Anal fistulas are infected passageways that form between your anus and outside skin. They’re often painful, and infection can lead to other health complications. Learn to recognize the signs of an anal fistula and find the treatment you need.
Nina Paonessa, DO, FACOS, is a board-certified general surgeon and proctologist, and a fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon practicing at Paonessa Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, in Brielle and Manahawkin, New Jersey. With over 16 years of experience, Dr. Paonessa is the only female colorectal surgeon in Ocean and Monmouth counties. She’s known for her expertise and patient-centered care, and she prides herself in treating each of her patients as a family member, preserving each patient’s well-being and dignity.
Dr. Paonessa completed her undergraduate degree in biology at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, where she graduated magna cum laude. She attended medical school in Erie, Pennsylvania, at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Paonessa completed her internship and general surgery residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, where she also served as chief resident and was named “Resident of the Year.” She completed her colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
She offers conservative, minimally invasive treatment options that are performed in the office for many common anorectal disorders. Dr. Paonessa prides herself in staying abreast of all the latest techniques and treatments in the field of colorectal surgery and tailors each treatment plan to the specific needs of every patient.
Dr. Paonessa is a co-editor and author of three chapters in the second edition of the textbook The Surgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids (2009). She has presented at several national surgical conferences and published in the medical journal, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.
Dr. Paonessa has been named Proctologist of the Year by the American College of Osteopathic Proctologists, awarded the Patient’s Choice Award and the Compassionate Doctor’s Award by Vitals.com for twelve consecutive years, and is on the HealthGrades Honor Roll. She has also been named as a Top Doctor in Colon and Rectal Surgery.
Dr. Paonessa is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American College of Osteopathic Proctologists, American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association, New Jersey Medical Society, Ocean County Medical Society, Pennsylvania Colon and Rectal Society, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, and American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
Providing high quality, personalized care in a friendly environment while preserving each patient's well-being and dignity. Just show up, we'll do the rest!
Dr. Paonessa
Here at Paonessa Colon & Rectal Surgery, P.C., we accept most major insurance plans. If you do not see your plan listed, please contact our office directly to confirm your insurance provider is accepted.
Anal fistulas are infected passageways that form between your anus and outside skin. They’re often painful, and infection can lead to other health complications. Learn to recognize the signs of an anal fistula and find the treatment you need.
Do you have what looks like a pimple on your tailbone? Is it painful when you sit? Then you may have a pilonidal cyst, not a pimple. Click here to learn more about this common skin condition and what can be done about it.
If you have Crohn’s disease, you know a flare-up can quickly derail your plans. But you don’t have to let your symptoms get in the way of enjoying the holiday season. Check out our tips for managing Crohn’s disease and feeling your best this year.
Dr. Paonessa is a very warm, compassionate and caring doctor. She helped me through my pre-exam anxiety.
She has it all: concern, bedside manner, and a rapport. I’ve never before felt for any other doctor. I feel fantastic. I would recommend her to anyone
Dr. Nina Paonessa is simply the best of the best! She is very skilled and knowledgeable with the added measures of compassion and kindness.
I was praying for a miracle, then Dr. Paonessa came along. In 2010 she saved my life. I was truly blessed to have someone impact my life. A gift to the medical profession
I feel Dr. Nina Paonessa saved my life when performing very complicated surgery for a perforated colon and her subsequent care and compassion was beyond reproach.
Dr. Paonessa is an excellent Doctor and Surgeon. The care she gave me during my illness and recovery was amazing.
Anyone in need of her specialty should not consider going anywhere else. She has given me a new life after years of suffering.