SOFHA Surgical Group Procedures Available In Johnson City and Bristol Welcome to SOFHA Surgical Group (formerly Surgical Group of Johnson City), the surgical practice of Michael Hodge, MD, Rebecca Odom, MD and Andrew Garrett, MD. Our comprehensive surgical practice is dedicated to the care of general surgical and obese patients. We specialize in the minimally invasive approach to surgical problems including cancer, colon and rectal, abdominal wall and inguinal hernias, breast, gallbladder, thyroid and parathyroid, and bariatric surgery. We sub-specialize in both the laparoscopic and open procedures for obesity surgery including the ROUX-EN-Y gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. We welcome new patients and strive to accommodate appointments within 72 hours of contacting our office. Our goal is to provide a friendly, professional, courteous service to all our patients while delivering the highest quality of surgical care. Many procedures may be done laparoscopically, resulting in a faster recovery with less hospitalization and discomfort. This results in a more rapid return to normal activities and employment. Procedures Available In Johnson City Include: Breast Surgery Breast Cancer has become increasingly more frequent. What once occurred in 1 in 11 women now occurs in less than 1 in 9 women. Attention to risk factors and early detection has become more important. This is best accomplished with monthly self-examinations, yearly mammography (initial at 35, yearly after 40), and yearly physical examinations. Breast Cancer surgery itself has undergone a minimally invasive approach. The vast majority of cancers can now be treated by lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. It is now the rare occasion that a complete mastectomy is necessary. It has become more of the patient’s choice as to which procedure is performed as overall survival is the same with either choice. Most importantly, it is the treatment of the lymph nodes which has underwent the most advantageous approach to minimally invasive surgery. No longer do women have to endure the potential side effects of a full lymph node dissection unless there is documented metastatic cancer. Most women with early stage breast cancer are candidates for a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. This is where only 1 or 2 lymph nodes are removed at the time of surgery to test for metastatic cancer. This spares about 75% of patients from having to risk the side effects of a complete lymph node dissection. Our surgeons are trained and experienced in this technique. Cancer Surgery There is a broad range of cancers which are treated by the General Surgeon. A few are listed below: Colon cancer Rectal cancer Breast cancer Pancreatic cancer Stomach cancer Thyroid cancer Melanoma Skin cancer Esophageal cancer Surgery is the backbone of treatment for cancer and the general surgical oncologist is best equipped to care for these patients. Our surgeons treat all of the above malignancies. However, the best success is achieved with a combined team approach including the surgeon, oncologist and radiation therapist. It is our philosophy to treat cancer with a team approach. Our medical community offers all patients access to the best trained specialists in the region and our surgeons are highly trained and experienced in the surgical care of cancer patients. They pride themselves in staying updated in the latest technology and surgical advances. Colonoscopy Colonoscopy is a medical procedure involving the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal portion of the small bowel. This examination is performed using either a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera, which is mounted on a flexible tube and passed through the anus. The purpose of a colonoscopy is to provide a visual diagnosis via inspection of the internal lining of the colon wall, which may include identifying issues such as ulceration or precancerous polyps, and to enable the opportunity for biopsy or the removal of suspected colorectal cancer lesions. Colorectal Surgery Many colon and rectal problems require surgery. The most common being diverticular disease, colon polyps and cancer. The most serious of these is colorectal cancer. This malignancy is best treated by surgery and the General Surgeon is the most experienced and qualified provider. Our surgeons are knowledgeable and experienced in the latest technology for the surgical care of colorectal cancer. We have years of experience in both the laparoscopic and open approach to colon resections. Most recently, they have been trained in Da Vinci robotic resections and now offer this technique as an option. We also believe these are best cared for by a team approach and therefore work closely with the gastroenterologist, oncologist, and radiation therapist However, there are also many benign conditions which occasionally result in surgical intervention. These include large polyps which cannot be removed with the colonoscope and recurrent diverticulitis or diverticular disease. Both of these conditions can result in the need for surgical removal of a section of the colon or rectum. Traditionally, this has been done with a large incision resulting in a prolonged recovery time and significant discomfort. Our surgeons have done many of these procedures through the laparoscope resulting in a shorter hospital stay, less pain and discomfort and a faster return to unrestricted activity with excellent results. This has become our preferred approach to colorectal surgery and has been met with increased patient satisfaction. . Most recently, they have been trained in the Da Vinci robotic resections and now offer this technique as an option. DaVinci Robot Surgery Our doctors use the DaVinci Robot to accomplish many of their minimally invasive surgical procedures. This includes both the simple and more complex operations which allows the surgeons to care for their patients using the latest state of the art technology. In certain situations this allows for a faster recovery with less pain and a shorter length of hospital stay thus providing a more timely transition to normal activity Some of the operations that can be accomplished with the robot include: Cholecystectomy Inguinal Hernia Repair Ventral/Incisional Hernia Repair Colon Resection for cancer and diverticulitis Nissan Fundoplication Sleeve Gastrectomy Splenectomy Most of the procedures that can be accomplished with the laparoscope can also be performed using the DaVinci Robot. