Providing University-Level Cosmetic Surgery Offering the Latest Therapies and Techniques For Restoring Youth, Health, and Beauty
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PATIENT CARE / EDUCATION / RESE ARCH / COMMUNIT Y SERVICE NEWS UPDATE FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY
STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL CENTER
FALL-WINTER 2008
NUMBER 24
Providing University-Level Cosmetic Surgery
Offering the Latest Therapies and Techniques
For Restoring Youth, Health, and Beauty
Our Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center in East
In this issue . . .
Setauket distinguishes itself among the most
Introducing Our advanced centers providing both surgical and
New Plastic Surgeon non-surgical cosmetic services. We continue to
Preventing and Treating expand our services, in keeping with our mission of
Deep Vein Thrombosis excellence and our affiliation with the region’s only
academic medical center.
Cardiac Surgery Ranked
In Nation’s Top Tier
Through our comprehensive expertise in the latest
Continued NCI Approval cosmetic procedures, our physicians are helping
Of Lung Cancer Trials people improve their appearance and enhance their
Otolaryngology-Head self-image. Our patients not only gain the confi-
& Neck Surgery Update dence that comes with feeling good about the way
they look, they are also confident in knowing that
New Smithtown Office we are committed to changing lives for the better.
Opening in January
CME Credit for Surgical We offer the entire spectrum of aesthetic procedures,
Grand Rounds including non-invasive, minimally invasive, moderately
invasive, and full surgical treatments.
Division Briefs &
Alumni News
Cosmetic therapies and procedures can help bring
Plus More! Preoperative planning of blepharoplasty out the best in people, generating positive self-
(eyelid rejuvenation) procedure. esteem that can improve many aspects of their life.
continued on Page 2
2nd Annual Meeting of the Minds
Symposium on Heart Disease Dr. Todd K. Rosengart Appointed
See page 5 for details. Interim Chairman of Surgery
Our Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Assumes New Leadership Role
In July, with reorganization of the University’s School of Medicine in “Our goal is to see the
medical school, Todd K. Rosen- Chicago, where he was professor of Department of Surgery
gart, MD, professor of surgery and surgery and chief of cardiothoracic continue to grow and provide
chief of cardiothoracic surgery, surgery at its affiliated hospitals of the most sophisticated care
was appointed interim chairman Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. available for both adults
(chief) of surgery. He follows John and children with a wide
J. Ricotta, MD, who, after serving as The recipient of numerous honors variety of problems requiring
our chairman for 11 years, has left and awards for excellence as both a surgery,” says Dr. Rosengart.
Stony Brook to head the surgery clinician and scientist, Dr. Rosengart “With an added emphasis on
department at Washington Medical is a cardiothoracic surgeon with resident and medical student
Center, in Washington, DC. active research interests in cardiac education and on clinical
surgery. Since joining our faculty, and translational research
Dr. Rosengart joined our faculty he has served as co-director of the initiatives, we will further
in 2006. A nationally recognized Stony Brook University Heart Center, seek to distinguish ourselves
leader in cardiac surgery, he came and will continue to do so. through academic excellence.”
to Stony Brook from Northwestern continued on Page 4
2 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Providing University-Level The privacy and safety of comprehensive understand-
MEDIA SERVICES | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Cosmetic Surgery Stony Brook’s state-of-the-art ing of the aging process, our
continued from Page 1 Ambulatory Surgery Center surgeons are able to restore
where we perform cosmetic and enhance the patients’
In fact, even minor or subtle surgery make our services all
changes in appearance can the more attractive. natural beauty, thus helping
be beneficial—whether it them to look as good on the
is a matter of having more Alexander B. Dagum, outside as they feel on the
confidence in their ability to MD, associate professor of inside.”
interact with other people in surgery and chief of plastic
their personal life; helping to and reconstructive surgery, He cautions individuals in-
enhance the impression they emphasizes that our sur- terested in cosmetic surgery
make in professional and geons are able to provide to validate the credentials
career situations; or simply university-level cosmetic of the surgeon they select.
feeling better about them- surgery with the privacy Dr. Sami U. Khan “When considering cosmetic
selves overall by retaining or and safety of Stony Brook’s surgery, the most important
regaining a youthful look. state-of-the-art ambulatory Sami U. Khan, MD, assis- decision is choosing the
center. tant professor of surgery, right surgeon,” he says.
All of our cosmetic surgeons directs our cosmetic surgery “In today’s market, there
are specially trained and Our cosmetic surgery program. Board certified in are many practitioners who
board certified in plastic services include breast aug- plastic surgery and general advertise themselves as cos-
surgery, and have years of mentation, abdominoplasty surgery, he received his metic surgeons after taking
experience in the highly (tummy tuck), liposuction, training in plastic surgery at ‘weekend’ courses in various
specialized field of cosmetic blepharoplasty (eyelid the renowned Mayo Clinic, treatments.”
surgery and related services. rejuvenation), brow lift, face and subsequently pursued
lift, and rhinoplasty (nose additional fellowship train- “Patients must be informed
Our background and knowl- reshaping), among other ing in cosmetic surgery of about who is treating them,”
edge, coupled with the procedures. the face and body and breast emphasizes Dr. Khan. “Pa-
extraordinary resources that reconstruction. tients must make sure their
our affiliation with Stony Non-surgical procedures surgeon is a fully trained
Brook University brings to are performed at our East Dr. Khan explains our pro- board-certified plastic
our practice, mean that our Setauket office, including gram’s patient-centered ap- surgeon. Members of the
patients can depend on us Botox, Juvéderm, Radiesse, proach: “The patient comes American Society of Plastic
to safely and successfully and Restylane injections, first. Listening to each Surgeons have pursued a
achieve their desired cos- fat injections, facial peels, patient’s desires allows us minimum of six years of
metic results. laser hair removal, laser to develop an individualized surgical training, including
vein therapy, and laser skin approach in order to achieve a dedicated plastic surgery
rejuvenation, among several his or her goals. With our residency.”
other procedures.
