MDNews - Long Island

cause post-operative complications as well as increase costs, surgeons now use self-gripping mesh or sutures. FOREGUT SURGERY For patients with symptomatic hiatal her- nias or GERD that is refractory to medical treatments, as well as patients who prefer surgery over medication, robotic Nissen fundoplication is available at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors. This procedure reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter and helps prevent acid from backing up into the esophagus. "Most patients who have this surgery will be able to stop ta king long-term acid-reducing medications," Dr. Atwa says. "Barrett's esophagus is often resolved or well-controlled as a result, as well." Dr. Atwa has also had success in resolv- ing achalasia by performing the Heller myotomy procedure robotically. He notes that this procedure can be life-changing for some people, as many have a marked improvement in their ability to swallow within just a few hours of the surgery. BILIARY SURGERY Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a com- mon procedure, with 300,000 performed in the U.S. every year. By using robotic assistance, Dr. Atwa can achieve greater precision in performing cholecystectomy, which leads to improved patient outcomes. Firefly technology helps to visualize the biliary anatomy, allowing for increased dissection accuracy. While with other forms of surgery, obesity can be a barrier to surger y, this advanced technolog y eliminates weight as an obstacle. It also reduces the frequency of conversions to open surgery. "Robotic cholecystectomy results in fewer bile leaks, blood transfusions, infec- tions and readmissions to the hospital," Dr. Atwa says. BARIATRIC SURGERY The obesity epidemic continues to be a major issue of concern for multiple rea- sons. Complications of being overweight or obese rank as the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. "Obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than 60% of the U.S. population," Dr. Atwa says. "Many patients think it's their fault, but that is not true. It's like any other disease — it requires treatment. The problem is that obesity can cut your life by 10 to 12 years, and it causes many other medical problems. This one disease affects almost every organ in the body." Obesity can lead to migraines, stroke, heart attack, sleep apnea, acid reflux, fatty liver disease, joint and back pain, diabe- tes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. People with obesity are also at higher risk for cancer. "Let 's not forget the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr. Atwa says. "According to the CDC, more than 70% of COVID-19 patients in the U.S. who were hospitalized were overweight or obese. Having bariatric surgery can cut down that risk." Dr. Atwa notes that many patients tell him they feel like a failure when they lose weight and gain it back again. "I tell them 'Obesity is not a sign that a person is out of control,'" he says. "Many things can contribute to this condition. Dr. Atwa discusses a patient's treatment plan with Toniann Balistreri, CCMA, the office Bariatric Coordinator, who coaches patients to guide their success during their weight loss journey. Dr. Atwa, Jon Leung, DO, FACOS, and Ghaith Khair, MD, review a patient's postsurgical images. 0 8❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E

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