Naples, FL --- March 8, 2010 --- Physicians Regional Healthcare System CEO Joe D. Pinion announced that the hospital is now performing Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM), a new, minimally invasive rectal cancer procedure designed to remove tumors without abdominal incisions. The first procedures were successfully performed by colorectal surgeon Susan Cera, M.D.
"We are very pleased to bring this advanced surgical option to Physicians Regional and the Southwest Florida community," said Pinion. "Procedures including the revolutionary TEM technique are instrumental in helping us fulfill our goal of offering patients the latest advancements in medicine."
TEM provides surgeons the opportunity to remove a rectal tumor and suture the opening using a specialized endoscopic instrument inserted through the patient’s anus, thereby avoiding the need for abdominal incisions and the potential complications they may create. Plus, patients treated with TEM do not require a colostomy or bag, which is a surgical procedure that provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the colon has been removed.
“TEM is much less invasive than surgical procedures through the abdomen and it completely eliminates any abdominal scarring,” said Dr. Cera. “In addition, the patient’s normal rectal function is preserved since only the tumor and not the entire rectum is removed.”
Typically, TEM involves a single overnight stay in the hospital, and patients can resume normal activity (with minimal pain) immediately. This is in comparison to abdominal surgery, which often requires a more prolonged hospitalization and recovery time, and often a temporary (or permanent) bag.
Patients with rectal polyps and patients with early stage rectal cancer are considered eligible for this procedure.
“Physicians Regional is among the few facilities in the world to offer this surgical option, so we are truly leading the way in advanced colorectal care” said Dr. Cera. “Clinical results include a more complete resection with less chance of recurrence of the tumor and improved rates of cure.”
About Susan Cera, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R.S.
Susan Cera, M.D. is a nationally recognized expert in robotic and minimally invasive colorectal surgery, and has lectured and trained numerous surgeons in the United States and around the world. She practices in all areas of digestive diseases, from initial screening to surgery. She is the only female colorectal surgeon in Collier County, and the first colorectal surgeon in Florida to perform robot-assisted colorectal procedures. She trained at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. In addition, she has received multiple distinguished awards for her work, including: “Consumer’s Research Council of America: Guide to America’s Top Surgeons” in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and Southwest Florida’s “Top 40 Under 40” Business Professionals by Gulfshore Business magazine in 2007.
About Physicians Regional Healthcare System
Physicians Regional Healthcare System is comprised of two premier hospitals in Collier County with 201 licensed beds, an affiliated multi-specialty physician group, and a medical staff of over 300 physicians who are highly trained and exceptionally skilled within their fields. The fully integrated hospital campuses include 24-hour emergency rooms, state-of-the-art surgery centers, full service diagnostic departments and medical office buildings housing physician offices. The system has received five-star ratings in multiple specialty services and the HealthGrades® Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ for several consecutive years.
Dr. Cera is part of Physicians Regional Medical Group, the multi-specialty group practice affiliated with Physicians Regional Healthcare System. For more information, call 239-348-4400 or visit www.PhysiciansRegional.com