Surgery

Host: Michael Epstein, MD

Guest: Peter Adamson, MD

Avoiding potential problem patients in cosmetic surgery: It's a concern that many practitioners face on a regular basis, reminding us of the importance of patient selection and informed consent. How can we minimize the number of problem patients in our practice, and how can we limit the influence of those who are already in our practice? On the flipside, who is an ideal candidate for surgery? Dr. Peter Adamson, professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and head of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Toronto, shares advice for staying on the lookout for the various categories of patients. Dr. Michael Epstein hosts.

Host: Michael Epstein, MD

Guest: Peter Adamson, MD

There may be many reasons for a patient to consider elective aesthetic surgery, but whatever the reason, they are often linked to the patient's expectations for the surgical outcome. While we know that most patients maintain a reasonable outlook for their care, how can we work to maintain an affable relationship with those who have unrealistic post-surgery expectations? Dr. Peter Adamson, professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and head of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Toronto, details his experiences and his extensive research on patient relations with host Dr. Michael Epstein. How often does the thought of turning away a patient come into play in a typical practice? Are more of the so-called "problem patients" specific to certain procedures?

Host: Mark Nolan Hill, MD

Guest: David Felson, MD, MPH

Despite previous evidence to suggest that arthroscopic surgery does not improve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, the procedure continues to be a common treatment for arthritis. Now, novel data is backing up this earlier research on arthroscopy. Going forward, how will this development impact practice? Host Dr. Mark Nolan Hill talks with Dr. David Felson, professor of medicine at the Boston University (BU) School of Medicine and professor of epidemiology at the BU School of Public Health, about the utility of the procedure, and explores alternative thoughts on the pathogenesis of the pain experienced by this class of patients.

Host: Lauren Streicher, MD

Guest: Kim Lebowitz

Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, and that statistic holds true for female cardiac patients. Linking heart disease and depression, the American Heart Association recently recommended that all cardiac patients be screened for depression. Dr. Kim Lebowitz, director and founder of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, discusses with host Dr. Lauren Streicher the new field of cardiac psychology and how doctors can screen their cardiac patients for the signs and symptoms of depression.

Host: Roy Levit, MD

Guest: Mark Humayun, MD

Microelectronic implants are restoring vision to the blind.Dr. Mark Humayun discusses with host Dr. Roy Levit the workings of the artificial retina and explains the surgical procedure to implant the device in the eye. The first generation of the implant only has 16 pixels while the second generation has 62 pixels. Dr. Humayun explains how the subjects who have the implant can initially see spots of light, but that the brain over time can fill in the details and many patients are able to see objects, motion and color. At this time, the implants are available only as a part of the clinical trial to subjects who are completely blind as a result of retinitis pigmentosa.

Host: Leslie P. Lundt, MD

Guest: Robert E. Bristow, MD

According to the American Cancer Society, over 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year with 15,000 more women dying annually. What are the recent developments in research to improve these odds? Dr. Robert Bristow, the director of the Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service and the Johns Hopkins Ovarian Cancer Center of Excellence, joins host Dr. Leslie Lundt to discuss the value of debulking surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Host: Lisa Dandrea Lenell, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

Guest: Robert M. Blumm, PA-C

Surgical physician assistants are becoming an important part of the workflow of hospitals. Guest Robert Blumm, a practicing physician assistant since 1970 and president of the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants, outlines with host Lisa D'Andrea the capabilities and contributions of the surgical physician assistant in the hospital setting.

Host: Lisa Dandrea Lenell, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

Guest: Robert M. Blumm, PA-C

Guest Bob Blumm, MA, PA-C, DFAAPA, discusses how surgical physician assistants are contributing to the quality of care in hospitals throughout the country. In addition, Mr. Blumm outlines the training and credentials of surgical physician assistants.

Host: Lisa Mazzullo, MD

Guest: Elizabeth Kavaler, MD

A large number of women suffer from pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence in the United States, many of these women are postmenopausal. Statistics show that one in nine women will undergo surgery for this issue. Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler a urologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York joins host Dr. Lisa Mazzullo to discuss the best ways to treat and prevent the issue of pelvic relaxation.

Host: Lisa Mazzullo, MD

Guest: Cynthia Wong, MD

Epidural anesthesia has changed dramatically since its introduction to the obstetric arena in the early 1970s. Now we have various types of epidurals we can administer during labor. One of the major obstacles for anesthesiologists is determining how women perceive pain during labor and how to administer the proper dosage of pain medication. Dr. Cynthia Wong, associate professor of anesthesiology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, joins host Dr. Lisa Mazzullo to discuss these issues, and her recent study that looks at the rate of Cesarean deliveries when epidural anesthesia is administered at different times during labor.