprise, he returned my call in less than a minute. In addition, his staff is top of the line. They graciously helped me to schedule and reschedule a series of appointments and provided me with an endless stream of increasingly complicated doctor's notes for my employer (shout out to Emily). It has now been about six months since my appendectomy. I have had no further issues or complications. The incisions that he made were small, and have healed to become very inconspicuous. Dr. Schultzel does incredible work. If you are unlucky enough to have a burst appendix, you'd better hope you're lucky enough to have this guy fixing you up. read more

Hello All, your reading this because you're looking for some information and possible reassurance. I met Dr. Schultzel with the recommendations from my local oncologist. Dr. Schultzel was my 3rd and final opinion who was located 3 hours away from me. I ventured to Banner in phoenix as well as Cancer Centers of America also located in Arizona. The reason I stayed with Matthew was the procedure that he is very well known for as well as his confidence,demeanor and very aware of different techniques. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer and the removal of the rectum was not what I wanted to hear however, while in surgery my anatomy wasn't cooperating in my favor during the procedure and the narrowing of my hips and opening was preventing him to make a successful reattachment. He left the surgical room and notified my wife in the waiting area. She listened as he explained the issue and she approved his recommendation at this point. I made it out of surgery with a total APR for life. The cancer has all been removed and gone at this point. Dr. Schultzel kept me off pain meds as much as possible as mentioned in our pre-op meeting and was visited by him very often prior to my dismissal from Scripts hospital. I have also contacted him via his personal cell a few times regarding symptoms from the procedure, He does return your calls as promised. I hope this has helped you make your decision on selecting a surgical specialist, please be careful and if you don't feel comfortable with an opinion you have options. I have small children that need me healthy and a wonderful wife as well. God Bless you all, John H. read more

When I developed severe abdominal pain and fever, I never expected that it would be the beginning of an 8 month long major health battle. Luckily Dr. Matthew Shultzel was on call at Scripps Encinitas Hospital when I was admitted from the Emergency Room with an infection that took 4 days to bring under control. He immediately made me and my husband feel confident that we would get through this. He listens, looks you in the eye, explains things completely and in terms that you can understand. His knowledge, compassion and caring come through from the time you first meet him. Eventually my infection improved enough to perform surgery that would repair/remove the damaged parts of my colon. Dr. Shultzel made sure to have me admitted to Scripps La Jolla Hospital, where the surgery department could provide high quality facilities and care. The extent of my damage required an 8 hour surgery and an ileostomy. Dr. Shultzel's skill and caring bedside manner made a very scary period in my life as comfortable as possible. Surgery follow-up was thorough and involved a couple of minor procedures before I could finally have the ileostomy successfully reversed. My reversal surgery 2 months ago went very smoothly and my recovery has been complete. I am very grateful to Dr. Shultzel, whose skill is responsible for my return to a normal life. Many of the staff members at both hospitals expressed their admiration for and confidence in Dr. Shultzel. I would not hesitate to trust my health to him again or to recommend him for anyone needing colon or rectal health care/surgery. read more

I have been down for about 7 years went from walking 3 miles a day to about 50 yards, until I went to see Dr. Schultzel, DO. I had chronic pain that prevented me from walking or doing just about any thing I had previously seen a Proctologist seven years ago he said nothing was there and then again 4 years ago he treated me for fissures went back after because I still had pain was told he didn't see anything. I had spinal blocks which didn't work saw neurosurgeons the whole lot one after the other. I have been researching this for years until I decided to give Dr. Matthew Schultzel DO a try I picked him because of the added DO after his title because he is licensed to do surgery in any state which means lots more training. Which means lots more knowledge. I went to him and only told him about my pain and how long I had it so far, well he took a look and told me what he saw and explained what we could do and well I have to say I feel better now and still have one more banding to do today. All in all it only took about 11 weeks total. I can walk now without the pain I had before. I am so thankful for this Doctor and his skills I use to walk my granddaughter to school which stopped after my problem I can take walks with her again. I have a lot more quality of life back and getting better with everyday. I couldn't be more pleased.. So if you need a good General and Colorectal Surgical Specialist none better than Doctor Mattew M. Schultzel DO. I give him all the stars and more. His office staff are always so very nice and helpful. Thank You Dr. read more

I had very painful stage 4 hemorrhoids for years, worse than what you could find in a Google search. It made navigating live difficult. Every bowel movement was painful and bloody. In some cases literal torture. I was referred to Dr. Schultzel and began the process for surgery. I did my homework. My research and Dr. Schultzel made it clear that the recovery was going to be painful but worth it. I had the surgery and as expected, I was in a great deal of pain, he recommended that I take the pain mitigation offered during surgery and I'm very glad I did. Recovery was painful, I tend to shy away from narcotics and didn't follow every instruction to a T but when I called the staff was responsive even late at night. The post op exams went well and around 2 months later, I can say that the surgery was life changing. I'm writing this now because for the first time in a very long time having a bowel movement in the morning didn't mean a day full of pain, embarrassment and uncomfortably. I work very hard, and I cannot tell you how detrimental adding my condition to my daily hustle and bustle was. I'm so glad I had this surgery. If anyone has questions about it or wants to know more info about my experience I can help! I won't show before after pictures here but there was a significant difference. read more

