Redesigning care, with your safety top of mind.
Hospitals and medical offices are now permitted to see patients for all types of care, including elective surgery. We have been working hard to ensure that the hospital and physicians' practices are ready for you. Please call your provider or login to MyChart to schedule an in-person or telehealth video visit today!
Keeping You Safe
Hospitals and medical offices are now permitted to see patients for all types of care, including elective surgery. We have been working hard to ensure that the hospital and physicians' practices are ready for you. We have redesigned the way we provide care with your safety in mind.We will continue to offer telehealth video visits for anyone who prefers that option. However, we want to reassure you that we are taking the necessary steps to protect your safety when you need to come to the hospital, a primary care office, or one of our specialty practices.
Some of the measures GBMC Health Partners is taking to protect patients include:
- GBMC Health Partners is seeing patients in person and via telehealth video visits. Using video visits allows you to talk with your doctor without leaving home. This reduces the number of patients coming through the office and decreases the potential for inadvertent exposure of patients and staff to COVID-19. Thus, in-person visits can be done safely for those who need them. We encourage you to utilize MyChart for your telehealth needs, and you can also call your doctor if you need help. We are ready to assist you.
- Extensive cleaning of all work spaces and patient areas is performed between encounters and throughout the day.
- Temperature screening stations are in place at hospital entrances and in our practices. All patients, providers, and staff members have their temperature checked upon arrival and must wear masks (along with other appropriate personal protective equipment "PPE" if necessary).
- All patients are asked COVID-19 screening questions when they make their appointment and again when they arrive. Patients are given specific appointment times to limit the number of people in the offices at one time, and are kept in private exam rooms during their visits.
- To allow for safe distancing, our office hours may be adjusted during this time, and offices themselves have been rearranged. In certain locations, there may be physical barriers in place, and in some cases, family members may be asked to wait in their vehicles. A family member or friend may accompany a patient if it is medically necessary for the patient, or if the patient is a minor.
- All surgical patients are tested for COVID-19 pre-operatively.
- COVID-19 positive patients and patients under investigation (PUIs) who require hospital admission are sequestered in the hospital. Outpatients who are COVID-19 positive or PUIs are encouraged to utilize telehealth video visits to determine whether in-person care is needed.
State-of-the-art treatments from one of Maryland's leading GI Centers
The Division of GI Oncology uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to treat a range of colorectal disorders, benign and malignant, including prolapse and hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and colorectal cancer. Physicians evaluate, diagnose and treat fecal incontinence using pre-operative testing, endoscopy, manometry, electromyography and nerve studies. Physicians may recommend surgical repair or biofeedback. They also treat rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, restorative proctocolectomy and treatment of renal bleeding and discomfort after radiation.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among adults, but it is also the most preventable and treatable cancer when detected in its early stages. Regular screenings are available at GBMC, including colonoscopies, which allow for early detection and can prevent the development of many colorectal cancers.
Our Team
Select a provider below to learn more
, Towson, MD, 21204 (443) 849-3130$Joseph DiRocco, MD, MBA, FACS, has been named Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology for the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York, Dr. DiRocco completed his surgical residency and a surgical resident research fellowship at State University of New York Upstate Medical University. He went on to complete a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at New York-Presbyterian/Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Board-certified in Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery, Dr. DiRocco is interested in minimally invasive techniques and is trained in sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer. He was previously Associate Director of Colon and Rectal Surgery at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and Division Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. 
Joseph D. DiRocco, MD
Joseph D. DiRocco, MD
Joseph D. DiRocco, MD
Medical Director, GI Oncology
Colon & Rectal Surgery
Joseph D. DiRocco, MD
Medical Director, GI Oncology
Colon & Rectal Surgery
6565 N. Charles St. Ste 512 , Towson, MD, 21204 (443) 849-3400$Along with practicing general gastroenterology and hepatology, Dr. Jani has special interests in gastrointestinal cancer, pancreaticobiliary diseases and endoscopic ultrasound. He received his medical degree from the University of Rochester and went on to complete his Internal Medicine Residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Afterwards, he completed fellowships in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Interventional Endoscopy at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Jani is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.