POST-OP is published by the Department of Surgery
Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York
Editor-in-Chief Todd K. Rosengart, MD
Writer/Editor Jonathan Cohen, PhD
Contributing Editor Leticia Gotay
Advisory Board
Roberto Bergamaschi, MD, PhD Brian J. O’Hea, MD
Alexander B. Dagum, MD David A. Schessel, MD, PhD
Thomas K. Lee, MD Marc J. Shapiro, MD
Margaret A. McNurlan, PhD Apostolos K. Tassiopoulos, MD
All correspondence should be sent to:
Our Ambulatory Surgery Center on the campus of Stony Brook Dr. Jonathan Cohen
University Medical Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Writer/Editor, POST-OP
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations—ensuring the highest standards Department of Surgery
of safety and care—and provides a comfortable setting where our Health Sciences Center T19
specialists perform a range of cosmetic surgery procedures. Stony Brook, NY 11794-8191
3 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
THE LATEST THERAPIES
AND TECHNIQUES
Our Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center offers the entire
spectrum of aesthetic procedures including non-invasive,
minimally invasive, moderately invasive, and full surgical
treatments, so we are able to select treatments that will
provide the maximal benefit to our patients.
All of our plastic surgeons with all of our physicians,
have pursued additional fel- and who provides injectable
lowship training in various cosmetic therapies.
plastic surgery subspecial-
ties, allowing them to access For consultations/appointments
with our cosmetic surgery special-
a wealth of knowledge and ists, please call (631) 444-4666.
experience in the evalua- Introducing
tion and treatment of our Dr. Mark A. Gelfand
patients. The Stony Brook Plastic and Our New Plastic Surgeon
Cosmetic Surgery Center—
Our affiliation with Stony located at 24 Research Way, We are very pleased to introduce Mark A. Gelfand, MD, who
Suite 100, in East Setauket, has joined our Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Brook University Medical
NY—provides the latest surgi- as assistant professor of surgery. He comes to Stony Brook
Center allows our surgeons cal and non-surgical cosmetic
access to research oppor- services and vein treatments, from the University of California at Los Angeles, where he
tunities aimed at advancing as well as aesthetic services, completed a two-year fellowship program in plastic surgery.
technology and developing including facials, chemical
future cosmetic treatments. peels, microdermabrasion, Board certified in surgery, Dr. Gelfand’s practice at Stony
and other procedures. Brook will include general reconstructive and aesthetic sur-
The Plastic and Cosmetic Our cosmetic services include: gery; breast reconstruction after cancer; treatment of facial
Surgery Center is fully — Botox/Juvéderm/ fractures; management of complex and chronic wounds; and
staffed and includes an es- Radiesse/Restylane treatment of hand and wrist disorders, including fractures,
thetician who offers facials, — Breast augmentation tendon injuries, and nerve injuries.
— Breast lift
microdermabrasion, waxing,
— Eyelid rejuvenation Dr. Gelfand received his medical doctorate from SUNY Up-
and chemical peels that are — Face & forehead lift
performed in the comfort — Fat injections state Medical University in 2000. He completed his residency
of our soothing esthetician — Hair transplantation training in general surgery here at Stony Brook University
room. She also offers full — Laser hair removal Medical Center.
skin analysis and skin care — Liposuction
— Microdermabrasion In 2006, Dr. Gelfand completed fellowship training in hand
plans. — Nose reshaping
— Spider & varicose vein surgery at Stony Brook’s Department of Orthopedics, and
Our staff includes a certi- treatments then went to UCLA for his fellowship training in plastic
fied physician’s assistant — Total body contouring surgery.
with experience in cosmetic — Tummy tuck
surgery, who works closely
— Plus more For consultations/appointments with Dr. Gelfand,
please call (631) 444-4666.
We are very pleased
to announce the opening of
OUR NEW SMITHTOWN OFFICE
General Surgery Consultations
240 Middle Country Road
Smithtown, NY
For consultations/appointments,
please call (631) 444-4545.
4 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Dr. Todd K. Rosengart Appointed He also served as a medical staff fellow from 1985 to 1987 in
Interim Chairman of Surgery the Surgery Branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
continued from Page 1
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and as an honorary
Recently, Dr. Rosengart was selected for inclusion in the senior registrar in pediatric cardiac surgery at the Great Or-
Castle Connolly Guide, America’s Top Doctors; featured in mond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London, England.
the Castle Connolly Guide, Top Doctors: New York Metro
Area (previously featured in the Castle Connolly Guide, Best Dr. Rosengart is a fellow of the American College of Sur-
Doctors in Chicago); selected for inclusion in the Consum- geons and the American College of Cardiology, and a mem-
ers’ Research Council of America Guide to America’s Top ber of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American
Surgeons; listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America; and listed Association of Thoracic Surgery.
in the Millennium Edition of
MEDIA SERVICES | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Who’s Who in Medicine and He has served on the Executive Leadership Committee
Healthcare. for the American Heart Association (AHA) Cardiovascular
Surgery and Anesthesia Council, among other professional
Dr. Rosengart received his societies and committees. He was a founding member of the
medical doctorate from North- national 21st Century Cardiac Surgical Society.
western University in 1983. He
was in the prestigious Medical An active academic surgeon, Dr. Rosengart has authored
Honors Program there. He over 100 publications, and is an NIH-funded researcher. He
completed his residency train- has recently been asked to chair the AHA’s Region I Bio-
ing at New York University engineering and Biotechnology Study Group for research
(NYU Medical Center; 1989), grant selections (see page 10 for details), and has previously
and his fellowship training in served on NIH study sections.
cardiothoracic surgery at New
Dr. Todd K. Rosengart York Hospital (1991). Dr. Rosengart serves on the editorial board of the Journal of
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and as a manuscript
Before joining the faculty at Northwestern University in 1999, reviewer for journals such as the New England Journal of
Dr. Rosengart was an associate professor of cardiothoracic Medicine, Circulation, and Annals of Thoracic Surgery. He
surgery at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, has been a contributing editor to Seminars in Thoracic and
and associate attending cardiothoracic surgeon at New York Cardiovascular Surgery and CT Digest, among other scholarly
Presbyterian Hospital, where he performed the world’s first medical publications.
open-heart gene therapy.
Bilfinger TV, Baram D. Sublobar
Selected Recent resection in nonsmall cell lung
litis decreases major morbidity
rates: a randomized control trial;
Nedzelski JM, Schessel DA, Pfleiderer
A, Kassel EE, Rowed DW. Con-
Publications* carcinoma. Curr Opin Pulm Med short-term results of the Sigma servative management of acoustic
2008;14:292-6. trial. Ann Surg 2009;249:39-44. neuromas. Neurosurg Clin N Am
Caso G, Rosengart TK, Patejunas G. Labropoulos N, Bekelis K, Leon LR Jr. 2008;19:207-16.