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that visualizes the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract down to the duodenum. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure since it does not require an incision into one of the major body cavities and does not require any significant recovery after the procedure unless sedation or anesthesia has been used. However, a sore throat is common. Gallbladder and Appendix Surgery Many patients’ lives are disrupted by the dysfunction of the gallbladder. This can result from the presence or absence of gallstones. Common symptoms include right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, substernal chest discomfort, fatty or greasy food intolerance and pancreatitis. The diagnosis is usually made by the finding of gallstones on ultrasound. However, the gallbladder can be dysfunctional without gallstones. This is usually diagnosed by a test called HIDA scan with CCK injection. A decreased ejection fraction or reproduction of the symptoms is suggestive of a dysfunctional gallbladder. The gallbladder can be removed minimally invasive or laparoscopically. This is done with 4 small incisions as an outpatient procedure. This is done in an ambulatory surgery center with minimal discomfort and limitations. Most patients can eat a regular diet the evening of surgery and return to work with no restrictions in about a week. There is minimal discomfort and scarring associated with the procedure. Most patients can be scheduled for their procedure shortly after the office visit. Hemorrhoid Surgery New Technique for Hemorrhoidectomy Hemorrhoids have been an unwelcome problem for centuries. It has also been a misunderstood problem. Hemorrhoids are actually the veins which drain our lower rectum and anus. They can develop varicosities like the veins in our legs. With time and persistent pressure they will eventually prolapse and become inflamed. This will lead to multiple complaints such as bleeding, pain, itching, prolapse and thrombosis. Hemorrhoids are classified by grades. Grade I is mild disease. Grade II will prolapse but spontaneously reduce. Grade III will prolapse but will require manual reduction. Grade IV are prolapsed and cannot be reduced. Most hemorrhoidal symptoms can be treated without surgical intervention. This includes fiber supplementation, stool softeners, increased water consumption, exercise, sitz baths and steroid ointments. However, when conservative measures fail there are several options. Most grade II and some grade III hemorrhoids can be successfully treated by hemorrhoidal banding techniques. The majority of grade III and all grade IV disease must be treated surgically. Historically, traditional hemorrhoid surgery has been feared because of the significant postoperative pain. This no longer is the case. A device called the PPH hemorrhoid stapler has been developed which has revolutionized this procedure. This is a simple outpatient procedure which produces excellent results with significantly less pain. The patient can usually return to regular unrestricted activity in about 5 days. Thus far, our patients have raved about their results. They have experienced far less discomfort than traditional hemorrhoid surgery and returned to their everyday activities much quicker. Every patient with rectal prolapse or symptomatic prolapsing hemorrhoids should consider being evaluated to see if they are a candidate for this new procedure. Appointments can usually be made expeditiously with one of our surgeons credentialed in this technique. Hernia Surgery Hernias are openings in the abdominal wall or groin which can occur at birth or be acquired as a result of abnormally increased intrabdominal pressure. They can also occur as the result of previous surgery. This could potentially allow the intestines to become trapped in the opening resulting in a potential life threatening situation. This could result in emergency surgery. It is for this reason, all hernias should be repaired. The most common sites of hernias are inguinal, umbilical, and the abdominal wall. Our surgeons have been thought leaders in the region in minimally invasive hernia surgery and have taught and shared their experience with many other surgeons. Inguinal Hernia These are commonly referred to as groin hernias. They have been traditionally treated as an open procedure without the placement of mesh. This has been an uncomfortable procedure and resulted in a high recurrence rate. These hernias are now routinely repaired with mesh which has resulted in a less painful operation with a recurrence rate of 0.2%. Patients can expect to return to work in about 14 days. Even better is the laparoscopic approach which can be done as an outpatient procedure as well. This is less painful and the recurrence rate is the same. However, one can expect to return to work with unrestricted activity much quicker (typically in 3-5 days). This requires only 3 small puncture sites and no sutures in the muscle. Results have been excellent All of our surgeons perform laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs. Incisional/Ventral Hernia Incisional hernias are common after previous abdominal surgery. They