Prior to joining GBMC, Dr. Jani served as faculty in the Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital Internal Medicine Department, attending physician for the Division of Gastroenterology at Sinai Hospital and Assistant Professor for Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Medicine. 
Niraj D. Jani, MD
Niraj D. Jani, MD
Prior to joining GBMC, Dr. Jani served as faculty in the Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital Internal Medicine Department, attending physician for the Division of Gastroenterology at Sinai Hospital and Assistant Professor for Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Medicine.
Niraj D. Jani, MD
Chief, Division of Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Niraj D. Jani, MD
Chief, Division of Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
6535 N Charles St Ste 510 , Towson, MD, 21204 (410) 821-6260$Francis S. Rotolo, MD, FACS, is the division head of General Surgery at GBMC. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Michigan School of Medicine and completed his general surgical residency at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Rotolo is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a member of the Baltimore Academy of Surgery, the Sabiston Society, the Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and the American Society of Breast Surgeons. He has been recognized by his peers as one of the "Top Docs" in Baltimore magazine. 
Francis S. Rotolo, MD
Francis S. Rotolo, MD
Francis S. Rotolo, MD
Division Head, General Surgery
General Surgery & Breast Surgery
Francis S. Rotolo, MD
Division Head, General Surgery
General Surgery & Breast Surgery
6535 N Charles St. Suite 445, Towson, MD, 21204 (410) 494-1192$ 
George Y. Apostolides, MD
George Y. Apostolides, MD
George Y. Apostolides, MD
Colon & Rectal Surgery
George Y. Apostolides, MD
Colon & Rectal Surgery
6565 N. Charles St. Suite 501, Towson, MD, 21204 (443) 849-3130$Nina E. Ferraris, MD, is a board-certified surgeon at GBMC Health Partners — Colon & Rectal Surgery. Dr. Ferraris earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Drexel University College of Medicine, and completed her residency in General Surgery at the University of Connecticut. She has completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery at Colorectal Surgery Associates in Houston, Texas, and a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Prior to returning to GBMC Health Partners, Dr. Ferraris worked as a general surgeon at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, Georgia. 
Nina E. Ferraris, MD
Nina E. Ferraris, MD
Nina E. Ferraris, MD
Colon & Rectal Surgery
Nina E. Ferraris, MD
Colon & Rectal Surgery
GBMC - Radiation Oncology , Towson, MD, 21204 (443) 849-2540$Dr. Neuner joined the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC as a radiation oncologist in July of 2011. Dr. Neuner attended medical school and earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Before being hired at GBMC, he worked as a resident at University of Maryland Medical System. 
Geoffrey A. Neuner, MD
Geoffrey A. Neuner, MD
Geoffrey A. Neuner, MD
Radiation Oncology
Geoffrey A. Neuner, MD
Radiation Oncology
Our Services
The colorectal surgeons at GBMC are experts in the treatment of a variety of procedures for various conditions including:
- Cancer of the colon and rectum
- Diverticular disease
- Rectal bleeding
- Anal and rectal pain
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy - diagnostic and therapeutic
- Removal of polyps
- Inflammatory Bowel disease
- Laparoscopic and open colon resection
- Sphincter preserving cancer procedures
- Endorectal Ultrasound for staging
Get Screened!
Unlike other cancers where screening is aimed at early detection, colon cancer screening can actually prevent the cancer from ever occurring.
Learn about your options
About Us
We are among the first in the state to introduce advanced new screening technologies using High-Definition Endoscopy and Narrow Band Imaging.
This allows our experts to perform "gold standard" diagnostic procedures which more accurately visualize the entire colon and allow early detection and removal of lesions and polyps before they become cancerous.
Robotically-assisted surgery brings advantages to patients and surgeons.
- The tiny robotic hands and high-definition magnification of this computerized system allow surgeons to perform incredibly delicate, complicated procedures with greater precision in the confined space of the pelvis.
- The much smaller surgical incision leads to less pain and faster recovery.
- Surgeons can keep more of the colon intact, reducing the need for a colostomy.
- This minimally invasive technique improves chances that sexual function and bladder control will be preserved.
Advanced technology delivers stronger radiation with greater precision.
- A computer program using real-time ultrasound data provides images that allow for highly targeted brachytherapy radiation. High doses can be delivered to the prostate while limiting exposure to adjacent organs.