Amrani S, Zimmern A, O’Hara K, Cor- Reduced tumor growth in mice Thrombosis in unusual sites of the Qurashi S, Mynarcik DC, McNurlan
man ML. The Surgisis® AFP™ anal lacking Egr-1 [abstract]. FASEB J lower extremity veins. J Vasc Surg MA, Ahn H, Ferris R, Gelato MC.
fistula plug: a new and reasonable 2008;22:lb603. 2008;47:1022-7. Importance of the high molecular
alternative for the treatment of Cesanek P, Uchal M, Uranues S, Patruno Labropoulos N, Waggoner T, Sammis weight isoform of adiponectin in
anal fistula. Gastroenterol Clin Biol J, Gogal C, Kimmel S, Bergam- W, Samali S, Pappas PJ. The effect improved insulin sensitivity with
2008;32:946-8. aschi R. Do hybrid simulator- of venous thrombus location and rosiglitazone treatment in HIV dis-
Baram D, Bilfinger TV. Interaction of generated metrics correlate with extent on the development of post- ease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2008;115:197-
clinical suspicion and PET in the content-valid outcome measures? thrombotic signs and symptoms. J 202.
diagnosis of suspected tho- Surg Endosc 2008;22:2178-83. Vasc Surg 2008;48:407-12. Singer AJ, Dagum AB. Current manage-
racic malignancy. Med Sci Monit Falkensammer J, Oldenburg WA, Hen- Lau KN, Park D, Dagum AB, Bui ment of acute cutaneous wounds. N
2008;14:CR379-83. drzak AJ, Neuhauser B, Pedraza DT. Two for one: salvage of Engl J Med 2008;359:1037-46.
Bekelis K, Labropoulos N. On: Huang O, Ferman T, Klocker J, Biebl M, bilateral lower extremities with Sweet JJ, Finnin E, Wolfe PL, Beaumont
AL, Silver AE, Shvenke E, et al. Hugl B, Meschia JF, Hakaim AG, a single free flap. Ann Plast Surg JL, Hahn E, Marymont J, Sanborn
Predictive value of reactive hyper- Brott TG. Evaluation of subclinical 2008;60:498-501. T, Rosengart TK. Absence
emia for cardiovascular events in cerebral injury and neuropsycho- Melendez MM, Beasley M, Dagum AB, of cognitive decline one year
patients with peripheral arterial logic function in patients undergo- Khan SU. Outcomes of abdomino- after coronary bypass surgery:
disease undergoing vascular sur- ing carotid endarterectomy. Ann plasty performed in an office- comparison to nonsurgical and
gery [Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol Vasc Surg 2008;22:497-504. based surgical setting [abstract]. healthy controls. Ann Thorac Surg
2007;27:2113-9]. Perspect Vasc Surg Haughn C, Ju B, Uchal M, Arnaud JP, Plast Reconstr Surg 2008;122:128-9. 2008;85:1571-8.
Endovasc Ther 2008;20:224-6. Reed JF, Bergamaschi R. Compli- Melendez MM, Martinez RR, Dagum Taira BR, Jahnes K, Singer AJ, McLarty
Bergamaschi R, Schochet E, Haughn cation rates after Hartmann’s rever- AB, McClain SA, Simon, M, AJ. Does reported funding differ
C, Burke M, Reed JF 3rd, Arnaud sal: open vs. laparoscopic approach. Arora B, Sobanko J, Zimmerman by gender in the surgical litera-
JP. Standardized laparoscopic Dis Colon Rectum 2008;51:1232-6. T, Wetterau M, Muller, D, Xu X, ture? Ann Surg 2008;247:1069-73.
intracorporeal right colectomy Klarenbeek BR, Veenhof AA, Bergam- Singer A. Porcine wound healing Zarrilli GM, Liu J, Bilfinger TV, Moore
for cancer: short-term outcome in aschi RC, van der Peet DL, van in full-thickness skin defects using WH, Vacirca J, Baram D. Fat-
111 unselected patients. Dis Colon den Broek WT, de Lange ES, Integra with and without fibrin containing pleural mass due to
Rectum 2008;51:1350-5. Bemelman WA, Heres P, Lacy AM, glue with keratinocytes. Can J spillage of an ovarian dermoid cyst.
Engel AF, Cuesta MA. Laparoscop- Plast Surg 2008;16:147-52. J Broncholo 2008;15:264-7.
ic sigmoid resection for diverticu-
* The names of faculty authors appear in boldface.
5 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Cardiac Care Achievements
Heart Center Receives Top Ranking
And Hospital’s Chest Pain Center
Accreditation Is Renewed MEETING OF THE MINDS
Advances in Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiac services provided by Stony Brook University Heart
Center are found to be in the top tier with those of the na-
June 4-5, 2009
Guerney’s Inn, Spa and Conference Center
tion’s top academic medical centers, according to recent Montauk, NY
data from the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC),
an alliance of about 90% of the nation’s non-profit academic The second annual Meeting of the Minds symposium brings together
leaders in the field of cardiovascular medicine to discuss and debate
medical centers. issues through the prism of quantifiable outcomes and evidence-based
medicine. Focusing on the latest clinical research, speakers will raise
For the 12-month period end- Commenting on our top critical questions that provoke serious thought—all with the
goal of improving patient care.
ing in March 2008, the Heart ranking, Todd K. Rosen-
Center was ranked third gart, MD, professor and The symposium is designed for clinical and interventional cardiologists,
cardiac surgeons, internists, and other healthcare professionals with a
out of 96 academic medical interim chairman of surgery special interest in the field of cardiovascular disease.