can be very uncomfortable and unsightly with a considerable bulge in the abdomen. They can also be dangerous if the intestines were to become stuck in the defect. Therefore, all of these hernias need to be repaired. The recurrence rate approaches 25% so these are usually repaired with mesh. These also can be repaired with an open or laparoscopic approach. The laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is done with only 3 or 4 puncture sites. Occasionally, this can be done on an outpatient basis. This results in a less painful procedure with a faster recovery time. Mesh is used for the repair and recurrence rates are similar to the open repair. Most patients can return to work with unrestricted activity in about 2 weeks instead of the 6 weeks typically required by open repairs. Larger abdominal wall defects will require abdominal wall reconstruction. This is a more complex operation which requires releasing muscle attachments laterally in order to bring the abdominal muscles together in the midline to recreate the natural position and function of the abdominal wall. These also are reinforced with mesh and having excellent functional and long term results. Our surgeons have extensive training and experience in repairing these most difficult hernias. Our surgeons perform laparoscopic incisional hernia repairs. Umbilical Hernia Umbilical hernias can be acquired as an adult or as a result of birth. While in children 85% of umbilical hernias resolve without surgical intervention, in adults these need to be repaired. They have a high incidence of entrapping the intestines and smaller ones carry a higher risk than larger ones. These are repaired on a outpatient basis with low recurrence rates. The incision is hidden in the navel and return to work usually occurs in about 2 weeks. Hiatal/ Paraesophageal/ Diaphragmatic Hernia Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common. 90% of it can be treated medically but the rest will remain symptomatic and require surgical intervention. Most patients have a hiatal hernia which can be repaired with minimally invasive techniques either laparoscopically or with the Da Vinci robot. Likewise, all paraesophageal and diaphragmatic hernias need repair and can also be done with minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic Surgery There are now many surgical procedures that can be successfully performed with minimally invasive techniques. This is most commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Surgery. Our doctors are accomplished laparoscopic surgeons and have been the leaders in advancing laparoscopic techniques in the Tri-Cities. Also, the approach to breast disease, melanoma, and parathyroid surgery has been revolutionized by minimally invasive techniques. The Neoprobe has allowed surgeons to abandon axillary dissections for breast cancer and melanoma by performing a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. Likewise, no longer are surgical breast biopsies necessary for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Stereotatic Breast Biopsies can accurately diagnose breast pathology without the need for surgery. This is a simple procedure done as an outpatient outside the operating room. Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Procedures offered by SOFHA Surgical Group: Gastric Bypass Cholecystectomy Appendectomy Incisional/Ventral/ Inguinal Hernias Colon Resections Splenectomy Nissan Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Heller Myotomy for Achalasia Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Stereotatic Breast Biopsy Parathyroid Surgery Adrenalectomy Thyroid Surgery Thyroid Disease Surgeons treat several disorders of the thyroid but the most common are cancer and thyroid nodules. A solid nodule of the thyroid can be an indication of underlying malignancy and should be evaluated. This is usually done with ultrasound and a fine needle aspiration. Depending on the cell type, the thyroid lobe may or may not need to be removed. One example would be the follicular cell type. The presence or absence of cancer can only be diagnosed with removal. Most thyroid lobectomies can be done as an outpatient with a 23 hour stay and return to work in less than a week. Thyroid cancer is only treated with surgical removal. This usually results in an excellent prognosis. Most of the time, the whole gland will need to be removed and this too can be done with a 23 hour stay. Return to work is usually 7-10 days and no chemotherapy is required. Replacement hormone therapy is done daily with the ingestion of a pill. All of our surgeons are experienced in the surgical care of thyroid disease. Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism is the result of abnormally increased activity of the parathyroid glands. This is diagnosed by a high calcium level in the blood and an elevated parathyroid hormone level. This can be the result of a single hyperfunctoning gland (adenoma), or all 4 glands functioning abnormally. If left untreated this can result in severe weakening of the bones, nervousness, mental status changes, various gastrointestinal complaints and if the calcium level gets high enough, death. Surgical treatment results in a cure. This can usually be done with a minimally invasive approach using a new technique called the Neoprobe. This allows us to identify the offending gland prior to making an incision so that the incision is much smaller and the amount of surgery is less. This results in a less painful and more cosmetic result. Results are excellent. Our surgeons perform this new and state of the art minimally invasive approach to parathyroid surgery. 