Our Super Specialty: Colorectal Clinical Trials

As part of an academic medical center, we lead our field in developing new and better treatment options for all colorectal patients. In an effort to offer cutting-edge care, we participate in clinical trials exploring new devices, medications and technologies with the potential to achieve better outcomes, minimize trauma and improve quality of life.

The Columbia/NewYork-Presbyterian colorectal program currently leads several innovative trials to help shape the management for colorectal disease conditions and inflammatory bowel disease for the future. This includes novel therapies, endoscopic techniques and perioperative pathways that have not previously explored and could completely change how these conditions are managed.

To make an appointment with our colorectal program, please call us at (212) 342-1155.


Key Trials

Boom-IBD clinical trial

Breakthrough treatments and clinical trials do not always mean new technology but entirely new applications of existing technology. Columbia enrolled the first patient in a nationwide study evaluating sacral nerve stimulation to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis using a small implantable medical device. The device uses gentle electrical impulses to activate a nerve pathway in order to reduce inflammation and improve IBD symptoms, and has been granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the FDA for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
After completion of the early feasibility phase, the Boom-IBD trial is gearing up for a pivotal study.

PATENT-B clinical trial

This study aims at determining the safety and efficacy of GIE Medical’s ProTractX3 TTS DCB for the treatment of recurrent benign bowel strictures. The goal of this technology is to provide immediate relief via balloon dilation and create lasting durable results.

Anal Fistula trial

Our surgeons take a comprehensive approach to anal fistula care, exploring ways to improve outcomes beyond the technical aspects of the procedures. On the basis of an innovative study on microbiome, our providers were the first to propose the idea that there may exist certain enteric bacteria associated with a higher recurrence rate following anal fistula repair. While this research is still ongoing, its findings could invoke a biologic basis for surgical failure following surgery for fistula and inform a personalized medicine approach to antibiotic decontamination of the fistula site prior to surgery.


Colorectal Care at Columbia/NYP

Our colorectal program provides a unique blend of personalized care that combines medical, nutritional, interventional endoscopic, procedural, and surgical treatments for colorectal, IBD, and pouch conditions - all under one roof. 

We aim to serve as a 'last stop' for patients with colorectal conditions that could not be treated effectively elsewhere. From complicated and complex disease management to corrective procedures to address problems resulting from previous surgeries, we provides options for people who have been told they have none. 


Program Highlights

Unmatched Outcomes That Preserve Dignity and Quality of Life

Our program has excellent outcomes for patients with all forms of colorectal disease. Our patients consistently report a high quality of life post-surgery.

World-Class Minimally Invasive Options

We are the preeminent center for endoscopy for pouch surveillance, corrective procedures for pouch dysfunction, strictures, fistulas, and pouchitis.

Advancing Care Through Research and Education

Our team works to improve the standard of care nationally and globally through our commitment to high-quality clinical research, global symposia, and the education and training of select fellows. The center’s leadership team has been recognized as top 10 worldwide in terms of impact and influence for the field of colorectal care.

Specialized Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Support

Our highly trained nursing team has the wound and ostomy care expertise to help troubleshoot problems with intubation, pouch care, seepage, or incontinence.

Out-of-State Coordination of Care

For our out-of-state and international patients, our team helps coordinate office appointments, testing, surgery, postoperative care, and follow-up to make travel and care easy for patients coming from far away. Information on accommodation in the NY/NJ area that allows easy access to consultations, procedures, and surgery is readily available.


Stories & Perspectives

Sara Musikoff shares her experience with severe inflammatory bowel disease, including the multiple operations that it took to repair her digestive tract. Now, Sara is out and about and living life to its fullest. Read the full story at nyp.org.


Our Team

Colorectal Surgeons

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Pokala Ravi Kiran, MD

 

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Debbie Bakes, MD

 

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Marco Zoccali, MD

Marco Bertucci Zoccali, MD

 

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Usama Ahmed Ali, MD

Usama Ahmed Ali, MD, PHD
 

 

Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse

Erin Testerman, RNErin Testerman, RN, BSN

 

Vanessa Marra, RN, BSNVanessa Marra, RN, BSN


 
 

Colorectal NPs

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Anna Varghese, NP

Anna Varghese, NP

 

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Louella Escoto-Ortaliz, MS, FNP-BC, NP-C, CNOR

Louella Escoto-Ortaliz, NP

 

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Venessa Smith-Wright, MS, FNP-BC, CNOR

Venessa Smith, NP

 

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Razia Khan, RN

Razia Khan, RN
 

 

Gastroenterologists

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Bo Shen, MD

 

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Le-Chu Su, MD, PhD

Le-Chu Su, MD, PhD, AGAF
 

 

Gastroenterology & Pelvic Floor NPs & RNs

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Princy Daniel, FNP-BC

Princy Daniel, FNP-BC

 

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Gerthy Michel, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Gerthy Michel, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

 

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Abigail Oberc, RN

Abigail Oberc, RN
 

 

Physician Assistants (Colorectal/Gastroenterology)

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Christian Munoz Pineda, PA Inpatient Colorectal Surgery/Gastroenterology

 

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Danny Shlomo, PA Inpatient Colorectal Surgery/Gastroenterology

 

Nutrition

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Sabrina Toledano, MS, RD, CSO, CDN

Sabrina Oliver, MS, RD | (347) 712-0894

 


Our Locations

Washington Heights

NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center (Main Campus)
Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10032-3784
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Midtown West

51 West 51st Street, Suite #380
New York, NY 10019
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Upper East Side

12 East 86th Street, Suite #1
New York, NY 10028
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Hudson Valley

NYP/Hudson Valley Hospital
1985 Crompond Road, Building E
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
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Make an Appointment

To make an appointment with our colorectal program, please call us at (212) 342-1155.

We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage. 


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