centers for the lowest overall and chief of cardiothoracic
Co-sponsored by Stony Brook University School of Medicine and
cardiac mortality; fifth out surgery, who with Dr. Brown University Hospital Auxiliary, accredited by the Accreditation Council for
of 95 hospitals for the lowest co-directs the Heart Center, Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education
for physicians. This educational activity is designated for a maximum of
mortality following percuta- says: “The national top status 13 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
neous coronary intervention of our cardiac care program
(PCI; angioplasty); and tenth reflects not only the high Program Directors
out of 96 hospitals for the caliber of our surgeons, but David L. Brown, MD, and Todd K. Rosengart, MD
lowest mortality following that of the cardiac team as Co-Directors, Stony Brook Heart Center
acute myocardial infarction. a whole. The care that our Session Topics
nurses and nurse practi- Coronary artery disease
In the category of mortality tioners deliver at 2 am is Defining risk
Ablation therapy for arrhythmias
for patients with heart fail- important as what we do in Treatment options for aortic stenosis
ure, the Heart Center ranked the operating room—and we Heart failure
fifth out of 96 hospitals. have the best team around.” Treatment approaches to mitral regurgitation
Genomics in the future of cardiovascular medicine
Stony Brook University Heart CHEST PAIN CENTER For more information, please call the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at
Center has a 98.5% success REACCREDITED (631) 444-1820.
rate in coronary artery bypass Stony Brook University
surgery, higher than the New Medical Center has received
York State average.
full reaccreditation as a chest
pain center by the Society of
“By combining the highest
Chest Pain Centers (SCPC).
quality care with the newest
Stony Brook was the first Stony Brook University reported in the July issue
technology in an academic
hospital on Long Island to Medical Center is the only of the American Journal of
environment, Stony Brook chest pain center on Long
receive national accreditation Cardiology.
cardiologists are able to Island accredited by the
in 2005, and is one of six in
accurately diagnose cardio- Society of Chest Pain Centers.
New York State to be accred- Established in 1998, the
vascular disease and treat
ited as a chest pain center. SCPC is a non-profit inter-
it with the latest evidence- Hospitals accredited by the
national society that bridges
based therapies,” says David SCPC have been shown
The SCPC certification cardiology, emergency
L. Brown, MD, professor of to perform better in the
has helped improve patient medicine, surgery, and
medicine and chief of cardio- heart attack core measures
survival and quality of life, other professions focused
vascular medicine, who is co- established by Centers for
as indicated in Stony Brook upon improving care for
director of the Heart Center. Medicare and Medicaid
University Medical Center’s patients with acute coronary
“The UHC data confirms Services as compared to
emergence as one of the syndromes and acute heart
that this approach improves non-accredited hospitals,
nation’s best for cardiac failure.
survival.” according to a national study
services.
6 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Thoracic Surgery Program
Earns Continued Approval From
National Cancer Institute For
Performing Clinical Trials
We are very pleased to report the recent success of our LUNG CANCER
thoracic surgery program in gaining continued approval EVALUATION CENTER
status from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for our Our thoracic surgeons play an active role in the LCEC,
clinical trials of experimental lung cancer treatments. The which provides comprehensive care for people who
renewal of our program’s approved status is the result of our have x-ray test results with abnormalities that may
demonstrated compliance with stringent NCI guidelines for indicate the presence of lung cancer, and for those
the conduct of clinical trials and study data validity. who have a known diagnosis of lung cancer.
The Division of Cardiotho- “The lung cancer study group
The LCEC uses a multidisciplinary team approach
racic Surgery has been an is leading the way in clinical
involving different medical specialties because this
active member of the Ameri- research for the Department
approach is the best way to take care of our patients,
can College of Surgeons of Surgery with this laudable
and to give them all the benefits of Stony Brook Uni-
Oncology Group (ACOSOG) NCI-approved status,” says
versity Medical Center.
since 1999, enabling our tho- Todd K. Rosengart, MD, pro-
racic surgeons to participate fessor and interim chairman of Stony Brook’s LCEC provides comprehensive programs to
in multi-center clinical trials surgery and chief of cardio- diagnose and treat patients with lung cancer, including
of thoracic surgery for the thoracic surgery. “Reacquiring NCI-approved clinical trials.
treatment of lung cancer and this status is a testament to
other cancers in the chest. the lung cancer team of spe- During each evaluation, our team of specialists works
These trials gained NCI ap- cialists and their meeting the closely together to develop a treatment plan, which
proval in 2002. stringent NCI criteria.” minimizes any inconvenience to our patients, and also
maximizes the quality of care they receive here.
Our NCI-approved clinical Thomas V. Bilfinger, MD,
trials of lung cancer treat- ScD, professor of surgery, Patients treated at Stony Brook can participate in
ments continue to provide ongoing protocols in every phase of diagnosis and
director of thoracic surgery,
patients with the only avail-
able access to these trials and co-director of the Stony treatment, including NCI-approved national studies
in Suffolk County. Brook Lung Cancer Evalua- through ACOSOG.
tion Center (LCEC), explains:
Our new approved status is “The NCI status is confirma- At Stony Brook, we are committed to providing the
based on the routine audit tion that our practice model most sophisticated, compassionate care available
of the Clinical Trials Moni- is correct in that we integrate today for the management of lung cancer, and we
toring Branch of the NCI’s surgery with radiology, offer patients with lung cancer both established and
Cancer Therapy Evaluation radiation oncology, and all our experimental treatment options.
Program. The approval oncology services. We plan
granted Stony Brook is ef- to include additional clinical For consultations/appointments with our thoracic surgery
specialists, please call (631) 444-1820.
fective for three years—the trials for lung cancer that offer
longest period for which the our patients hope during vari-
NCI gives approval. ous stages of disease.”
Among the NCI-approved ACOSOG trials currently underway at Stony Brook are:
1. Surgery with or without internal radiation therapy in 2. Radiofrequency ablation in treating patients with
treating patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer stage I non-small cell lung cancer [to determine the
[to determine how well surgery and internal radiation overall two-year survival rate after radiofrequency
therapy work together compared to surgery alone ablation of lung nodules in high-risk patients with
in treating patients with stage I non-small cell lung stage IA non-small cell lung cancer].
cancer].
7 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Trauma Service Ranked in Nation’s Top 4%
MEDIA SERVICES | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
By Federal Healthcare Research Agency
New Report Recognizes Our Success
In October, the Agency for Healthcare Research and “Our Level 1 trauma center
Quality—the nation’s lead federal agency for research on has a dedicated team of staff
healthcare quality, costs, outcomes, and patient safety— that treats multiply injured
issued a new report entitled “Survival Measurement and patients throughout their
Reporting Trial for Trauma (SMARTT)” that puts our entire recovery,” says Marc
trauma service in the top 4% of trauma centers nationwide, J. Shapiro, MD, professor of
As the only Level 1 trauma center serving the with the lowest mortality for victims of injury. surgery and anesthesiology,
1.5 million citizens of Suffolk County, Stony and chief of general surgery,
Brook University Medical Center receives the The SMARTT study uses the American College of
sickest of the sick or injured, and is prepared trauma, surgical critical
to handle any form of injury or multiple Surgeons (ACS) national population-based trauma registry care, and burns. “This team
injuries that arrive at its doorstep. to set goals to improve patient outcomes. of trained professionals and
para-professionals strives to
Stony Brook’s trauma service was cited with the highest return every patient to full
ABOUT THE
SMARTT REPORT & recognition of being a “very high-quality hospital” in the function.”
