Advanced Solutions.Authentic Care.
Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo, Specialist in the Advanced Care of Pilonidal Disease and a Leader in Non-Mesh Hernia Repair
We want to welcome Madison Keppeler, Physician Associate, to our team! Madison has been a surgical PA since 2012 when she graduated from Rutgers PA School. Her first job was at John's Hopkins Hospital where she was part of the Plastic and Reconstructive surgery team. She then was at a private surgery practice for the last ten years where her focus was gaining surgical experience and focusing on patient care. She joins Dr. Nakhjo's team as a surgical assistant and patient care coordinator, hoping to make your experience with us seamless and your care heart felt. She treats patients with the upmost respect, and understands the surgical process. Madison is here to answer any questions and follow the patients from their first visit throughout surgery; making sure your experience is centered around each individual. Please welcome Madison to our team as she looks forward to meeting each patient and taking care of all their surgical needs through their journey at Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Are you considering a procedure but have questions before making an appointment?
We offer a free virtual consultation with our Board Certified Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) Madison Kepeller, who is available to address your concerns and provide insights about our practice and the procedures we perform.
This is a great opportunity to get the answers you need in a comfortable, no-pressure environment before deciding to move forward. Schedule your free virtual consultation today! Responses are usually in less than 24 hours.
Free Virtual ConsultationWe repair over 450 hernia surgeries a year, a significantly higher number compared to the average general surgeon's 40-50 per year, our focus on specialization is driven. Crucially, we perform over 95% of our inguinal hernia repairs, and a certain number of umbilical hernia repairs, without the use of mesh by performing the Shouldice Repair. This is a time-tested, gold standard procedure which relies on the body's natural tissue for hernia repair. The Shouldice approach not only eliminates most of the potentially serious complications associated with mesh but also at the same time contributes to an exceptionally low recurrence rate.
An added benefit is that this procedure can be performed without general anesthesia under local anesthesia. Learn more about the difference between the Shouldice method and surgical mesh by reading Dr. Nakhjo's article "Mesh Vs. No Mesh".
Abdominal wall hernias don’t have to involve lengthy, painful procedures with extended recovery times. Our method focuses on minimally invasive techniques, emphasizing that the majority of laparoscopic repairs can be performed through just two small incisions. This approach not only reduces pain but also shortens recovery time, allowing you to return to your daily activities more quickly. Watch on to learn more about how our advanced surgical techniques can make a significant difference in your hernia repair experience.
Pilonidal disease can cause significant discomfort and disruption to daily life, our mission is to offer an effective surgical solution that will cure Pilonidal disease. We have chosen to specialize in the Cleft Lift Procedure because it is the only procedure that truly works. We have seen anecdotally and through the surgical literature that other forms of pilonidal treatment are simply ineffective, painful and have very high recurrence rates. We have seen too many patients needlessly suffer through multiple operations, year after year, only to end up getting the Cleft Lift Procedure and finally getting cured once and for all. Our practice has an approximately 99% success rate curing pilonidal disease, whether it be initial presentation or recurrent disease after many failed prior surgeries performed at outside institutions.
Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo is a leading surgical provider of advanced minimally invasive general surgery who has been serving Northern New Jersey for the past 15 years. Our practice provides the highest level of care using the most advanced tools and techniques available.
Our practice takes great pride in treating our patients like they are family. We consider ourselves a boutique practice in that we make time and give our patients personalized attention. We are always available and accommodating to meet the needs of our patients. We understand that even the most Minimally Invasive Surgeries can feel daunting. Through compassionate care and unsurpassed expertise, our goal is to help you undergo your procedure with optimal comfort and confidence.
We are one of very few surgical practices in the country that are dedicated to the Advanced Treatment of Pilonidal Disease. Our mission is to get our patients cured and back to living life with as few setbacks as possible. We treat our patients like family and will be with you every step of the way.
Seeing our patients cured with big smiles and knowing that they can proceed with their lives without anything holding them back is what inspires us. We are very proud of our track record of curing pilonidal disease and are very encouraged and excited to treat and help cure our patients.
Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo offers patients the specialized skills and experience to relieve their concerns using state-of-the-art solutions at his advanced surgery centers in Denville, Newton and Millburn. While he is dedicated to using the most innovative approaches in the treatment and cure of pilonidal disease today, he prioritizes the overall patient experience by building a personal relationship from the first consultation. As a result, you will be pleased with your procedure results and with Dr. Nakhjo's exceptionally conscientious approach. With Dr. Nakhjo, you are entering a partnership with someone who genuinely values you as an individual as well as a patient.
Dr. Nakho's commitment to the patient experience is the foundation of his passion for scientifically advanced, minimally invasive surgeries. Dr. Nakhjo specializes in treating pilonidal disease and non-mesh inguinal hernia repair. He has performed more than 4,000 procedures over the course of his career. He is currently the Chairman of General Surgery at Newton Medical Center.
Dr. Nakhjo now also performs surgery at the Milburn Surgical Center in Milburn, New Jersey.
About Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo
17 yearsof experience
4Affiliated hospitals
4000+Procedures performed
Every aspect of Dr. Nakhjo's practice is rooted in precision. From the most advanced surgical techniques to a treatment designed to your individual needs, Dr. Nakhjo has patient care down to a fine science. In order to provide you with the best possible experience and results, Dr. Nakhjo will not only ask you about your medical concerns but will also make the extra effort to gain a clear picture of your life as a whole to ensure that your treatment is optimally and uniquely designed to every aspect of your needs.
With a foundation of personal connection, Dr. Nakhjo can most effectively and precisely apply the most innovative techniques to help you truly enhance your life with minimal discomfort and downtime. Proudly serving the New Jersey tri-state area, Dr. Nakhjo is renowned for delivering highly specialized care with surgical options not yet available with other surgery providers in Sussex and Morris Counties.
Dr. Nakhjo is New Jersey's premier minimally invasive surgery provider. Our practice delivers the most groundbreaking techniques to ensure the best experience and outcome for you. From laparoscopic procedures to other innovative methods, Dr. Nakhjo offers minimally invasive solutions for a broad range of concerns to help patients in New Jersey and beyond achieve relief without the drawbacks of traditional open surgery. Make the most of your treatment with minimally invasive surgery solutions, and eliminate the lengthy downtime and enhanced risks of alternative treatments. A better life is closer than you think.
Advanced TechnologyDid you know that pilonidal cyst surgery can now be performed with minimally invasive techniques, allowing for smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recovery times? As an experienced surgeon in the field, Dr. Nakhjo is trained in the latest techniques and technologies to deliver the most effective and efficient treatment for pilonidal cysts. With a focus on patient comfort and optimal outcomes, Dr. Nakhjo is dedicated to staying at the forefront of advances in pilonidal cyst surgery to enhance his abilities as a doctor and provide the best possible care for patients. Ready to learn more about pilonidal cyst surgery and how Dr. Nakhjo can help you? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
Pilonidal CystAn inguinal hernia occurs most often in men, presenting as a bulge in the groin area. It can be a source of significant discomfort and, in some cases, self-consciousness. Dr. Nakhjo utilizes the Shouldice Technique, involving no mesh and delivering better long-term results. This procedure offers reduced risk for chronic pain and infection compared to treatments using mesh.
Shouldice Non-Mesh Inguinal Hernia RepairA ventral hernia is any hernia that occurs along the midline of the abdominal wall. It often causes mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure that can be worsened by activities that require the use of abdominal muscles. Dr. Nakhjo can restore your abdominal structure using a tension-free laparoscopic technique that minimizes pain and downtime. Learn more about how this procedure can repair your ventral hernia and help you live a more enjoyable life.
Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia RepairYou don't have to live with the discomfort of an incisional hernia. An incisional hernia is caused by previous abdominal surgery, where the abdominal tissue pushes through the weakened muscles along the incision. Dr. Nakhjo uses laparoscopic surgery to repair incisional hernias to optimize the results of your earlier procedure and alleviate hernia symptoms. With minimal downtime, you can address this common occurrence after abdominal surgery.
Incisional Hernia RepairGallstones and other gallbladder conditions may require the removal of the gallbladder for complete relief. When this happens, Dr. Nakhjo is here to help you resolve the problem with a laparoscopic, minimally invasive approach. In contrast to earlier procedures, you can eliminate gallstones and other symptoms without unnecessary pain, a large incision, and extensive downtime.
Gallbladder | CholecystectomyDr. Nakhjo is fellowship trained in minimally invasive/laparoscopic general surgery. Procedures he performs include appendectomy, colon surgery, gallbladder, hernia, and lipomas, among many others. Our procedures are focused on giving patients the best surgical outcome with the shortest recovery times. Give yourself the advantage of advanced treatment from a highly skilled specialist.
Advanced Laparoscopic/Minimally Invasive General SurgeryTraditional laparoscopic/robotic technique dictate 3-4 separate incisions and require the surgeon to poke additional holes through the abdominal wall to secure mesh…we do not do any of this.
The overwhelming majority of our laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs only require 2 small incisions (the width of a finger nail) 5mm and 10mm incision are all that are needed ... the width of a fingernail! That's it. Nothing Else.
It requires less incisions than a laparoscopic appendectomy or laparoscopic gallbladder operation!
We do not perform robotic hernia surgery. Reason being there is no advantage verse laparoscopic hernia repair. Many well-known studies show that robotic hernia repairs on average take twice as long to perform and can often times require more incisions than a laparoscopic hernia repair. In addition, robotic surgery is much more expensive to perform achieving the same end result. Robotic hernia repair is inefficient in both cost and operating times for most hernia operations and many times is just a marketing gimmick.
Pilonidal Cyst Disease is an often challenging, always painful, and a persistent and difficult condition to treat. This affliction can cause discomfort while lying down, sitting, and even coming into contact with clothing, and can lead to complications such as an abscess or infection.
Initial treatment options often include drainage and antibiotics. While milder cases can be resolved following this conservative treatment protocol, Pilonidal Cyst Disease is usually chronic and may require a more robust course of treatment. While some patients may be candidates for a simple pilonidal cystectomy, certain, more advanced cases may only be resolved through advanced techniques.
