Palmyra Medical Center Hosts International Surgeons Who Chose Albany to Train in Incision-Less Surgery 

ALBANY, GA (October 15, 2009) - Palmyra Medical Center hosted its first group of international surgeons Thursday who came to Albany to train in the new surgical technique called Incision-less surgery.  This marks the first time a group of international surgeons has come to the United States to receive hospital-based training for Incision-less surgery, one of the most significant advancements in surgical medicine in decades.  

Palmyra was designated as a national training center in July 2009 for Transoral Incision-less Fundoplication (TIF) using the EspophyX device.  This procedure is a new option for the treatment of gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD.  TIF creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus, reduces hiatal hernia, and restores the anatomy to reduce or prevent reflux.

Palmyra is now linked with major teaching centers across the country including University of Miami, Ohio State University and Northwestern University which are also designated as national training centers for this type of surgery.

“It is quite an honor to have these international surgeons, who could train anywhere in the world, choose Albany to receive their training for this form of advanced surgery,” said John Bagnato, M.D. with Palmyra Surgical LLC, who will instruct the surgeons.  “It demonstrates that we have established a proven team with an outstanding track record who can now teach this revolutionary procedure to other surgeons anxious to receive this advanced training.” 

Dr. Bagnato is the worldwide leader in the Incision-less surgery movement and has now completed more cases than any single physician.

Joan McLoughlin, Vice President of International Sales for EndoGastric Solutions, said the prior experience Dr. Bagnato has in training physicians played a large part in selecting Palmyra as the first international training center for Incision-less surgery.  “We believe it is critical these international surgeons are exposed to the high level of experience they will receive here at Palmyra,” McLoughlin said,  “We are excited to begin our international training here in Albany with what we believe will be the first of many international training sessions.” 

Proponents of Incision-less surgery claim this is the next generation of surgery and is the biggest advancement since moving from open surgery to Laparoscopic surgery.  One of the most common Laparoscopic surgeries – for gall bladder removal - was performed in Georgia in the late 1980s.

It may seem like science fiction but significant technological advances in the field have led to new and safer surgical procedures.  By using an endoscope during the EsophyX procedure, the surgeon can access the interior of the body through the mouth and avoid making incisions in the body wall.  Thus, Incision-less surgery prevents scars outside, there are fewer scars inside, and the surgery also eliminates other complications that can occur when the skin and muscle walls are cut. 

The amount of time required in surgery is generally one-half the time spent on Laparoscopic surgery.  In addition, recovery time is much less for the EsophyX procedure.  According to Dr. Bagnato patients who read about this procedure are most attracted by the elimination of outside scars and the quicker recovery time.

Susan Mahoney, Chief Nursing Officer at Palmyra Medical Center, said the hospital is encouraged about its the role as an international training site for Incision-less surgery.

“To have European surgeons come to Albany and to Palmyra shows that our technology and our expertise can match any in the country.  This opportunity showcases the confidence the medical community places in our hospital and our entire Palmyra team,” said Mahoney. 

EsophyX, which received FDA approval in September 2007, is only available in a small but growing number of markets and is being performed only by those surgeons specially trained in this new procedure.

There are more that 17 million people who suffer with reflex conditions.  Experts say 8-12 million patients could benefit from this procedure.  In addition to helping reflux patients, surgeons believe the long-term benefits and broader appeal of Incision-less surgery will bring monumental changes to surgical medicine.