Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Launches IBD Center, Providing Comprehensive and State-of-the-Art Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Care   

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Launches IBD Center, Providing Comprehensive and State-of-the-Art Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Care

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (CIBD), a comprehensive program offering specialized care for patients with IBD and related colorectal conditions. This center brings together a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, nutrition, and behavioral health experts to provide patients with personalized, coordinated care.

“We are excited to launch this new center, which will provide our patients with the highest level of care for IBD and related conditions,” said Rosario Ligresti, MD FASGE, Chief of Gastroenterology at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Our team of experts is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that meets each patient's unique needs.”

The IBD Center at HUMC offers a wide range of services, including:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services include the latest medical therapies, endoscopic procedures, and surgical interventions.
  • Multidisciplinary care: Patients have access to a team of specialists who work together to develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Nutritional counseling: A registered dietitian provides guidance on managing IBD through diet and nutrition.
  • Behavioral health support: A psychologist helps patients cope with the emotional and social challenges of living with IBD.
  • Clinical research: The center is actively involved in clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest advancements in IBD treatment.

Making the patient experience at the new IBD Center even more convenient, the goal is to coordinate appointments with the entire multidisciplinary team, all on the same day, offering many benefits to patients:

  • Reduced travel time and cost: This is especially beneficial for patients who live far from their healthcare providers or have limited transportation options.
  • Less time off work or school: By consolidating appointments, patients can minimize the time they need to take off work or school.
  • Simplified scheduling: Coordinating appointments with multiple providers can be time-consuming and frustrating. Scheduling everything on the same day can streamline the process.
  • More comprehensive care: Patients can receive a more comprehensive assessment of their health by seeing all of their providers on the same day.
  • Less stress and anxiety: Coordinating appointments can be stressful, so consolidating them can help to reduce anxiety.

With nearly 800,000 new cases of IBD diagnosed in the United States each year and that number significantly on the rise in the Northeast recently, this dedicated IBD center will play a crucial role in providing comprehensive and specialized care for patients from around the tri-state region.

“The new center of excellence will serve as a beacon of hope for IBD patients,” said Alyssa Parian, M.D., director of the IBD Center at HUMC. “Within its walls, patients find not only advanced multidisciplinary medical care but also compassionate support, empowering them to navigate their sometimes difficult journeys with dignity and strength.”

“We believe that this comprehensive approach to care will significantly improve the quality of life for our patients with IBD and other colorectal diseases,” said Howard Ross, M.D., chair of Surgery/Surgeon-in-Chief. “We are committed to providing our patients with the resources and support they need to manage their condition and live fulfilling lives.”

Colon cancer is also on the rise and linked to IBD. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 150,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in the United States this year - many of them in much younger people. “This alarming trend of increasing incidences of colon cancer in young adults highlights the urgency of addressing this issue and taking proactive measures to prevent and detect the disease early,” said Steven Lee-Kong, M.D., chief of Colorectal Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 551-996-3091 or click here.

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