MDNews - Mid Hudson

COVER FEATURE and lymph nodes. When Dr. Rohan spots something suspicious, ultrasound guidance enables him to pass a hollow needle through the bronchoscope and safely obtain one or more biopsies. The new technique helps him reach more lymph nodes — even the smallest ones — to collect fl uid and tissue samples that are critical for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, detecting infections and identifying other infl ammatory diseases that affect the lungs, like sarcoidosis. Other cancers, such as lymphoma, can also be identifi ed. No incisions are used with EBUS. “The accuracy and speed of EBUS enables pathologists in the operating room to literally process and examine biopsy samples as we obtained them,” Dr. Rohan explains. “If additional samples are required, they can be taken immediately.” Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy “One of the most exciting advances in medicine today is the ability to treat lung cancer using less invasive methods like video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy,” says Dr. Rohan. “We offer VATS for our patients with early-stage lung cancer who have fairly small tumors, usually less than 3 to 4 centimeters.” Using high-definition cameras and specialized instruments, Dr. Rohan makes several small incisions to access the patient’s chest cavity. Once inside, he is able to remove masses that are close to the outside edge of the patient’s lung, so the tissue can be tested for cancer. The procedure is also useful for diagnosing certain pneumonia infections and for infections or tumors of the chest wall. The entire VATS procedure takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and patients are awake and alert immediately following surgery. “This less invasive surgical approach to treating lung cancer enables our patients to signifi cantly reduce the time they spend in the hospital, which can vary from one to three days. Patients are completely off pain medications within one to two weeks. Total recovery 10 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS  MDNEWS.COM HOW IT WORKS These renderings show how the TIF procedure reconstructs a gastroesophageal valve that prevents refl ux of stomach acids into the esophagus. time can range from three weeks to one month before patients are completely back on their feet,” says Dr. Rohan. Patients who undergo VATS and require chemotherapy can begin their treatment sooner, which means they are more likely to complete the full course of therapy. “This is critical because it gives patients a much better chance for survival,” explains Dr. Rohan. “If we catch the cancer before it spreads, we can deliver a cure rate of about 80%. These kinds of consistent results are signifi cant and very rewarding for a surgeon. Beating the statistics and having the ability to save someone’s life is why I chose to specialize in thoracic surgery.” Dr. Rohan is the only surgeon in the Hudson Valley area to offer TIF, EBUS and VATS. He is also highly experienced in performing lobectomies, thoracoscopies and pneumonectomies. s ATTACKING GERD WITH INCISIONLESS SURGERY BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS + EFFECTIVE, LONG-TERM solution to GERD + ELIMINATES HEARTBURN in 85% of patients + 79% OF patients are off PPIs two years after the procedure + NO EXTERNAL or internal dissection + MINIMAL PATIENT discomfort + QUICK RECOVERY + PATIENTS RETURN to work/normal activities in one day + CLINICAL RESULTS comparable to more invasive GERD surgery without the side effects

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