Appendectomy
We believe that advances in surgical technology – particularly minimally invasive procedures – have transformed patient care. Drawing on the experience of surgeons around the world, and our own medical and technical expertise, we’re continuing to introduce innovative products and techniques that reduce tissue damage during surgery, and can make patient recovery faster and less painful. To get an idea of the progress we've made, here are some comments from patients who had an appendectomy using a minimally invasive approach.
My family and I had just finished dinner when I started having sharp abdominal pains. I thought the pain was from something I ate, but it seemed more severe and lasted through the night. By morning, it was unbearable. I had a hard time even walking around my house.
After a long night of abdominal pain, Alex decided he needed to see his doctor. His wife took him to their internal medicine doctor, who told him it was his appendix and he needed to meet with a surgeon immediately to find out whether it needed to be removed.
As a result of his work in the medical field as a pharmaceutical sales representative, Alex was familiar with surgeons in the area. He knew a surgeon at Mercy Hospital in Miami who performed abdominal and colorectal surgical procedures, specifically minimally invasive procedures. Alex met with the surgeon that morning and, following a series of tests, he was diagnosed with appendicitis. The surgeon explained Alex's appendix needed to be removed that day and recommended removing it via a minimally invasive laparoscopic appendectomy procedure.
The day after his minimally invasive procedure, Alex was able to walk around the hospital. Two days after the procedure, he was feeling well enough to go home. Alex was able to return to work five days after he had his appendix removed.
Since very soon after the appendectomy, Alex has been able to maintain an active routine that includes work, golf and spear fishing.
After Dr. Aronoff diagnosed me with appendicitis he gave me my options. He told me I could have an open procedure, he told me about minimally invasive procedures and I knew that was the way I wanted to go. I originally went to him because I knew he performed this minimally invasive procedure and I would not have a lot of down time. I knew I would recuperate so much faster. I could go out and walk, I could play golf, I could do the things I wanted to do, so much faster than I could have if I had an open procedure.
Acid Reflux Surgery
We believe that the advancement of minimally invasive techniques can transform patient care – to make healing faster and more cost effective. To get an idea of the progress we've made, here are some comments from patients who had acid reflux surgery (or GERD) using a minimally invasive approach.
Bruce was living on antacids until a few months before his antireflux surgery. His general physician had prescribed Prevacid® (lansoprazole) Capsules and then explored a few other, less expensive options.
"I grew sick and tired of taking antacids and pills. I heard about minimally invasive acid reflux surgery on the radio and asked my doctor about it. I considered it a low-risk operation worth looking into," Bruce said.
Bruce was referred to a specialist who performed preliminary tests, including endoscopy. When he learned he was a prime candidate for minimally invasive antireflux surgery, he jumped at the chance to make a change for the better.
"I don't have to worry about acid reflux – period. It is nice not having to worry about taking pills. Undergoing minimally invasive antireflux surgery is a lot easier than worrying and always having a gnawing in your stomach. The fact is that even though medication may control symptoms, it doesn't stop what is actually going on," Bruce explained.
Bruce said he's leading a happier life since the June 19 (2000) operation and can eat spicier favorites such as sausage – something he hadn't been able to enjoy for years.
Deborah, a 46-year-old associate television producer and mother, was diagnosed with acid reflux six years ago by her allergist. She had to be careful not to eat meals too soon before she went to bed – a bed that was propped up on cement blocks to ease her heartburn symptoms. "I would always wake up at night choking, with a dry cough that wouldn't stop. My coughing fits would get so bad during the day that I sometimes had to pull over while I was driving."
Her gastroenterologist prescribed Prilosec OTC® Pills and a promotility agent, mentioning acid reflux surgery as a last resort. But last year she had to double and triple the recommended dosage of her medication to get relief.
Deborah had several diagnostic tests that determined that she was a good candidate for a minimally invasive antireflux surgery, and she scheduled the procedure for December 1998.
She now has her life back, sleeps through the night, and is completely off her medication.
Ron's eating and sleeping habits were interrupted constantly by GERD. He slept on four stacked pillows and resigned himself to a simple, often bland diet.
Ron needed a way out. His general physician prescribed medicine to control the symptoms, but Ron found that his body developed a resistance to the dosage after a short time.
"After a while, my body became acclimated. The medications didn’t help as much. The doctor would increase dosage or prescribe something different, but we were running low on options," Ron said. Ron began showing signs of fatigue at work; his performance slipped. He became quick-tempered and nervous. After visiting a specialist, Ron elected to undergo minimally invasive antireflux surgery.
"I would recommend minimally invasive acid reflux surgery to anyone who is suffering," Ron said. "Everything about my quality of life has increased tremendously."