METHODOLOGY SMARTT report, with the lowest mortality of any hospital
in the United States in treating pedestrian trauma. “We also place a high
The SMARTT outcomes report is priority on performance
based on the National Trauma Data
Stony Brook was also cited as second in the nation for improvement and research,
Bank. The NTDB contains outcomes
data on nearly three million patients saving the victims of “very high-risk trauma.” so this report quantifies
from nearly 80% of Level 1 and 70% the significance of our
of Level 2 trauma centers in the As the only Level 1 trauma center in Suffolk County, efforts. We enact drills, we
United States. Stony Brook University Medical Center receives the most meet weekly, and we start
critically injured patients from all points of Suffolk County, the discharge planning
Stony Brook University Medical Center
consistently provides data to the and from every community and Level 2 trauma hospital in process the day our patients
NTDB, and is one of approximately our region. arrive in the hospital. This
125 centers selected to receive is a positive approach to
an annual report on risk-adjusted Some of the more prominent cases that were treated by recovery, and we engage
mortality and performance and, the Stony Brook University Medical Center trauma team family members in the
therefore, was compared to that of
include Victoria Ruvolo, whose face was badly injured process, treating them as we
other centers included in the study.
when a group of teens threw a frozen turkey out their car would treat our own.”
The research consortium had access window while passing her on the roadway; Arsenio Matias,
to encrypted hospital identifiers and whose hands were amputated and reattached following Funded by the Agency for
study investigators, and the ACS a tragic factory accident; and, construction worker Mike Healthcare and Research
was blinded to the identity of each Norton, who was shot through the heart with a staple gun Quality, which is the health
hospital in the report.
while on the job. services research arm of the
The ACS was responsible for sending U.S. Department of Health
out the report cards, but did not view and Human Services, the
DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA RELATIONS
the content of individual hospital goal of SMARTT is to inform
report cards. governmental and other
agencies of policies and
All patients with trauma diagnoses
are included with the exception of practice that improve the
1) patients younger than 1 year of quality of trauma care.
age; 2) patients dead on arrival;
3) patients without age, gender, or
outcome information; 4) patients
transferred out to another hospital. Recognition ceremony honoring
Patients admitted with burns, late Stony Brook’s multi-specialty
effects of injuries, or traumatic trauma team for their outstand-
complications were excluded from ing achievement detailed in the
the report. SMARTT study outcomes report.8 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Preventing and Treating
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Directing New Initiatives,
Using New Ideas
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a com- The U.S. Surgeon General has just issued LEADING THE WAY
mon and serious medical condition that a “Call to Action” to prevent DVT that TO BETTER CARE
affects about two million people in the leads to 300,000 deaths per year from Our Division of Vascular Surgery has been
pulmonary embolism. leading the efforts at Stony Brook University
United States. It occurs when a blood
Medical Center to prevent and treat DVT/PE.
clot partially or completely blocks blood
The mainstay therapy for DVT has been A multi-specialty DVT team has been formed
flow in a vein, usually in the lower legs. to create a hospital-wide program for patient
anticoagulation for many years. Antico-
Risk factors include trauma, cancer, assessment and DVT prophylaxis.
agulation helps prevent propagation of
advanced age, hospitalization, surgery,
thrombus (blood clots) and decrease The goal of this team is to dramatically reduce
and any event that keeps people off
the risk of pulmonary embolus, but has the incidence of hospital-acquired DVT, and to
their feet for long periods.
little effect on the long-term complica- provide the most advanced treatment options
tions. to patients with DVT.
Symptoms of DVT include pain, swell-
ing, tenderness, or redness of the leg. At Stony Brook, patients with DVT are treated
Long-term complications of DVT by our vascular team, and offered a mini-
However, as many as half of all episodes
include chronic leg pain, swelling, and mally invasive procedure. Use of thrombolytics
produce minimal symptoms, or are
skin changes. The signs and symptoms (clot-disrupting drugs) with the combination
completely “silent.” Dangers include
are described as post-thrombotic syn- of mechanical thrombolytic devices, such as
clots breaking off and migrating to the the Trellis-8 or Angiojet device, allows us to
drome. In its advanced stage, patients
lungs, leading to life-threatening pulmo- mechanically disrupt and remove the clot.
may develop venous leg ulcers (open
nary embolism (PE).
sores). These complications cause sig- These medical devices decrease the treatment
nificant physical and emotional distress, time and the amount of thrombolytics used,
as well as a financial burden on our thus decreasing the bleeding risk and hospital
society. stay. In about two-thirds of patients, the proce-
dure can be performed in a single setting with
the patient going home the next day.
This past July, the American College of
Chest Physicians released new evi- Early treatment with removal of clot helps
dence-based clinical guidelines for the reduce the risk of recurrent thrombosis, and
prevention and treatment of DVT and reduces the risk of vein valve damage. This
PE. These guidelines recommend that results in prevention of the long-term complica-
tions of post-thrombotic syndrome.
early thrombus removal be offered to
patients with extensive proximal acute Our vascular team has been following patients
DVT who are good candidates. treated with thrombolysis over the last 5 years
Red blood cells clumped together form a
blood clot (thrombus) that can block blood to evaluate the mid-term results.
flow in the body’s deep veins, and cause In September, the U.S. Surgeon Gen-
potentially life-threatening DVT. eral, Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, Antonios P. Gasparis, MD, assistant profes-
sor of surgery and director of the Stony Brook
MD, MPH, issued an official “Call to Vein Center, presented our findings at the
BACCHUS VASCULAR
Action”—only the seventh issued in 2007 annual meeting of the American Venous
the past 11 years from the Office of Forum, and the paper reporting them has
the Surgeon General—to reduce the been accepted for publication in the Journal of
number of cases of DVT and PE in the Vascular Surgery.
