Michael Louis Caparelli, MD

Dr. Michael L. Caparelli is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon at Southern Ocean Medical Center. He specializes in the comprehensive prevention and management of both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus, including; colon cancer, rectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, anal fistula, and pilonidal disease. 

Dr. Caparelli is highly skilled in the latest minimally invasive approaches, including advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, as well as performing screening and diagnostic colonoscopies.

He is board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and earned his Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Dr. Caparelli then completed his General Surgery residency at The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, serving as Administrative Chief Resident. He further honed his expertise by completing a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

His commitment to excellence is demonstrated by numerous awards, including the Ronald H. Fegelman, MD Memorial Award for Outstanding Surgical Technique and the Martin B. Popp, MD Outstanding Resident Surgical Educator Award. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and presented his research at national surgical conferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a board-certified colorectal surgeon?

A board-certified colorectal surgeon is a specialist who has completed a 5 year residency in general surgery and then pursued an additional year of advanced fellowship training focused exclusively on diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. 

2. What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery, including robotic and laparoscopic techniques, allows me to perform complex procedures through very small incisions. For patients, the benefits are significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, smaller scars, and a much faster return to normal activities compared to traditional surgery.

3. When should I get a colonoscopy?

For individuals at average risk, screening colonoscopy is recommended to begin at age 45. It is the most effective tool we have for both preventing colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps and detecting cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start screening earlier.

4. Besides cancer, what other conditions do you treat?

While I specialize in colorectal cancer, a large part of my practice is dedicated to treating non-cancerous conditions. This includes common issues like diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, and rectal prolapse.

6.  Where does Dr. Caparelli see patients?

Dr. Caparelli sees patients at HMH - Colorectal Surgery - Manahawkin on the campus of Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, NJ. 

7. How can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Caparelli?

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Caparelli by booking online or calling his office at 609-978-3390.