- A powerful new isotope of Cesium represents a major leap in seed brachytherapy, providing faster, more effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs and symptoms of colon cancer?
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss. All symptoms should be fully evaluated by your physician.
What is a polyp?
A polyp is a growth in the colon or rectum, and is usually small and doesn't give off symptoms. Some polyps, if left in the colon long enough, can become cancerous.
What is a colonoscopy?
This is an examination of the colon and rectum. The procedure uses a camera attached to a flexible tube that's used to examine the colon lining.
What's the average length of a colonoscopy?
This total patient time generally takes between 2 - 3 hours. The procedure is less than 30 minutes.
At what age should I start having a regular colonoscopy?
The average age for regular screenings is 50, however individuals who are at higher risk or are exhibiting symptoms, should start earlier.
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss. All symptoms should be fully evaluated by your physician.
What is a polyp?
A polyp is a growth in the colon or rectum, and is usually small and doesn't give off symptoms. Some polyps, if left in the colon long enough, can become cancerous.
What is a colonoscopy?
This is an examination of the colon and rectum. The procedure uses a camera attached to a flexible tube that's used to examine the colon lining.
What's the average length of a colonoscopy?
This total patient time generally takes between 2 - 3 hours. The procedure is less than 30 minutes.
At what age should I start having a regular colonoscopy?
The average age for regular screenings is 50, however individuals who are at higher risk or are exhibiting symptoms, should start earlier.
Stories & Articles
In the News
Surgeon Lands the Job She Loves with GBMC Health Partners
Being a colorectal surgeon wasn't the first thing Nina Ferraris thought she wanted to do with her career, but she found a place she loves to work at GBMC HealthCare.
12/19/2019Ask The Expert: Stomach cancer can come in many forms
Stomach cancer comes in many forms and can be caused by a variety of factors. Dr. Niraj D. Jani discusses who is at risk and what can be done to prevent and treat stomach cancer
01/09/2018March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Dr. Robert Donegan with ABC2 In Focus
Dr. Donegan discusses Colon Cancer Awareness with ABC2 In Focus.
03/18/2016
IMPORTANT Visitor Policy Changes 
![Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women's History Month - Kim]()
![Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women's History Month - Johanna]()
![Dr. Neri Cohen WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021]()
![Dr. Theodore Bailey WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021]()
![Dr. John Chessare WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021]()
![Dr. Theresa Nguyen WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021]()
![Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women's History Month - Amy]()
![Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women's History Month - Tyra]()
![March 18: COVID-19 Update with President and CEO, John. B. Chessare, MD, MPH]()
![Midday Maryland - Children and the Pandemic]()
![Colorectal Cancer Explained by Dr. Joseph DiRocco]()
![Passing of a Legend: Robert Bond Welch, MD]()
![COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know]()
![Record Number of Employees Awarded Scholarships for Continuing Education]()
![March 4: COVID-19 Update with President and CEO, John. B. Chessare, MD, MPH]()
![A Special Conversation with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski and Mrs. Jacqueline Hrabowski]()
Recent Stories | Video | In the Media
GBMC Achieves the Prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
AwardsCrossing the "O-Line"
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Around GBMCApril 1: COVID-19 Update with President and CEO, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH
COVID-19
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Dr. Neri Cohen WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021
COVID-19
Dr. Theodore Bailey WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021
COVID-19
Dr. John Chessare WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021
COVID-19
Dr. Theresa Nguyen WBAL COVID-19 Townhall - March 23, 2021
COVID-19
Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women's History Month - Amy
Around GBMC
Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women's History Month - Tyra
Around GBMC
March 18: COVID-19 Update with President and CEO, John. B. Chessare, MD, MPH
COVID-19
Midday Maryland - Children and the Pandemic
Healthy Tips
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Healthy Tips
Passing of a Legend: Robert Bond Welch, MD
Supporting Excellence
COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know
Supporting Excellence
Record Number of Employees Awarded Scholarships for Continuing Education
Supporting Excellence
March 4: COVID-19 Update with President and CEO, John. B. Chessare, MD, MPH
COVID-19
A Special Conversation with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski and Mrs. Jacqueline Hrabowski
Around GBMC