United States.
Our data demonstrate that good early clinical
results after pharmaco-mechanical thromboly-
This “Call to Action” includes the need sis can be sustained on longer follow-up, and
to create evidence-based practices for may prevent the development of advanced
DVT/PE prevention, diagnosis, and post-thrombotic syndrome.
treatment. Hospitals and physicians are
The use of mechanical thrombolytic devices For consultations/appointments with our vein
allows removal of clot through a combination of required to develop DVT protocols to specialists, please call (631) 444-VEIN (8346).
mechanical and pharmacologic thrombolysis. prevent and treat DVT/PE.9 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Update on Otolaryngology-
Head and Neck Surgery Division
Faculty Development Initiative,
Retirement of Founding Chief &
Appointment of Acting Chief
The Department of Surgery is very pleased to announce the full-time
appointment of Ghassan J. Samara, MD, to the Division of
Otolar yngology-Head and Neck Surger y.
MEDIA SERVICES | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
MEDIA SERVICES | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
MEDIA SERVICES | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Dr. Ghassan J. Samara Dr. David A. Schessel Dr. Elliot Regenbogen Dr. Arnold E. Katz
Dr. Samara has had over ten years ceived research funding through Elliot Regenbogen, MD, joins our Finally, we regretfully announce
of direct otolaryngology experi- the National Institutes of Health faculty on January 1, 2009, as an the retirement of Arnold E. Katz,
ence, as an assistant professor of and Veterans Affairs Medical assistant professor of surgery with MD, professor of surgery and
surgery at Stony Brook University Center Research Career Develop- a focus on laryngology. He has founding chief of the Division of
Medical Center, and as the sec- ment Awards. been practicing general otolaryn- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
tion chief of otolaryngology at the gology in Westchester County, and Surgery, from his full-time faculty
Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Dr. Samara looks forward to serving as chairman of the otolar- position after nearly 20 years of
Center. There, he has been involved expanding his clinical practice at yngology department at Northern service to the institution.
in all aspects of head and neck Stony Brook University Medical Westchester Hospital.
surgery, including thyroidectomy Center, and to continuing his re- Dr. Katz will continue as a
and parathyroidectomy. search into head and neck cancer Board certified in otolaryngology, member of our voluntary
carcinogenesis. Dr. Regenbogen obtained his MD faculty, in which role he plans to
Dr. Samara performed the first bal- from Albert Einstein College of contribute to the re-establishment
loon sinuplasty in Suffolk County, Dr. Samara joins David A. Sches- Medicine, where he subsequently of our otolaryngology residency
and was part of the surgical team sel, MD, PhD, associate professor completed his residency training. program, and on a part-time
that performed the County’s first of surgery, who joined our faculty We look forward to welcoming basis, he will also contribute
endoscopic pituitary surgery. in 2007 to lead our program in Dr. Regenbogen to our staff in as a practicing physician to the
neurotology and cochlear implant the new year, when he will bring ENT program at the Northport VA
Dr. Samara earned his MD at the surgery, and who is acting chief his expertise in laryngology to Medical Center.
University of Miami, and then went of otolaryngology-head and neck complement the strengths of
on to the University of California at surgery. our existing faculty.
Los Angeles, where he trained in
the general surgery residency and Dr. Schessel received his MD and For consultations/appointments
also served as a research fellow. his PhD in neuroscience at Albert with our otolaryngology-head
He completed his otolaryngology- Einstein College of Medicine. He and neck surgery specialists,
head and neck surgery residency received his residency training at please call (631) 444-4121.
at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Albert Einstein, and completed
Center in New York. a fellowship in neurotology at
the University of Toronto. He is
Dr. Samara has been selected for board certified in both neurotol-
the Best Doctors in America® List ogy and otolaryngology, and is as
since 2005. An active researcher a national authority on auditory
as well as clinician, he has re- neurosensory deficits.10 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
DIVISION BRIEFS He will be responsible for Dr. Bergamaschi in Decem- (AOA) Honor Medical
guiding and directing the ber started a joint effort of Society—the national honor
peer-review committee in the Division of Colon and society for medical students,
Cardiothoracic Surgery the review of affiliate career Rectal Surgery and the Divi- residents, scientists, and
Dr. Thomas V. Bilfinger, development and project sion of Gastroenterology to physicians. This award
professor of surgery and support applications. perform laparoscopic-as- is given “to a community
director of thoracic surgery, sisted snare colonoscopy physician who contributes
has been appointed editor- Dr. Rosengart was chosen to for removing difficult polyps with distinction to the educa-
in-chief of the American lead this AHA study group in the operating room. tion and training of clinical
Journal of Case Reports because of his research students.”
(formerly, Case Reports and experience and scientific Dr. Bergamaschi in November
Clinical Practice Review), an expertise, plus the contribu- gave a lecture titled “Colo- General Surgery,
international, peer-reviewed tions he has made to the rectal Surgery: Where Are Trauma, Surgical
scientific journal that pub- National Brain Study Group. We Now and Where Are Critical Care, and Burns
lishes case reports related to The AHA Region I comprises We Going?” at the Keystone Dr. Louis T. Merriam has
clinical practice. states associated with its Chapter American College of been promoted to associate
Founders Affiliate (ie, CT, Surgeons Annual Scientific professor of surgery.
Dr. Bilfinger in June lectured ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, Meeting, held in Harrisburg,
locally to Suffolk County and VT) and its Great Rivers PA. Dr. Marc J. Shapiro,
emergency room personnel Affiliate (ie, DE, KY, OH, PA, professor of surgery and
on the signs and early man- and WV). Dr. Mar vin L. Corman, anesthesiology, and chief of
agement of acute aortic professor of surgery, in No- general surgery, trauma, sur-
dissections. Colon and vember presided at the quar- gical critical care, and burns,
Rectal Surgery terly meeting of the New is pleased to report that our
Dr. Bilfinger gave two Dr. Roberto Bergamaschi, York Society of Colon and trauma registrar, Emily C.
presentations in May at the professor of surgery and Rectal Surgeons at “Interest- Huang, MS, just received
American Thoracic Society’s chief of colon and rectal ing Case Night,” held at the recognition as the 2008 top
International Conference, surgery, is a co-author Friars Club in Manhattan. trauma registrar by the
held in Toronto, ON, Canada: of the new report of the Twelve residents presented, New York Chapter of the
Pulmonary function testing after
world’s first double-blind representing the teaching American Trauma Society.
percutanous transthoracic therapy randomized controlled programs in Long Island and
[authors: Baram D, Moore WH, trial to study laparoscopic Manhattan. Stony Brook had Dr. Steven Sandoval, as-
Bilfinger TV]. sigmoid resection (LSR), the single largest group of sistant professor of surgery,
compared with open sigmoid presenters of any program, has been appointed medi-
Relationship of airway obstruction to
the upper-lobe predilection of lung resection (OSR), for symp- including Drs. David Hong, cal director of the Burn
cancer in smokers [authors: Baram D, tomatic diverticulitis of the Salim Amrani, Marco Gonza- Center.
