Columbia Surgical Associates

Columbia Surgical Associates Division of Vascular Surgery opened their in-office Endovascular and Special Procedures Suite in March of this year. Angiography, balloon angioplasty, stent placement, and catheter insertion are but a few of the peripheral vascular procedures performed in the suite. Being able to thoroughly evaluate patients with the option of performing diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures the same day in the office has greatly improved our ability to treat patients on a quicker basis. Patient satisfaction is excellent with streamlined care that results in shorter stays before, during and after the procedures.

Columbia Bariatric Associates now offers the Realize Band from Ethicon. This is the newest FDA approved surgical weight loss device. It is implanted laparoscopically around the superior part of the stomach. The adjustable balloon is accessed via a low profile port implanted on the patients rectus fascia. The band can be tighten to provide fullness with small amounts of food. This Realize band and the Lap-Band from Allergan can be very helpful in treating the Co-morbidities of severe obesity. Diabetes, hypertension, GERD, Stress incontinence, Sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, and many others. If you have interested patients, or patients you feel can be helped with their weight loss please call 877-2LPBAND or go to ColumbiaBariatric.com.

TUESDAY, Jan. 22 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests that gastric lap-band surgery isn't only for the most obese; it can also combat diabetes in people who aren't severely fat.

Still, the surgery is extremely expensive and carries risks. However, the findings show promise for people with diabetes who need alternative ways to shed pounds, said study author John Dixon, a obesity researcher at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

"It doesn't seem to matter how you lose it," Dixon said. "This particular study shows that it's the weight loss that has the effect."

REALIZE BAND
Adjustable Gastric Banding provides excellent gycemic control in obese Type II diabetics
Diabetes care25(2):358-363-2002
Dixon and O’Brian

Vincent P Gurruchari MD
1945-2003

In January 2006 the Vincent Gurucharri M.D. Foundation was established to preserve the legacy of its namesake, Dr Gurucharri. Vincent P Gurucharri M.D. practiced surgery in Boone County for 21 years. His career was cut short in December of 2001 when he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. In those 21 years he treated thousands of patients, many of them with cancers. Dr. Gurucharri was both passionate in his pursuit of excellence in the practice of medicine and surgery and compassionate in the care and needs of his patients. The foundation bearing his name has continued to provide that level of passion and compassion to assist cancer patients in Mid Missouri. The Foundation serves cancer patients in Boone, Audrain, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, and Randolph Counties. If you have cancer patients with no other financial resources for assistance during treatment of their cancer contact the Foundation at 573-443-8773 or go to www.docg.org. If you wish to become a donor you may use the same contact numbers.

CSA’s annual symposium will be held November 1st 2008.

Topics will include diagnosis and the latest treatments of:
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Venous vascular disease
• Obesity
• GERD
• Malignancies

Topic are appropriate for any Primary Practitioners.

Suzanne Greenwood RN
Angio Suite coordinator

Jackie Pittman
Receptionist

Lora Dieffenbacher
Receptionist

Shelly Staley
Business Office Manager

Tina Bartels RN
Gastric Band Adjustment nurse