Steven A. Lee-Kong, MD, a nationally recognized colorectal surgeon, has joined Hackensack University Medical Center as Chief of Colorectal Surgery. Dr. Lee-Kong is known for having one of the highest volume colorectal surgery practices in the New York City area, including complex reconstructions — many of which using minimally invasive robotic-assisted techniques.
Dr. Lee-Kong earned his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he also completed his surgical residency. He completed his colorectal surgery fellowships at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Lee-Kong had been a leading colorectal surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center since 2012 before joining the Hackensack University Medical Center team. Dr. Lee-Kong was the first robotically trained colorectal surgeon at Columbia, and introduced this technology at the institution for the management of colorectal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and pelvic floor disorders. He is board-certified in general surgery and colorectal surgery and has been named to Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors since 2015.
He is an expert in all types of colorectal surgical procedures, from the simplest to the most complex, operating through small incisions whenever possible so patients can heal faster and return to their regular activities sooner. Dr. Lee-Kong has special expertise in the treatment of all types of anorectal disorders, complex entero-cutaneous fistulas (an abnormal connection that develops between the intestine and the skin), pelvic organ prolapse, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, and rectal cancer, using sphincter-preserving techniques wherever appropriate. He is also dedicated to educating the community about colorectal health, improving disparities in colorectal cancer care, and training surgical residents and medical students.
Dr. Lee-Kong’s arrival completes a “dream team” led by nationally renowned colon and rectal surgeon Howard M. Ross, MD, who came to Hackensack University Medical Center as chair of the Department of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief in May 2021. “I am excited to expand upon the work that Dr. Ross began a year ago, with an emphasis on minimally invasive robotic surgery and the latest technologies,” said Dr. Lee-Kong. “I’m looking forward to working on the ground floor of the most amazing colorectal surgery division in the area and taking the very best care of our patients.”
This fall, he and his surgical colleagues will be operating in the new Helen Theurer Pavilion, a nine-story 530,000-square-foot facility that incorporates advanced technologies into a modern, thoughtfully designed working environment to provide an enhanced patient, team, and physician experience.
“There is no need for people with colorectal cancer and noncancerous colorectal disorders to go to New York City for academic-level surgical care, because it is right here in Hackensack,” added Mark Sparta, president, Northern Region, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are excited and honored to have Dr. Lee-Kong on our team so we can expand the exceptional surgical services that we provide to the people of New Jersey.”
Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital, was Bergen County’s first hospital founded in 1888. It was also the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet®-recognized hospital for nursing excellence, receiving its sixth consecutive designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The academic flagship of the Hackensack Meridian Health network, Hackensack University Medical Center is Nationally-Ranked by U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023 in four specialties, more than any other hospital in New Jersey. The hospital is home to the state’s only nationally-ranked Urology and Neurology & Neurosurgery programs, as well as the best Cardiology & Heart Surgery program. It also offers patients nationally-ranked Orthopedic care and one of the state’s premier Cancer Centers (John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center). Hackensack University Medical Center also ranked as High-Performing in conditions such as Acute Kidney Failure, Heart Attack (AMI), Heart Failure, Pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Diabetes and Stroke. As well as High Performing in procedures like Aortic Valve Surgery, Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG), Colon Cancer Surgery, Lung Cancer Surgery, Prostate Cancer Surgery, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. This award-winning care is provided on a campus that is home to facilities such as the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women’s and Children’s Pavilion, which houses the Donna A. Sanzari Women’s Hospital and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, ranked #1 in the state and top 20 in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the U.S. News & World Report‘s 2022-23 Best Children’s Hospital Report. Additionally, the children’s nephrology program ranks in the top 50 in the United States. Hackensack University Medical Center is also home to the Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and is listed on the Green Guide’s list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. Our comprehensive clinical research portfolio includes studies focused on precision medicine, translational medicine, immunotherapy, cell therapy, and vaccine development. The hospital has embarked on the largest healthcare expansion project ever approved by the state: Construction of the Helena Theurer Pavilion, a 530,000-sq.-ft., nine-story building, which began in 2019. A $714.2 million endeavor, the pavilion is one the largest healthcare capital projects in New Jersey and will house 24 state-of-the-art operating rooms with intraoperative MRI capability, 50 ICU beds, and 175 medical/surgical beds including a 50 room Musculoskeletal Institute.
