Cornelius A. Thiels, D.O., M.B.A.

Cornelius A. Thiels, D.O., M.B.A., is a cancer surgeon and researcher dedicated to helping patients facing the most challenging diagnoses. He specializes in the surgical treatment of advanced and complex cancers, with a focus on retroperitoneal sarcomas and pancreatic cancer. He combines precision, compassion, and innovation to deliver care that offers hope, even when options seem limited. His work reflects a deep commitment to improving outcomes through personalized, multimodality treatment plans that integrate surgery with chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Thiels provides comprehensive surgical care for patients with rare and aggressive cancers, using advanced and minimally invasive techniques including robotic surgery, intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT), and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) when appropriate. His clinical focus includes:

• Pancreatic cancer: Offers minimally invasive and robotic approaches for pancreatic surgery.
• Retroperitoneal and abdominal sarcomas: Expert in complex tumor resections requiring advanced surgical planning. He has extensive experience with large and advanced liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, including tumors involving multiple organs and major blood vessels.
• Metastatic colorectal cancer: Advanced techniques for managing liver metastases and other complex cases.
• Neuroendocrine tumors: Extensive experience in surgical management of these rare tumors.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): Specialized care for patients with advanced or recurrent GIST and other gastric tumors.

Dr. Thiels also leads Mayo Clinic's Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Chemotherapy program, delivering targeted therapy for liver tumors as part of a comprehensive cancer care strategy.

Research and Leadership

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Thiels is helping shape the future of cancer care. Dr. Thiels also leads the department's data and analytics initiatives and directs the Surgical AI² Lab, where artificial intelligence and health services research are used to improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery and those with rare or advanced cancers. He is also the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgeon Champion for Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

As Associate Chair of Innovation for the Department of Surgery, Dr. Thiels builds collaborations that accelerate advancements in surgical techniques, technology, and translational research. These collaborations come to life at the annual Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit, a dynamic event that brings together Mayo surgeons and leading innovators to explore new ideas and define the next generation of surgical care.