Premier Now Offers LESS Surgery
Friday, July 31, 2009
Premier Surgical Associates now offers LESS (Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site) surgery to qualified gallbladder, appendectomy, colon resection, reflux/hiatal hernia repair, splenectomy and adrenalectomy patients.
Earlier this year, the Cleveland Clinic named LESS surgery as one of the Top Ten Innovations of 2009 because of its significant potential for patient benefit. Also known as Single Port Access (SPA) and Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery, LESS is a minimally invasive, single-site surgery performed through the umbilicus (navel).
The procedure allows access for up to three surgical and imaging instruments through the "keyhole" incision. The surgeon removes the port after the procedure, allowing the natural contours of the navel to hide the surgical incision.
"We're happy to offer this new technology," said Premier surgeon Dr. David Harrell. "We are always researching new procedures that improve patient outcomes."
"Not all patients are good candidates for LESS surgery," Harrell added. "We will meet with all interested patients to discuss the qualification criteria with them and to determine whether or not they are an appropriate candidate for LESS surgery."
Headquartered in Knoxville, Premier Surgical Associates has 27 surgeons who perform general, vascular, endovascular, vein, bariatric, breast and laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedures. Premier has offices in Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Jefferson City, LaFollette, Lenoir City, Athens, Seymour and Harriman. Premier physicians perform surgeries at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center; Parkwest Medical Center; Parkwest Surgery Center; St. Mary's Medical Center; St. Mary's Ambulatory Center, Physicians Surgery Center; Blount Memorial Hospital and Maryville Surgical Center in Maryville; Methodist Medical Center and Advanced Family Surgery Center in Oak Ridge; and Fort Loudoun Medical Center in Lenoir City. For more information, visit http://www.premiersurgical.com.