ROBERT COLE MD, FACS
310-829-4469
Providing Quality & Personalized Care
Location: 2730 Wilshire Blvd Ste. 550, Santa Monica, CA
Phone: 310-829-4469
Email: colerecoffice@gmail.com
Modern Medical Care With Traditional Private Practice Values
Serving the Santa Monica / West Los Angeles medical community for over 25 years.
Since 1987, Dr. Robert Cole has maintained a surgical practice of the highest professional caliber within his serene office setting in the West Los Angeles / Santa Monica area.
Personal attention, thorough medical evaluations, impeccable quality care and strong patient communication are Dr. Cole’s top priorities. He spends considerable time with each of his patients which is refreshingly unique in today’s world where medical and surgical specialists seem too rushed to talk or listen effectively.
Developing relations of trust with his patients is of utmost importance to Dr. Cole. He takes ample time to simplify and explain complex concepts and offers the best options for optimal outcomes. It is important that the patient feel truly comfortable and fully understand the choices and procedures before them. This kind of assurance puts his patients at ease before surgery which he believes may promote faster healing and an ongoing sense of well-being.
A Personal Touch
All office visits and surgical procedures are performed by Dr. Cole himself, and your care is never handed to a physician’s assistant.
Honest Second Opinions
Dr. Cole is often contacted by patients and physicians looking for an honest second opinion regarding the need for surgery. If you find yourself unsure about the need for surgery, call our office to set up a second opinion appointment.
On Call 24/7
Dr. Cole is always available to address whatever questions or concerns you may have. He can usually be reached 7 days a week/24 hours a day for his post-surgical patients. Dr. Cole has qualified coverage to take your call in the event that he is unavailable. On occasion, he has even been known to make house calls.
Latest Minimally Invasive Technologies
Our use of laparoscopic technology means smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, less pain, and a quicker return to your normal activities.
Professional & Friendly Staff
Our entire staff embraces our commitment to personal and compassionate patient care
Same Day Appointments
Patients with urgent care needs can often be seem the same day. Reach out to us.
Medical News
On-Q Painbuster Catheter
Pain relief after surgery is an important part of the recovery process. When you’re not in…
Causes & Risk-factors for a Hernia
Although some hernias are present at birth, the majority develop later in life. Family history of hernias can predispose you…
Testimonials
What Patients Say
Bruce S.
Last week Dr. Robert Cole performed surgery on me for an umbilical hernia, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From the first consultation through the procedure itself and into recovery, he was exceptionally thorough at every step. He took the time to explain what was happening, what to expect, and what he was going to do, and he answered every question with patience and clarity. You feel like you are his only patient when you are with him, which is a rare quality in any doctor today.
Barry S.
Dr. Cole performed my hernia surgery and I cannot say enough kind words or recommend him highly enough. He is my favorite doctor of any kind that I’ve ever been to and I was genuinely sad after my follow-up appointment that I would not be seeing him or his lovely assistant Felicia again.
Simon B.
Dr Cole is like no other. He has a heart of gold. In today’s world of medicine and doctors it is almost impossible to find someone as skilled, gracious and smart as Dr Cole and his team… Thank you Dr Cole!
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Recovery time is on an individual basis. Generally, patients will return to the office 7-10 days after surgery at which time Dr. Cole will discuss resuming limited activities and a return to work.
Most patients at 1 month will have their last follow up appointment with Dr. Cole and be able to resume their regular lifestyle.
Dr. Cole may recommend that you see your primary care doctor or other specialists involved in your care to obtain a surgical clearance.
Dr. Cole may prescribe pain medication, an antibiotic, a stool softener or an antibiotic cream to be applied both before and after the surgery. Every procedure is different and the doctor will prescribe the necessary medications based on your procedure and post-operative needs.
You cannot have anything to eat, drink or smoke after midnight the night before surgery. This includes hard candy (even a Tic-Tac), water, coffee, and gum.
If there are any medications that you take on a regular basis, please discuss this with Dr. Cole prior to your surgery date.
Please bathe or shower prior to surgery. Remove all makeup, jewelry, hairpieces and false eyelashes. Do not use lotions or oils after bathing.
Wear comfortable, non-binding clothing that is easy to put on and remove.
Please arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you the first 24 hours after your procedure.
Most surgeries are same day at an out-patient facility so if your procedure is scheduled early in the morning, you can expect to be home by mid-afternoon. We suggest you take the rest of the day and the next to rest in bed and relax at home.
You may use the restroom as needed.
Gentle stair climbing, if necessary.
Using ice packs over the incision site to reduce swelling and discomfort is very helpful. Constant use over the next 7 days will keep the swelling and bruising at a minimum.
Any medications prescribed by Dr. Cole should be taken as instructed especially the pain medication which is most effective when taken as directed.
Your diet should consist of clear liquids for the first 24 hours after surgery.
For most procedures, you will be able to shower (NO BATH) the day after surgery. You will have a dressing over your incision site and you will receive instructions as to when that can be removed.
At your first post-operative appointment, Dr. Cole will discuss a return to limited activity such as driving, exercise, lifting and when you can expect to resume your regular lifestyle.