New Study on Colorectal Surgery Outlines Learning Curve for Single-Incision Procedures

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - Sep 5, 2013) - Colorectal surgeon Eric Haas, MD is the founder and president of Colorectal Surgical Associates, working closely with his colleagues, Dr. Ali Mahmood and Dr. Bartley Pickron, to offer advanced care for colorectal diseases and other conditions to the Houston area. Dr. Haas is a nationally recognized expert and innovator in laparoscopic and minimally invasive colorectal surgery. In July of 2013, Dr. Haas published an article titled "Critical Appraisal of Learning Curve for Single Incision Laparoscopic Right Colectomy" in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Surgical Endoscopy. This article outlines a study of the learning curve for doctors practicing SILC techniques.

Whereas traditional colon operations were highly invasive and often led to prolonged and difficult recoveries, SILC techniques allow Dr. Haas to perform operations without exposing the abdomen to air, using high magnification cameras and specialized operating instruments. During SILC surgery, the entire procedure is performed with a 1-inch incision that can be hidden in the patient's navel. Benefits of single-incision laparoscopy include:

• Reduced trauma to the body
• Reduced pain after surgery
• Minimized scarring
• Minimized recovery time
• Faster return of bowel function
• Faster return to normal overall physical activity

The purpose of the article published by Dr. Haas was to elucidate the learning curve associated with these innovative techniques. Although SILC surgery is known to be safe, the learning curve had not been addressed prior to this study.

The study found that mastery of the single-incision laparoscopic surgery approach is typically accomplished after a surgeon performs 30-36 procedures. The study also emphasizes that the SILC approach does not result in increased complications or harmful results, even during the early phases of a surgeon's learning curve. Instead, the study was intended to show the length of time it takes the average surgeon to master the technique. In addition, the article detailed that the length of a patient's average hospital stay after SILC resection is less than 4 days -- approximately 60% below national average. Dr. Haas has been one of the pioneers in this advanced laparoscopic surgery and continues to explore minimally invasive techniques for those who need colon surgery.

Although not all patients are candidates for SILS, the doctors at Colorectal Surgical Associates can often perform the technique on patients with conditions such as:

• Colon and rectal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Colon polyps

Dr. Haas recommends to all his Houston colorectal surgery patients that they spend some time researching their surgical provider before making a decision. He highlights the importance of investigating each surgeon's experience in addition to the standard check for board certification.

About Eric Haas, MD
Dr Haas serves as Program Director for the Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He is the president and founder of Colorectal Surgical Associates and is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Dr. Haas and his team of experts are dedicated to the promotion of minimally invasive procedures and new technologies to provide best outcomes and patient care. His level of experience, combined with his continued active research in the field, has gained Dr. Haas a reputation as one of the nation's leading experts in single-incision laparoscopy. He is available for interview upon request.

About Ali Mahmood, MD
Dr. Ali Mahmood is certified by the American Board of Surgeons as well as the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He is the Chairman of Surgery at Methodist Sugar Land hospital and is the president of Fort Bend Medical Society. Dr. Mahmood is an assistant professor in the Michael E. DeBakey department of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, and is a member of St. Luke's Sugar Land hospital's medical executive committee as well as the Methodist Sugar Land hospital's committee on cancer. He is available for interview upon request.

About Bartley Pickron, MD
Dr. Bartley Pickron focuses his work on laparoscopic surgery for cancer and various colon and anorectal conditions. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Dr. Pickron is a consultant and national faculty member for teaching laparoscopic surgery through Ethicon Endo-Surgery, and has presented research on the surgical technique around the world. He is also an assistant program director of the Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He is available for interview upon request.

The practice can be reached at houstoncolon.com, drerichaas.com, pelvichealthcenter.com and facebook.com/houstoncolon

To view the original source of the press release, click here: http://www.houstoncolon.com/news-room/new-study-on-colorectal-surgery-outlines-learning-curve-for-single-incision-procedures/