Clinical Excellence Drives Colorectal Surgery Outcome Success at Growing Hackensack University Medical Center Program

Volumes set to double last year for program focused on safest surgical technology, infection control protocols

Overall, Hackensack University Medical Center’s colorectal surgery volume is on track to reach 400 cases in 2023, double last year’s volume. 

To handle the increase, the center recently hired additional colorectal surgeons, for a total of six high-volume surgeons in practice, with further expansion planned. The center handles a range of complex colorectal surgery cases, including IBD surgeries, colonoscopies, ileoanal J-pouch procedures, colorectal and rectal cancer surgeries and fistula repairs.

To achieve successful outcomes, the center focuses on infection control in addition to developing surgeon experience and skill. The center focuses on surgical site infection control, with tracked gown, glove and instrument changes before skin closure, and pursuing small-incision robotic surgical techniques when possible. 

Another important outcome success factor prioritized at Hackensack University Medical Center is discharge-to-home versus a nursing home for recovery. The team offers surgical patients a “pre-hab” PT program designed to help patients enter surgery more physically fit, with the goal of transitioning directly home rather than a rehabilitation center following surgery. The center also offers robotic surgery techniques, even in complex cases, as smaller infections result in fewer incision site infections. 

Learn more about colorectal surgery innovations at Hackensack University Medical Center.