Colonoscopy Saves Lives! One of New Jersey's Leading Board Certified Colorectal Surgeons, Gregory J. Gallina, M.D., F.A.S.C.R.S Has Important News for Consumers During Colon Cancer Awareness Month

MAYWOOD, N.J., March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers concluded that colorectal cancer can be prevented by colonoscopic removal of polyps[1]. "There is no doubt that routine colonoscopy leads to the discovery and removal of precancerous polyps; removing these polyps leads to a proven reduction in the chance of dying from colon cancer. This large study clearly confirms what we have long suspected: colonoscopy saves lives," said Dr. Gregory Gallina.

Dr. Gallina recommends that everyone have a colonoscopy annually starting at age 50, and earlier if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, such as precancerous polyps or other risk factors. Colonoscopy is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and helps colorectal surgeons diagnose changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, and weight loss. The procedure takes only 30- 60 minutes and a sedative is given. A long, flexible tube called a scope is inserted into the anus and is slowly guided through the rectum and into your colon. The scope inflates the large intestine and a small camera mounted on the scope transmits a video image from inside the large intestine to a computer screen, so your colorectal surgeon can examine the intestinal lining.  According to Dr. Gallina, "If you get a regular colonoscopy, you will drastically reduce your chance of ever dying from colon cancer."

In addition to performing routine screening colonoscopies, Dr. Gallina's practice includes proctology as well as major colon and rectal surgeries, incorporating the cutting edge technology of robotic surgery. His expertise covers the treatment of cancer of the colon and rectum, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistula, rectal bleeding, inflammatory bowel diseases and other conditions that affect the large intestine. He has a private practice in Maywood, New Jersey, and is affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center and St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center.  He is also a clinical instructor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).

Dr. Gallina is recognized for performing more robotic colon surgeries than many of his colleagues. "The robot is the ultimate extension of a surgeon's hands. The advent of the current technology in robotics for colorectal surgery is revolutionizing the field and I am excited about what innovations the future holds," said Dr. Gallina, who serves as the Associate Director of Surgical Education at Hackensack University Medical Center.

About Gregory Gallina, M.D., F.A.S.C.R.S.: Selected as a Top Doctor by New Jersey Monthly magazine, Patient Choice Award Recipient 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, Selected as a Gold Doctor from the Arnold Gold Foundation. Dr. Gallina is Board certified and a Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. After earning his MD from the prestigious George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., Dr. Gallina completed his general surgical residency at UMDNJ in Newark, NJ and a colorectal surgical fellowship at SUNY Buffalo.  He is at the forefront of innovative technologies in his specialty. He served as President of the Bergen County Medical Society and remains active in local, state and national organizations in shaping the future of healthcare.

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[1] Colonoscopic Polypectomy and Long-Term Prevention of Colorectal-Cancer Deaths, Ann G. Zauber, Ph.D., Sidney J. Winawer, M.D., Michael J. O'Brien, M.D., M.P.H., Iris Lansdorp-Vogelaar, Ph.D., Marjolein van Ballegooijen, M.D., Ph.D., Benjamin F. Hankey, Sc.D., Weiji Shi, M.S., John H. Bond, M.D., Melvin Schapiro, M.D., Joel F. Panish, M.D., Edward T. Stewart, M.D., and Jerome D. Waye, M.D., N Engl J Med 2012; 366:687-696

SOURCE Dr. Gregory Gallina