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Weight-Loss Surgery Study
Combines Two Approaches
By Kristen Longo
SYOSSET — For patients considering weight-loss surgery, Syosset
Hospital’s Center for Bariatric Surgical Specialties is participating
in a national research study designed to evaluate the weight-loss
results of banded gastric plication, an investigational procedure
combining two common bariatric surgical methods under the
hypothesis of earlier and more rapid weight loss with fewer
risks. The research study has been reviewed and approved by an
Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Banded gastric plication combines two minimally invasive
procedures — adjustable gastric banding, which entails placing
an adjustable silicone band around the upper stomach, and
plication, a technique that uses sutures to fold the external wall of
the stomach, creating a sleeve-like contour to the lower part of the
stomach below the band. Both methods promote weight loss and
control hunger by reducing stomach size, limiting food intake and
increasing gastric emptying.
Potential benefits of the procedure include reduced surgical
risk, fewer gastric band adjustments and significant short- and longterm
weight loss. The process does not cut the stomach or reroute the
intestines and, as a result, patients experience lower infection and
complication risks, faster recovery times and minimal post-operative
pain and scarring as compared to more invasive bariatric methods
like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Potential risks are considered
infrequent and are similar to those for medical or laparoscopic
revision surgery. These risks generally include gastric outlet
obstruction (inability of food to pass from the stomach to the small
intestine), bleeding from the stitched line, dilation (enlargement)
of the plicated tissue over time and ischemic (restricted blood flow)
complication at the surgery site.
“Early studies have shown that banded gastric plication,
compared to the gastric band alone, may be a more durable
surgical weight loss solution,” said Alan Geiss, MD, director of
the Center for Bariatric Surgical Specialties. “The early results are
very encouraging.” As with any study, long-term data is still being
compiled to support the long-term effectiveness of the procedure.
Preliminary results showed evidence of a marked increase in the
percent of excess weight loss over seven months’ to one-year followup.
The procedure requires one and a half hours and patients stay in
the hospital for one day.
For more information call (516) 496-2752.
CCMC Diabetes Program Recognized for Superior-Quality Care
NEW HYDE PARK — The Diabetes
Program in the Division of Pediatric
Endocrinology at the Steven and
Alexandra Cohen Children’s Center
of New York (CCMC) was recently
certified by the National Commission
for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a
private, nonprofit organization
that is a widely recognized symbol
of healthcare quality. The CCMC
program had previously been
recognized by the American Diabetes
Association as a certified Pediatric
Diabetes Education Center.
NCQA’s Diabetes Recognition
Program (DRP) is designed to
recognize physicians and other
clinicians who provide excellent care
to their patients with diabetes using
10 evidence-based measures, such
as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and
blood pressure control. Achieving
DRP recognition means that the
CCMC program is part of an elite
group that provides the very highest
level of diabetes care.
Phyllis Speiser, MD, chief of
pediatric endocrinology at CCMC,
along with Margaret Pellizzari, RN,
assistant nurse manager, and their
team of nurses, nutritionists, social
workers and physicians cares for
about 800 children with diabetes
every year. From the day they are
diagnosed until they “graduate” from
pediatric care, the staff is dedicated
to helping them maintain good
glycemic control aimed at prolonging
life and preventing complications,
and educating their parents so they
can be their children’s advocates. Dr.
Speiser’s group worked closely with
Pranav Mehta, MD, vice president
for ambulatory performance
improvement for the North Shore-LIJ
Health System, and his staff to
achieve this prestigious recognition.
“Future healthcare delivery and
reimbursement models rely heavily
on documenting efficiency, cost
savings and superior-quality care,”
said Dr. Speiser. “We are proud to
be in the forefront of these changes
sweeping the medical landscape,
Phyllis Speiser, MD
and honored to display this newest
evidence of our successful efforts to
deliver the best care to our children
affected with diabetes.”
The New Standard 17