Hidden Scar, Less Pain with Mercy Hospital’s New Minimally Invasive Laparoscopy Procedure
Used to treat patients in need of appendectomies, hernia repairs gall bladder removals and colon surgery
Miami (April 8, 2009) Doctors at Mercy Hospital have announced the advent of a cutting-edge, minimally-invasive procedure used to successfully perform a wide variety of surgeries including, but not limited to, appendectomies, colon resections, hernia repairs and gall bladder removals (cholecystectomies).
The single-port laparoscopy, is the latest breakthrough in laparoscopic surgery, reports Dr. Juan Carlos Fleites, recent chairman of surgery at Mercy Hospital, who is performing the procedure. The surgery is done with only one incision, typically through the navel, leaving the patient with no visible scars.
Utilizing the single-port procedure reduces the number of incisions we have to make – a move that is typically better for our patients in terms of less discomfort, faster recovery and enhanced cosmetic results. For eligible candidates, the health benefits, as compared to outcomes in the more conventional procedures, are especially advantageous.
During a traditional laparoscopy, three to five incisions are made in the abdomen area, allowing doctors to insert a camera and various instruments – a practice that usually results in permanent scarring. In the single-port surgery, however, everything can be done through one opening, usually in a less painful location. The smaller scar is hidden in the naval.
“By diminishing the invasiveness of this procedure, we have essentially eliminated the common side-effect of scarring and reduced postoperative pain,” added Dr. Fleites. “It’s an easier and a cosmetically pleasing surgery for our patients. We look forward to further expanding its range to treat others in need.”
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About Mercy Hospital
Mercy Hospital, a recipient of the prestigious Magnet™ award for nursing excellence, HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Award™ and HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™, is Miami-Dade County’s only Catholic Hospital. Established in 1950, it is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida and a member of Catholic Health East. A 473-bed acute care hospital, staffed by over 700 physicians representing 27 medical specialties, its Centers of Excellence include: The Heart Center at Mercy Hospital, the Miami Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital, the Orthopedic Institute at Mercy Hospital, and the Minimally Invasive Surgical Institute at Mercy Hospital. Mercy Hospital is located at 3663 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL.
For more information regarding this release please contact:
Ashley Serrate
Caroline Underwood
Kreps/DeMaria
(305) 663-3543