I love Dr, Schultzel and his entire team. It's hard to say that having a hernia is a good experience, but having Dr. Schultzel and his team on my side was a great experience! When I first called his office and got a voice mail message, I was thinking, "Oh, great, I have to leave a message just to make an appointment." From that point on, everything was wonderful. I was called back within five minutes, saw Dr. Schultzel a week later, was scheduled for surgery five days after that, and the whole process was smooth and easy. Everyone in Dr. Schultzel's Murrieta office (which is an impressive facility) is nice as pie, professional, and accommodating. As is Dr. Schultzel. He is a caring, compassionate man whose expertise and professionalism are comforting. He is both personable and knowledgeable, and he has both a good bedside manner and a good sense of humor. From the minute I met Dr. Schultzel, I was confident and assured that everything would go well . . . and it did! Thank you Dr. Schultzel and team! It was a pleasure to put my medical needs in your very professional and competent hands. read more

I wish I'd gone to Dr. Schultzel for my hernia surgery the first time. He is clearly the better surgeon and his actions show he cares about his patients. Instead, I went to UCSD. After the initial visit/sales pitch, I did not see my surgeon again. At each of my two post-ops, some other doctor told me the bulge would go away or it was normal. The bulge got bigger until it became undeniable that the surgeon whiffed and I would need a second surgery. I knew the odds got worse each time. I was scared. A friend referred me to Dr. Schultzel. The first visit was night-and-day different. He answered all of my questions. He explained exactly what would happen. He didn't shy away from hard questions or explaining the risks. Dr. Schultzel visited with me and my wife right before the surgery. He visited with my wife immediately afterwards. He visited with me when I woke up. And I saw him at all three of my follow up visits. I'm completely healed and back to the active lifestyle I was scared I might lose. I would suggest you just go see Dr. Schultzel the first time. read more

I am beyond grateful to Dr. Mathew Schultzel for performing my sphincterotomy to remove a fissure and relieve the painful sphincter spasms I had been enduring. I was living in constant pain and had previously been advised by another provider to undergo more costly procedures that promised no results. I was also told that surgery would be too risky. Dr. Schultzel, however, reassured me with his calm confidence and clear expertise. His thoughtful approach and sound advice gave me confidence that the surgery would be successful. What truly stood out, beyond his skill and professionalism, was his kindness and genuine care throughout the entire process. He took the time to listen, answer all my questions, and made me feel completely supported. I am so glad I trusted him with my care, as the result of the surgery has been life-changing. I am now free from the pain that had plagued me for so long. Thank you, Dr. Schultzel, for your outstanding professionalism, kindness, and exceptional care. I truly appreciate everything you've done for me! read more

There are not enough words to convey my gratitude for Doctor Schutzel. In December of 2017 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and was referred to him by one of his colleagues who said, he was one of the best in the country. From the first time my husband and I met him we know he was the right surgeon for me. He explained all the possible scenarios in a manner we could understand and always allowed time for numerous questions at each visit. He stood by me with kindness and encourgament as I went through treatment. He removed what was left of the tumor in June of 2018 and equipped me with a temporary ileostomy bag. Then once again he stood by my side with encouraging words and more endless questions as I went through additional chemo treatments. In March of 2019 he reversed my ileostomy. His skills and talents left me with tiny scars and almost no pain after each surgery. He was a God send for me an my family. I would recommend him as your surgeon. Thank you Doctor Schultzel. Cheryl read more

Dr. Schultzel guided me through 2 surgeries with expertise, professionalism and a compassion that is often absent in the bedside manner of surgeons. He even took my call on a Sunday to put my mind at ease during recovery. In colorectal surgery, doctors have to "poke and prod" in areas that are normally very private and sensitive. Dr. Schultzel handled all of this quickly and professionally.. but also kindly. At appointments, I never felt rushed and my questions were always answered fully and without the sense one often gets when speaking with a doctor that the question is stupid or that the doctor has something more important to do just then. I am now fully recovered from both surgeries and I couldn't be happier with the results. My quality of life has dramatically improved as a result of Dr. Schultzel's fine work. I will recommend him without hesitation to friends, family and anyone else that needs a colorectal surgeon. read more

What is a "good" doctor? After 30 years of chronic illness and meeting with at least 20 physicians, I can tell you what a good doctor is for me: 1. Well educated 2. Listens well 3. Responds to every question, and has pertinent questions of his/her own 4. If he/she can't answer my question, he/she will say so and direct me to a person who can answer my question 5. And perhaps above all, communicates the desire to help, primarily through lack of the arrogance so prevalent in many American doctors. In other words a good doctor is one who doesn't make you feel he/she is the most important person in the room. Dr.Matthew Schultzel is such a doctor. In my years as a patient of the American medical system he is the second doctor I've encountered who made me feel that he listened and he wanted to do whatever he could to help. By my definition he is a good doctor, and I feel grateful to be treated by him. Karen Reiter read more

