With Equipment and Expertise, Surgery Is Less Like Surgery

Southcoast surgeons offer a wide range of minimally invasive surgical procedures — from routine hernia repairs to more complex procedures on the colon, stomach and uterus.

Why Less Invasive Means “More” for Patients
In traditional surgery, surgeons can see directly into the body. But for minimally invasive surgery, specially trained surgeons use thin probes equipped with high-definition cameras, called laparoscopes, to view inside the body.

“Having a smaller incision is only one advantage,” said Paul Ruggieri, MD, a general surgeon at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. “The real benefits include less pain, a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery and fewer complications.

Help for Heartburn, Obesity
Doctors perform minimally invasive surgery in high-tech operating rooms, such as those found at Tobey Hospital, the Wareham site of Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Rayford Kruger, MD, a surgeon at Tobey, performs laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux that can ease the pain of severe heartburn.

Dr. Kruger also performs laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery for severe obesity as part of a multidisciplinary program that includes counseling, nutrition, education and follow-up.

“Using minimally invasive techniques, we can reduce complications of surgery, such as hernias at the incision site,” Dr. Kruger said.

New Options for Women
Women also benefit from this type of surgery, says Dr. Christian Pope. He is an obstetrician and gynecologist who performs minimally invasive surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.

These procedures include a permanent form of birth control and an alternative to hysterectomy — each requiring no incision.

“A traditional hysterectomy puts a woman at risk for bladder problems, sexual dysfunction and other complications,” Dr. Pope said.

Dr. Pope also performs laparoscopic hysterectomy, which has an average recovery time of two weeks compared to four to six weeks with traditional surgery.

If you or a loved one needs surgery, Southcoast surgeons offer this advice: “Find out if your surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques,” Dr. Ruggieri said. “If it’s an option, you deserve to know it’s available.”

For more information on any of these procedures, please call:

• Paul Ruggieri, MD, at 508-676-3411
• Dr. Christian S. Pope at 508-999-6245
• Rayford Kruger, MD, at 508-295-3900

t o p  o f  p a g e