New program launched as part of Center for Digestive Health
Dr. Anil Balani, a board certified, fellowship trained gastroenterologist with experience in diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel disease has joined Capital Health and will lead its new Crohn’s and Colitis Program as part of the Center for Digestive Health, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell.
“In recent years, Capital Health has created a comprehensive center dedicated to cancer and benign diseases of the digestive system by recruiting experienced leaders in highly specialized areas of GI [gastrointestinal] medicine. Dr. Balani adds a much needed academic level of experience in testing and treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,” said Al Magazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health.
“I’m pleased to join an already impressive roster of specialists at our Center for Digestive Health who are providing comprehensive GI care to patients and their referring physicians in our region,” said Dr. Balani.
What are Crohn’s and colitis?
Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis belong to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Keep in mind that only appropriate testing performed by a specialist can provide an answer as to whether or not you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Signs of Crohn’s disease
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgent need to move bowels
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Sensation of incomplete bowel movement
- Constipation (can lead to bowel obstruction)
General symptoms that may accompany GI symptoms include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Loss of normal menstrual cycle
Signs of ulcerative colitis
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Bowel movements become looser and more urgent
- Persistent diarrhea accompanied by stomach pain and blood in the stool
People suffering from ulcerative colitis often experience loss of appetite (and weight as a result). Low energy and fatigue are also common.
Dr. Balani received his medical degree from State University of New York (SUNY) – Stony Brook Medical School and completed his fellowship training in gastroenterology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY. Prior to joining Capital Health, Dr. Balani was in private practice in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Dr. Balani previously held academic appointments at SUNY – Stony Brook Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School – University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). He has also been a primary investigator in various clinical research studies for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Dr. Balani is also a member of Capital Health Medical Group, a group of more than 220 physicians and mid-level providers employed by Capital Health to provide both primary and specialty care to patients throughout the region.
Call 609-537-5000 or visit capitalhealthgi.org to learn more about our Center for Digestive Health or to make an appointment with Dr. Balani.