Colorectal Surgery

The Colorectal Surgery Program in the Department provides comprehensive care for patients with benign and malignant anal, colon and rectal diseases. A key aspect in this care is providing crucial colon cancer screening for all patients. This consists of performing a colonoscopy - the definitive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure proven to decrease the development of colon cancer. We also coordinate access to Cologuard testing and CT colonography when indicated. In addition to providing screening, we have a strong commitment to community service and actively engage in community-based town halls, health fairs and local information sessions to provide education on the importance of colon cancer screening. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month across the United States and we are proud to be part of the effort to eliminate barriers in access to colon cancer screening in the surrounding Newark community.

In addition to colon cancer screening services, all patients who are evaluated in the office setting undergo a thorough outpatient assessment. After the initial visit, a wide array of modalities to evaluate and diagnose conditions are utilized as necessary, including examination under anesthesia, colonoscopy, dynamic pelvic MRI and specialized testing with anal manometry and anal ultrasound, when indicated. Minor in-office procedures such as rubber band ligation, anal sphincter Botox injection, or incision and drainage of abscesses can also be performed. For patients who require surgical treatment of colon and rectal diseases, advanced robotic surgery is utilized. This minimally invasive approach, coupled with an enhanced recovery after surgery program (ERAS) which was adapted for implementation at University Hospital, allows patients to have less pain and discomfort after surgery and decreases their recovery time and hospital stay. For patients who require an ostomy, we provide coordinated care between an inpatient and outpatient ostomy nursing service. Preoperatively, ostomy patients are able to receive ostomy siting/marking in the office, patient education and ostomy care coordination. After surgery, our advanced practice nurses provide continued care coordination by assisting with supplies and peristomal wound management.

Conditions treated include:

Endoscopy

  • Colonoscopy
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (flex sig)
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Colon/Rectum

  • Colon Polyps
  • Diverticulitis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Colostomy Reversal
  • Proctitis

Intestine

  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Fistulas
  • Ileostomy Reversal
  • J pouch Creation/Surveillance

Cancer

  • Colon
  • Rectal
  • Anal

Pelvic Floor Disorders

  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Rectal Prolapse
  • Rectocele

Anorectal Disorders

  • Hemorrhoids
  • Fissure
  • Fistula
  • Condyloma/Warts

Meet Our Team:

Melissa M. Alvarez-Downing, MD Assistant Professor

Oluwabunmi Saliu, MSN, APN
Frances Capodicasa, MSN, APN, WOCN
Imelda de Vera Guimary, DNP, MPH, APN, CDE
Jo-Ann S. Dejean, DNP, AGNP

Colorectal Surgery Contacts:

Colorectal Surgery Practice Location
Doctor’s Office Center
90 Bergen Street, Suite 7100
Newark, NJ 07103
Appointments: 973-972-2400

Ostomy Clinic
Vascular and Wound Center
University Hospital
150 Bergen Street, Suite D-106
Newark, NJ 07101
Appointments: 973-972-3031

Colorectal Surgical Coordinator
Faness Gamble
90 Bergen Street, Suite 7100
Newark, NJ 07103
Tel: 972-973-2533
Appointments: 973-972-3317
Fax: 973-972-3892
Email: fg262@njms.rutgers.edu