Growing Colorectal Surgery Program at Hackensack University Medical Center Exceeds National Quality Standards
Teams adds three colorectal surgeons and embraces safety, best practices and minimally invasive/robotic surgery innovations
During the past three years, the colorectal surgery program at Hackensack University Medical Center has grown—adding three surgeons and increasing the volume of surgical procedures performed each year.
“Our program is staffed by experienced, nationally recognized surgeons and an expert surgical support team with a proven track record of excellence—particularly when it comes to robotic and minimally invasive surgery,” Howard M. Ross, M.D., Chair of Surgery/Surgeon-in-Chief at Hackensack University Medical Center, said. “As a result, we have developed one of the region’s most robust, highest-volume and longstanding robotic colorectal surgery programs.”
And as surgical volumes grow, the colorectal surgery team continues to raise the bar on quality through technology implementation and safety best practices.
“Our length of stay is exemplary, and our infection, readmission and mortality rates are at or below national averages,” said Steven Lee-Kong, M.D., Chief of Colorectal Surgery. “Our experience in robotic and minimally invasive surgery combined with our new, state-of-the-art operating room facilities at the Helena Theurer Pavilion allow us to deliver outstanding patient care and outcomes.”
The team applies the most advanced robotic surgical technology, such as near-infrared fluorescence imaging, to improve surgical safety and outcomes. “The fluorescence imaging allows us to see blood flow to the intestine so that we can check for perfusion,” said Dr. Lee-Kong. “We can also use fluorescence technology to highlight structures we need to avoid, such as the ureter, which improves surgical safety.”
Although some patients who undergo colorectal surgery are discharged the same day, patients who require an overnight stay have access to private rooms equipped with five-star hotel-style amenities in the Helena Theurer Pavilion.
The team also launched a multidisciplinary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Conference for patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, where they discuss each patient to determine the best treatment options. Through its Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol, surgeons have streamlined perioperative patient care, pain management, anti-infection protocols and stoma care.
“We provide comprehensive pre-op education that streamlines post-op care, so we can help our patients recover quickly and safely,” said Dr. Lee-Kong.
The team also is dedicated to training future researchers and surgeons. Two college students assist the colorectal surgery team with current research efforts, and surgical residents and medical students from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine routinely rotate through the department.
“We have the expertise required to treat all conditions, and when patients choose us, they will receive expert care from an experienced group that is regionally and nationally recognized for delivering high-quality care,” said Dr. Lee-Kong.
Learn more about colorectal surgery innovations at Hackensack University Medical Center.
