When you hear the words "robotic surgery," it usually sounds like something ripped straight out of a sci-fi flick. But for Steven Lee Kong MD, it's basically just another Tuesday at the office. If you’ve been scouring the web for a colorectal specialist in the Tri-State area, you’ve likely stumbled across his name more than once. He’s not just a guy in a white coat; he's the Division Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Honestly, the medical world can feel incredibly cold and transactional. You’re often treated like a chart number rather than a person with a life and a family. Dr. Lee Kong has built a reputation for flipping that script. He’s one of those rare high-volume surgeons who actually stops to listen—like, really listen—to what his patients are terrified of before they go under the knife.
The Robotic Revolution at Hackensack
Dr. Lee Kong didn’t just show up to Hackensack and start operating. He was actually the first robotically trained colorectal surgeon at Columbia University back in the day. That’s a huge deal. He basically pioneered the use of the da Vinci surgical system for complex gut issues when most other places were still doing things the old-fashioned way.
Why does the robot matter? It’s not about the "cool factor."
Traditional surgery in the pelvic region is tight. It’s cramped. Imagine trying to fix a watch while wearing oven mitts. The robotic platform gives surgeons "wristed" instruments. These tools can turn and rotate with more flexibility than a human hand. Plus, the 3D high-definition view allows Dr. Lee Kong to see tiny nerves that control things like bladder and sexual function. Preserving those nerves is the difference between a successful surgery and a life-altering complication.
What Steven Lee Kong MD Actually Treats
It’s a bit of a heavy list. We’re talking about the stuff people usually don't want to bring up at dinner parties.
- Colorectal Cancer: From the colon to the rectum and anus, he handles the heavy-hitting oncology cases.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can be absolutely devastating if not managed right.
- Diverticulitis: When those little pouches in your colon get inflamed and make life miserable.
- Complex Reconstructions: He specializes in "sphincter-preserving" surgery. In plain English? He works to ensure patients don't need a permanent ostomy bag if it’s at all avoidable.
He’s known for taking on the cases that other surgeons might find too "risky" or complicated. He recently joined the "dream team" at Hackensack's Helen Theurer Pavilion, a massive nine-story facility designed specifically for this kind of high-tech care.
The Columbia Connection and Elite Training
You don't get to be a chief of surgery by accident. His pedigree is kind of intense. He graduated from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2004. He stayed there for his residency before heading off to do fellowships at some of the most prestigious spots on the planet: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.
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Think about that for a second. Sloan-Kettering is basically the Harvard of cancer care. Spending years there means you’ve seen the rarest of the rare. It’s where he honed his skills in oncology before returning to Columbia as a faculty member for over a decade. In 2022, he made the jump to Hackensack Meridian Health to lead their colorectal division.
Why Patients Give Him 5 Stars
If you look at Healthgrades or Castle Connolly, the guy is decorated. He’s been a "Top Doctor" for something like ten years running. But the reviews aren't just about his technical skill.
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One patient recently shared a story about their Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis. They were terrified. Dr. Lee Kong didn't just talk at them; he explained how he could remove the tumor and the abscess using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques. The result? The patient was back on their feet and gaining weight within weeks.
That’s the "human-quality" care people talk about. He treats the patient's anxiety as much as he treats the tumor. He’s also big on education, frequently speaking about the importance of early screening. He’s been quoted saying that a lot of what surgeons do is actually just educating people so they aren't scared of the process.
How to Move Forward with Colorectal Care
If you or someone you care about is dealing with a new diagnosis, the "wait and see" approach is usually the worst move. Here is how you can actually take action if you're looking into Dr. Lee Kong’s services:
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- Check Your Insurance: He works with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, so he takes a wide range of plans including various Medicare PPO options.
- Gather Your Records: If you’re looking for a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis, have your pathology reports and imaging (CT scans, MRIs) ready. He’s known for being very thorough with existing documentation.
- Think About "Minimally Invasive": Ask specifically if your condition qualifies for robotic-assisted surgery. The recovery time is often days instead of weeks, and the scarring is minimal.
- Schedule a Telehealth Visit: He does offer virtual appointments for initial consultations, which is a lifesaver if you're traveling from NYC or further out in Jersey.
The reality is that colorectal issues are scary. But having a surgeon who was literally the first in his field to master the technology that makes these surgeries safer is a massive advantage. You aren't just looking for a doctor; you're looking for a path back to a normal life.