Bilfinger TV]. sigmoid colon. lez, Michael Lieb, and Brett
Phillips. Dr. James A. Vosswinkel,
Dr. Bilfinger was recognized This study tested the hypoth- assistant professor of surgery,
as Attending of the Year esis that LSR is associated In September, Dr. Corman has been appointed medical
for his teaching excellence with decreased postoperative was the keynote speaker director of the Surgical
by the 2008 graduating class complication rates as com- at the Biennial Congress Intensive Care Unit.
of Stony Brook’s School of pared with OSR. The authors of the International Society
Medicine. of the study concluded that of University Colon and “Each brings to his appoint-
LSR is associated with a Rectal Surgeons, held in San ment extensive knowledge,
Dr. Todd K. Rosengart, 15.4% reduction in major Diego, CA. He delivered the experience, and a history
professor and interim chair- complication rates, less Khubchandani oration, of extended commitments
man of surgery and chief of pain, improved quality of titled “The Surgeon and the to the success and improve-
cardiothoracic surgery, was life, and shorter hospital- Daughters of Mnemosyne ments of these units,” says
again selected for inclusion in ization at the cost of a longer and Zeus.” In addition, Dr. departmental chairman, Dr.
the “Best Doctors” listing of operating time. Corman chaired a panel on Todd K. Rosengart.
New York Magazine (June 16, avoiding the pitfalls of
2008), representing the top The landmark report, laparoscopic surger y. Otolaryngology-Head
2% of physicians in the New titled “Laparoscopic Sigmoid and Neck Surgery
York Metropolitan area. Resection for Diverticulitis Dr. William B. Smithy, as- Dr. David A. Schessel,
Decreases Major Morbidity sistant professor of surgery, associate professor surgery
Dr. Rosengart in October Rates: A Randomized in May received the Alpha and acting chief of otolaryn-
was invited to serve as the Control Trial; Short-term Omega Alpha Volunteer gology-head and surgery, in
chairperson of the American Results of the Sigma Trial,” Faculty Award presented October served as a panel
Heart Association’s Region appears in the January 2009 by the student members of member at the Stony Brook
I Bioengineering and Bio- issue of the Annals of the Stony Brook chapter Cochlear Implant Forum
technology Study Group Surgery. of the Alpha Omega Alpha sponsored by the Cochlear
for the 2009 peer-review year. Corporation. Dr. Schessel11 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
performs the only cochlear Dr. Dagum served as co- Vascular Surgery
implant surgery in Suffolk director of the 10th Annual Dr. Antonios P. Gasparis,
County, providing this high- Cleft Palate-Craniofacial assistant professor of surgery
tech treatment of profound Center Symposium, held and director of the Stony
deafness. in April at Stony Brook. Next Brook Vein Center, in Septem-
year’s symposium—which ber served on the faculty of
Over 150 people, both pa- offers 3 CME credits—will the International Symposium
tients and professionals, at- be held on March 2, 2009. on Vascular Diseases, held in
tended the forum, which was For more information, please Ferrara, Italy, and he gave four
designed to educate the com- call (631) 444-8167/-9265. presentations:
munity about our implant
program and to promote Dr. Dagum was also honored Endovenous treatment of
referrals. Featured presenta- this year by selection for chronic venous obstruction.
tions addressed topics such inclusion in the new editions Live case presentations on
as what a cochlear implant of Marquis Who’s Who in chronic venous disease [authors:
is and how it works, can- America and Marquis Who’s Gasparis AP, Meissner M,
didacy criteria, and pediat- Who in the World. Tassiopoulos AK, Labropoulos N].
ric considerations.
Pharmacomechanical
Dr. Sami U. Khan, assis- thrombolysis for acute DVT.
Presenters included Dr. tant professor of surgery and Dr. Colette R.J. Pameijer
Schessel, along with Stony director of cosmetic surgery, Ultrasound-guided venous
Brook audiologists, Mary in November at the annual procedures.
Bradley, AuD, Melissa Hoff- meeting of the American
mann, AuD, and Jay Leven- Society of Plastic Surgeons, for the rise in number of Last summer, Dr. Gasparis
berg, MS. held in Chicago, IL, had melanoma cancer cases. presented two studies, con-
a poster presentation of a ducted with Stony Brook
Pediatric Surgery study conducted with Stony Dr. Pameijer emphasized colleagues and others, at the
Dr. Thomas K. Lee, associ- Brook colleagues, titled that no other form of annual meeting of the Euro-
ate professor of surgery and “Outcomes of Abdomi- cancer has increased so pean Venous Forum, held in
chief of pediatric surgery, noplasty Performed in dramatically—with “a 600% Barcelona, Spain:
was selected for inclusion in an Office-Based Surgical change [in rate] between
the “Best Doctors” listing of Setting” [authors: Melendez 1950 and now.” Imaging and management of acute
and chronic venous disease [authors:
New York Magazine (June MM, Beasley M, Dagum AB, Gasparis AP, Kontothanasis D, Labro-
16, 2008), representing the Khan SU]. Dr. Kevin T. Watkins, as- poulos N].
top 2% of physicians in the sistant professor of surgery,
New York Metropolitan area. Surgical Oncology has been appointed chief of Progression of chronic venous disease
upper gastrointestinal and in post-thrombotic limbs is more rapid
Dr. Brian J. O’Hea, as- when compared to primary [authors:
Plastic and sociate professor of surgery, general oncologic surger y. Gasparis AP, Labropoulos N, Pefanis
Reconstructive Surgery chief of surgical oncology, As part of the development D, Leon LR Jr, Psalms SB, Tassiopou-
Dr. Alexander B. Dagum, and director of the Carol M. of a comprehensive surgi- los AK]—third-place prize winner
Baldwin Breast Care Center, cal program for treating for best scientific presentation.