Dr. Nakhjo is among the few surgeons nationwide skilled in the Cleft Lift, or Bascom Lift, procedure. Known as the only effective and permanent treatment of Pilonidal Cyst Disease, this outpatient procedure has the highest success rate of any Pilonidal Cyst treatment while providing minimal disruption to your normal activity. Patients can return home on the day of the procedure and typically resume their daily activities within 24-28 hours, and are cleared for full activity with no restrictions within 2 weeks.
Pilonidal CystectomyPilonidal Cyst Disease symptoms may vary among individuals, but typically consist of bleeding and pain in the gluteal crease, discomfort in the sacrum or middle of the buttocks, a painful bump in the buttock crease area, and drainage from the pilonidal wound. Additionally, other physical indicators include a deep crease in the buttocks, hairs entering larger pores with small holes on the skin, bleeding or drainage, an anus tract exiting the skin next to the enlarged pores, darkened skin on either side of the buttock crease, a tender red lump near the buttock crease, or reddening of the skin in that region.
Not all hernias are the same, and not all require mesh in the repair process. Developed in the 1940s by Canadian surgeon Dr. Edward Earle Shouldice, this safe and reliable technique uses your own natural tissue to reinforce your abdominal wall, repairing each layer of muscle along the way. The post operative recovery and long term recurrence rates are very low and are comparable to inguinal hernia repair with mesh. The procedure is a great alternative for patients who wish to avoid implantable prosthetic material for their hernia repair in New Jersey. In addition, the procedure can be performed without general anesthesia.
Hernia SurgeryDr. Nakhjo achieves excellent long term results without the use of mesh using the body's own tissue layers, with a historically less than 0.5% recurrence rate. Although mesh is relatively safe and has its role for some hernias, it does carry some inherent risks. With the Shouldice technique, more than 90% of inguinal hernias (and some ventral hernias) can be repaired naturally with an exceptionally durable, safe and consistent manner.
The recovery rate is similar to laparoscopic technique however it has the added benefit of being able to be performed without general anesthesia.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I brought my son all the way from upstate NY just to see him. After a previous failed surgery with another doctor, Dr. Nakhjo was a lifesaver. He preformed a clef lift surgery for pilonidal cyst and we could not be happier with the results. My son who had been in pain for months now has his life back. Dr. Nakhjo, his staff and the staff at Newton Medical Center were all wonderful. Dr. Nakhjo takes time to listen, understand your concerns and is just an amazing doctor and human. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you!!
- J.G.
I couldn't be more happy with my experience with Dr.Nakhjo. He and his staff were very nice and friendly. He made the process of getting rid of a pilonidal cyst very comfortable and easy. He is a great doctor.
- R.
Dr. Nakhjo is the best surgeon I could've asked for simply because of how thorough and experienced he is with the Cleft Lift procedure. Dr. Nakhjo's team is also outstanding. I highly recommend Dr. Nakhjo.
- G.S.
My experience with Dr. Nakhjo and his staff has always been very enjoyable. Dr. Nakhjo has a wonderful bedside manner and always made me feel comfortable. His office staff have always been helpful and kind. My pilonidal cyst was affecting every aspect of my life due to the pain.
- Samantha B.
Following up with Dr. Nakhjo today after having right inguinal repair surgery two and a half weeks ago. Very happy with the procedure and the experience. Very personable doctor whom I highly recommend to others. Staff was very pleasant and welcoming. Thank you Dr and staff!! Highly recommend.
- Bruce B.
Fixed, stitched and feeling like a man again! True professionals Dr. Nakhjo and his team navigated my double hernia surgery with ease. Totally alleviated all my difficulties and pain. Absolutely life changing!! Thank you!
- Ken
Promptly seen at my appointment time. Office staff, Nurse and Doctor extremely professional, polite and informative. The Doctor thoroughly explained my condition, recovery and billing. Surgery and recovery 2 weeks out and I feel excellent.
- John G.
I am extremely happy I chose Dr. Nakhjo to perform my bilateral hernia operation. Dr. Nakhjo was wonderful during my initial consultation as he thoroughly explained the pros and cons of each of my options and kindly answered all of my questions.
Our "Ask the Dr. Anything" service is tailored to address any questions or uncertainties you may have regarding your hernia- or pilonidal-related ailments. Whether you're seeking clarification on symptoms, treatment options, or our practice, we are here to provide you with comprehensive information and guidance.
Please feel free to email us at: advancedsurgerynj.com. Under Subject type “ADA'' and Dr. Nakhjo will be happy to answer your questions.
Let's navigate the complexities of your ailments together, ensuring you have the support you need for a healthier tomorrow.
For the most advanced treatment, easiest recovery, and best possible results with minimally invasive surgery in New Jersey, begin your journey with Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo today. Schedule your consultation at either of our convenient locations to begin discussing your personalized treatment plan with a highly skilled and renowned area specialist.
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm
Available for Emergencies
