Focus On Health – Spring 04

Leading the Fight Against Colon & Rectal Diseases

Fact: One out of 17 people will develop colorectal cancer.

Fact: An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people on Long Island suffer from inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Fact: Approximately 1,120 Queens, NY, residents will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer this year.

Fact: Patient admissions for colorectal conditions, colonoscopies and colon and rectal operations have been rising rapidly at both Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.

Result: In its continuing mission to meet the healthcare needs of residents of Queens and Long Island, the North Shore-Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Health System recently opened the Center for Colon and Rectal Diseases at 900 Northern Boulevard in Great Neck.

It is the first center of it’s kind on Long Island, housing the area’s first comprehensive Anorectal Physiology Laboratory. The laboratory specializes in the performance of anorectal ultrasound, anorectal manometry and pudendal nerve latency studies, a service that will be made available to patients of all physicians and surgeons in the area.

The center will be directed by John A. Procaccino, MD., as well as Luz P. Angel, MD, the only female colorectal surgeon on Long Island.

The center treats the spectrum of colorectal diseases, including colorectal and anal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, common anorectal conditions, such as hemorrhoids and fissures, and complex cases involving reconstructive abdominal surgery and anorectal surgery.

” We employ an integrated, collaborative team approach to treating each patient,” said Dr. Procaccino. “The surgeons work closely with nutritionists, nurses and social workers to provide optimal care.”

In constructing the center, designers created five examination rooms, three physicians offices, an endoscopy suite with the latest technology, and a spacious recovery room. It is anticipated that in the first year, the center will treat more than 3,500 outpatients and will perform 2,000 inpatient procedures.