Medical Intel

Spine surgery has traditionally been done as an open surgery. However, in recent years, there have been technological advances have allowed more back and neck conditions to be treated with minimally invasive surgical techniques. The orthopaedic surgeons at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute have extensive training in the most advanced and innovative surgical procedures to treat back pain, including minimally invasive back surgery and motion sparing surgery. In this segment, Dr. Oliver Tannous discusses the latest advances in spine surgery at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

According to the NIH, in the United States, approximately 1.25 million people with burns present to the emergency department each year. People do not realize that summer fun carries with it an increased risk of many types of burns. In this segment, Dr. Jeffrey Shupp, director of the Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, joins the show to discuss how to prevent those summer burns and how the Burn Center is the only adult burn treatment facility in the Washington region, serving the District, southern Maryland, northern Virginia and eastern West Virginia.

Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and acid salts that build up inside the kidneys. Kidney stones are relatively common, hospitalizing more than one million Americans each year. Approximately 10 percent of people in the United States will have a kidney stone at some point in their life. In this segment, Dr.Daniel Marchalik joins the show to discuss kidney stones and how MedStar's urology specialists focus on the medical management of kidney stones for patients that require metabolic evaluations for recurring kidney stones.

Susan O'Donoghue, MD, discusses the burgeoning field of cardiogenetics, which can help identify various certain inherited cardiovascular disorders, particularly those that are based in the heart's electrical system. Potential candidates include individuals who have fainted due to physical exertion or who have a family history of unexpected cardiac arrest and/or death at young ages. Dr. O'Donoghue also explains the importance of genetic counseling pre- and post-screening and guidance on when a molecular autopsy might be in order.

Stan Chia, MD, discusses the curative options for sleep apnea patients who are not good candidates for CPAP. Options include removal of the tonsils, reducing excess tissue of the tongue, advancing the upper and lower jaw to open up the airway, and even bariatric surgery to eliminate obesity-induced apnea. Dr. Chia also provides information on the newest therapy, upper airway stimulation, which is a pacemaker-like device implanted in the chest.

Krishnan Venkatesan, MD, discusses the common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, side effects from certain medications, prior surgeries, trauma to the pelvic and/or genital region, and mental/emotional hindarances. Dr. Venkatesan also explains the various ways to address ED, such as medication, vacuum devices, injections and penile prostheses.

James Robinson, MD, discusses new advances in minimally invasive, non-invasive and robotic-assisted gynecologic surgeries. These new approaches address issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding. Benefits include shorter hospital stays, less pain, a more rapid return to work and daily activities, preserved fertility, and a reduced risk of post-operative infection or other complications.

Michelle Magee, MD, explains why type-2 diabetes is on the rise across all generations, genetic factors surrounding the disease, and lifestyle factors you can shift in order to get control of your blood sugar. Dr. Magee also discusses when you should consider insulin therapy, as well as new medications and advances in insulin delivery methods.

Dr. Evan Argintar, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, dives in to the most common injuries associated with exercise and athletics. From acute to chronic injuries, he provides recommendations for nonsurgical therapies and advice on when it's time to consider a surgical approach.

Lower back and neck pain are among the most common reasons that people seek medical care. These issues greatly affect their ability to work and manage daily activities of life. The latest Global Burden of Disease study reveals that back pain has the second highest number of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in the United States. If you suffer from this type of pain, you're likely looking for solutions. As you do, it's wise to consider all of your options – surgical and nonsurgical. Oliver Tannous, MD, says that the first step is to figure out exactly where your pain is coming from. Listen in as Dr. Tannous describes the variations of back pain, nonsurgical therapies, and which surgical treatments work best for certain patients.