2333 Knob Creek RoadSuite 16Johnson City, TN 37604 Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm ————————————————— Wound care procedures offered at: SOFHA Surgical Group – Bristol ————————————————— (423) 975-0764 (423) 975-0141 Procedures Available in Bristol Include: Hyperbaric Oxygen Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the medical use of greater than 99% oxygen at an ambient pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and therapeutic recompression for decompression illness, intended to reduce the injurious effects of systemic gas bubbles by physically reducing their size and providing improved conditions for elimination of bubbles and excess dissolved gas. Vascular Surgery Vascular surgery is a surgical subspecialty in which vascular diseases involving the arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures and surgical reconstruction. The specialty evolved from general and cardiovascular surgery where it refined the management of just the vessels, no longer treating the heart or other organs. Modern vascular surgery includes open surgery techniques, endovascular (minimally invasive) techniques and medical management of vascular diseases – unlike the parent specialties. The vascular surgeon is trained in the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting all parts of the vascular system excluding the coronaries and intracranial vasculature. Vascular surgeons also are called to assist other physicians to carry out surgery near vessels, or to salvage vascular injuries that include hemorrhage control, dissection, occlusion or simply for safe exposure of vascular structures. Wound Care Wound care encourages and speeds wound healing via cleaning and protection from reinjury or infection. Depending on each patient’s needs, it can range from the simplest first aid to entire nursing specialties such as wound, ostomy, and continence nursing and burn center care. There are a variety of treatment options available for wound repair, including: Primary sutures: Stitches are used to close a wound. Skin grafts: Healthy tissue is removed from another part of the body and transplanted to the damaged area. Tissue expansion: A small silicone balloon filled with salt water is temporarily placed under the skin, which gradually stretches to provide more skin that can be used in reconstruction surgery. Additional Information for Patients Weight Loss Surgery Frequently Asked Questions Q: What types of weight loss surgery procedures have the doctors performed? A: Open and laparoscopic gastric bypass and sleeve. Q: Can this surgery be performed using minimally invasive techniques? A: Yes, that is always the first approach unless otherwise determined before or during surgery. Q: Can I be considered a candidate for surgery even though I have one or more associated health conditions related to my obesity? A: Usually yes. This must be taken into consideration on an individual basis. Q: How long will I be in surgery? A: Surgery takes between 1 and 3 hours. Q: What is the length of my anticipated hospital stay? A: 1 to 3 days is the average hospital stay. Q: How long will it be before I can return to pre-surgery levels of activity? A: Four to six weeks. Q: How will my eating habits change? A: Much smaller portions and bites, eliminate refined sugar and grease (fried foods), concentrate on protein, increase water intake, and no drinking with meals. Q: Do you have information about surgery costs and payment options? A: Yes, the Office Manager can provide this information. Q: What is the typical excess weight loss and improvement of associated health conditions for your other patients? A: Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are eliminated in many cases. For Gastric Bypass procedure, 70 – 80% excess weight loss. For Sleeve procedure, 30 – 40% excess weight loss. Q: Do you have patients who are willing to share their experiences, both positive and negative? A: Yes, at support groups as well as individuals. Q: What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand this surgery? A: Weight Loss Surgery Booklet and Support Groups. Q: What type of long-term, aftercare services (such as support groups and counseling) can you provide for me? A: Monthly Support Groups. You may seek counseling with pre-op psychological evaluation counselor or counselor of your choice if needed or desired. You may also schedule one-on-one meetings with a SOFHA Dietitian. Q: What do you expect from me if I decide to choose a surgical solutions? A: Commitment to the program, long-term follow-up. Our Surgery Locations Johnson City Medical Center: 400 North State of Franklin Rd Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 431-6111 Franklin Woods Hospital: 300 Med Tech Pkwy, Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 302-1000 Sycamore Shoals Hospital: 1501 West Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423) 542-1300 Holston Valley Medical Center: 130 W Ravine Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660 (423) 224-4000 Same Day Surgery Center at Johnson City Medical Center: 400 N. State of Franklin Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 431-2050 East Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center: 701 Med Tech Park, Suite 1, Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 283-7302 VIDEO: Pre-op Education VIDEO: Nutrition Class SOFHA Surgical Group Featured on Daytime Tri-Cities SOFHA’s Frank Johnson, MD, Michael Hodge, MD and Practice Administrator Jenny Quesinberry were recently featured on WJHL’s Daytime Tri-Cities. They answered questions and shared details about the services offered at the new SOFHA Surgical Group (formerly Surgical Group of Johnson City) in Johnson City, Tennessee. To view the video on WJHL’s website click here. (Left to Right) SOFHA’s Frank Johnson, MD, Practice Administrator Jenny Quesinberry and Michael Hodge, MD with WJHL’s Chris McIntosh Healthcare Providers – Johnson City Andrew Garrett, M.D. Michael J. Hodge, M.D. Rebecca Odom, M.D. Healthcare Provider – Bristol D. Nelson Gwaltney, M.D.