Dr. Schultzel and his team are the absolute best at what they do and I couldn't be happier with the experience I had with them. You can tell right off the bat how incredibly well run his practice is and how thorough he is as a doctor / surgeon. He and his team lived up to all the glowing reviews I read about them before coming into his practice and I would highly recommend them to anyone. I ended up needing to have an umbilical hernia repair surgery and Dr. Schultzel did an amazing job from start to finish. It was the first surgery I had ever undergone and I could not be more thankful that he was my surgeon. While obviously nerve-racking to have to undergo surgery, you want to know that you are going to be in great hands and frankly Dr. Schultzel is the the one you want, bar none. He is a true professional and one of the nicest doctors you will ever come across. read more

Dr. Matthew Schultzel is an amazing surgeon. My 15 year old daughter was suffering for about 9 months with extreme stomach pain we were in and out of the ERs several times. We were grateful for being referred to Dr. Schultzel that was able to remove my daughter's gallbladder successfully and our daughter is now doing well. The healing has been successful and my daughter is back to her normal routine and able to enjoy life again. Dr. Schultzel took the time to listen to my daughter and explain the robotic surgery. He made her feel comfortable and confident about the surgery. The scheduler and office staff treated us with care and explained every step from pre op to post operation. Dr. Schultzel is an expert and amazing in his practice and we will always be thankful for the successful surgery and quality of care that was provided for our daughter. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Schultzel. He is very knowledgeable, kind and caring. I was referred to him for a hemorrhoidectomy last year. Have to admit, I put that appointment off for a while and even cancelled a couple of times. I was scared, nervous and embarrassed. I really appreciated that he didn't sugarcoat anything about the surgery or recovery process, and was able to put my mind at ease. Fast forward 9 months and my gallbladder decided to take a dive during the Covid-19 pandemic. I knew exactly who to call! I knew I would be in good hands. Again, Dr. Schultzel was very kind and caring. He got me in very quickly. A huge shoutout to his assistant, Emily, who works so hard behind the scenes. She is awesome! She always returned my phone calls and made me feel like she truly cared. read more

Finding out you need hemorrhoidal surgery can certainly cause a lot of anxiety. I am so grateful for Dr. Shultzel's very caring, but direct and honest, guidance from the start. I appreciated knowing what to expect regarding expected pain, possible risks and recovery. Dr. Schultzel also provided very helpful and detailed information both online and in his office along with numerous ways to reach out to his surgical team with any questions or concerns. A response was always quick and most helpful! Follow up appointments have been easy to make. Dr. Schultzel and his staff have been very caring, trustworthy and professional for which I am so appreciative. My surgery went well and I would definitely recommend Dr. Schultzel! Thank you for your care! read more

Dr. Schultzel is AMAZING! I had to have surgery last June to remove two very large painful internal hemorrhoids. Needless to say, everything that I had read and heard about hemorrhoid surgery was not pleasant! I'm not here to tell you anything different! It was a rough process, but Dr. Schultzel was very professional and honest. He helped me through the whole process, and I had no surprises along the way. I was still struggling with scar tissue seven months after the surgery, and Dr. Schultzel's receptionist, Emily, got me in to see him ASAP. He has been very patient with me, and has helped me get back to a normal lifestyle that I haven't experienced for 30+ years! It wasn't easy, but it was definitely worth it! Thank you Dr. Schultzel! read more

Going to Dr. Schultzel was a seriously awesome experience. He has amazing bedside manner and not only was extremely thorough and well organized but just very compassionate and kind. He answered all of my questions completely and honestly. I went to Dr. S for an unplanned emergency surgery and was extremely nervous. Dr. S was very sweet and handled a very stressful situation in a very professional and comforting manner. I appreciate all of his efforts. He is such a great doctor! You can tell he has this desire to work for a practice that has a very focused and consistent base of patients that he can get to know and care for and he does just that. He is extremely positive and made me feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend him! read more

I recently had surgery performed by Dr. Schultzel. It was a potentially painful surgery (hemorrhoids) and I have to say that I was very impressed all along the way. First off, at my initial visit, Dr. Schultzel was very communicative as well as very gentle, which was appreciated. Emily, the scheduler, really did a great job along with the rest of the staff in making sure that I had all that I needed prior to the surgery. They arranged pre-surgical testing and provide me with clear guidance. Post-surgical instructions were also excellent as was all follow-up. I'm a toxicologist so I'm not unfamiliar with medical issues. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to Dr. Schultzel and don't hesitate to recommend him and his staff highly. read more

I suffered from both a right and left inguinal hernia. The left was far more worrisome due to its size. I was referred to Dr. Schultzel to review my situation and perform the necessary surgical procedures in order to get me back to a normal life of exercising. I couldn't have been more pleased with the time he spent explaining my hernia, the surgical procedure, and the post-operation care. It was very comforting when he came into the pre-operating room and explained everything that was going to occur in detail. Very cordial and considerate. The results of my operation were amazing. Everything has gone exactly as he stated. And now...I am back in full swing. Thank Dr. Schultzel for your expertise and care. read more