AUSTIN, Texas - (Sept. , 2008) - Bariatric surgeon Dr. Sashi Ganta performs a new weight loss procedure at Seton Northwest Hospital, a member of the Seton Family of Hospital, leaving no visible scar.
The trans-umbilical LAP-BAND® procedure is a new technique that involves complete navigation and placement of the LAP-BAND® through the belly button, thus eliminating the need for special instruments and also leaving no visible scars on the abdomen.
Over the past two decades laparoscopic surgery has established its role in the field of surgery. Laparoscopy is the preferred approach today for many common general surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy as well as weight loss surgery procedures including the gastric bypass or the lap band placement. The advances in laparoscopic surgery lead to reduced pain and recovery time encouraging early return to work.
"With the emergence of new techniques such as SILS or single-incision laparoscopic surgery, individuals seeking gastric banding for obesity now can choose to not have any visible scarring," said Dr. Sashi Ganta, Bariatric surgeon. "This new technique of Trans-umbilical Gastric banding (TUGB) allows patients to have significantly improved cosmetic results and possibly less pain and a faster recovery."
Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is an advanced approach in which the surgeon operates exclusively through a single entry point instead of the typical five or more incisions. Until now, single incision gastric band placements have utilized a 4 cm incision below the patient's left rib. However with this new technique, a single incision in the umbilicus leaves no visible scar on the patient's abdomen.
Dr. Ganta is one of the first surgeons in the U.S. to use this approach for LAP-BAND® placement and there are a limited number of doctors across the country using this technique for procedures such as gallbladder removal because it requires significant dexterity and training. Even fewer doctors are using this technique in placing the LAP-BAND®or the REALIZE Band for the surgical treatment of obesity.
The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is a silicone band that is surgically placed around the upper part of the stomach to reduce the amount of food a patient can accommodate in the stomach. Patients gain the ability to control portion size and realize long-term weight loss.
Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the