associate professor of sur-
gery and chief of plastic and was again selected for inclu- upper GI malignancies and
reconstructive surgery, was sion in the “Best Doctors” other disorders, Dr. Watkins Dr. Gasparis is the principal
again selected for inclusion listing of New York Magazine plans to continue to expand investigator of a new industry-
in the “Best Doctors” listing (June 16, 2008), representing his efforts in laparoscopic sponsored clinical trial of a
of New York Magazine (June the top 2% of physicians in pancreatic surgery, and to new clot-dissolving drug for
16, 2008), representing the the New York Metropolitan expand the role of minimally venous thromboembolism
top 2% of physicians in the area. invasive surgery for complex (see page 8 for article on deep
New York Metropolitan area. GI tumors, including ro- vein thrombosis). This trial is
Dr. Colette R.J. Pameijer, botic surgery. He expects to a phase 3 randomized, double
Dr. Dagum in June at the assistant professor of sur- recruit additional faculty with blind, parallel-group study of
Federation of European Soci- gery, in July was featured in expertise in the surgical treat- the efficacy and safety of oral
eties for Surgery of the Hand a Newsday article on mela- ment of hepatobiliary disease dabigatran etexilate (Pradax),
Congress, held in Lausanne, noma, and warned against in developing this program. a promising oral direct throm-
Switzerland, presented a the dark side of the sun. bin inhibitor that specifically
study titled “Injectable Dr. Watkins will be joined by and reversibly inhibits throm-
Clostridium Collageanse The article focused on a Dr. Pameijer, whose area of bin, the key enzyme for blood
in Dupuytren’s Contrac- newly published study that expertise include therapies clot formation.
ture: Clinical Success in blames a combination of ex- for melanoma and other skin
the Elderly Population” cessive sun exposure and the and soft tissue tumors, as Patients interested in participating in
possible overuse of tanning well as regional therapies for this clinical trial should call Dr. Gas-
[authors: Dagum AB, Hurst paris’ office at (631) 444-2040.
LC, Badalamente MA]. salons, especially by women, advanced cancers.12 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Dr. Nicos Labropoulos, as interim chief of vascu- Dr. Tassiopoulos is the
MEDIA SERVICES | STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
professor of surgery and lar surger y. Dr. Tassiopou- principal investigator for a
director of the Non-Invasive los completed his medical number of clinical studies,
Vascular Laboratory, was doctorate in 1989 at Aristotle including a multi-center trial
co-chairman of the Inter- University Medical School in sponsored by the National
national Symposium on Greece, and then served as Institutes for Health. He has
Vascular Diseases, held in a general medical officer in been a contributing author
Ferrara, Italy. This three-day the Hellenic Air Force before for numerous peer-reviewed
gathering of vascular spe- emigrating to the United publications and book
cialists was the first annual States. chapters.
meeting of the International
Vascular Foundation, which Dr. Tassiopoulos served In September, Dr.
has been established for as a post-doctoral fellow in Tassiopoulos served on the
the study, prevention, and cardiovascular surgery at faculty of the International
therapy of vascular diseases. Baylor College of Medicine, Symposium on Vascular
and then completed his Diseases, held in Ferrara,
At this symposium, Dr. residency at SUNY Upstate Italy, and he gave three
Labropoulos gave presenta- Medical University and his Dr. Apostolos K. Tassiopoulos podium presentations in
tions on the anatomy of an vascular surgery fellowship areas of his expertise:
ultrasound image; effect of training at Loyola University Since Dr. Tassiopoulos “Cr yoplasty and Cutting
exercise on atherosclerotic Medical Center. joined the Department of Balloon Angioplasty:
disease; evaluation of aorta Surgery at Stony Brook in Current Indications”; “IVC
and its major branches; and Together with his colleagues in 2006, he has been actively Filters”; and “Ultrasound-
follow-up of carotid interven- the vascular surgery division, involved with medical educa- Guided Endovascular
tions. Dr. Tassiopoulos continues to tion, helping to launch the Inter ventions.”
build a strong clinical practice surgical simulation lab. He
Dr. Apostolos K. Tassio- involving all aspects of has served and will continue
poulos has been promoted general vascular surgical and to serve as program director
to associate professor of endovascular procedures. for the vascular residency
surgery and is now serving program.
Our departmental picnic in September, held at South Haven County Park in Brookhaven, NY, was a great success—and a lot of fun for one and all,
from the kids’ arts-and-crafts table to the barbeque to the baseball game between faculty and residents.13 DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER I STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Using Surgical Simulation Of
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Training the Surgeons of the Future
Dr. Roberto Bergamaschi (center)
demonstrating laparoscopic technique
with the colorectal surgery simulator in
our Clinical Skills Center.
Grand Rounds Program
Offers CME Credit scopic sigmoid resection
performed by an expert using
Our Surgical Grand the ProMIS surgical simulator.
Rounds program offers
continuing medical Before the training begins,
education (CME) the participants perform a
credit through the baseline laparoscopic sigmoid
School of Medicine of resection according to the
Stony Brook University. The operating room is not the best classroom for same standardized proce-
This activity is designated developing some of the new surgical skills that dural steps using a disposable
for a maximum of general and colorectal surgeons must now have. physical model in the hybrid
1 AMA PRA With the new mandate from the American College colorectal surgery simulator.
Category 1 Credit™. of Surgeons on the fundamentals of laparoscopic
skills, there has been more emphasis than ever on The residents then proceed
The weekly Surgical Grand surgical simulation. to training following the
Rounds lectures are generally same procedural steps on the
Roberto Bergamaschi, MD, The hybrid simulation same simulator until estab-
held on Thursday morning, PhD, professor of surgery model we use for training lished proficiency levels are
from 8:00 to 9:00 am, in the and chief of colon and rectal residents is well designed for achieved. In this way, the
Health Sciences Center surgery, works closely with the purpose of laparoscopic residents eventually perform
(level 3, lecture hall 6). our surgical residents on simulation, because it offers a final laparoscopic sigmoid
surgical simulation using the tactile feedback on a physi- resection in accord with the
hybrid colorectal surgery cal colorectal model with the same procedural steps using
Topics cover the full range
simulator called ProMIS LC. same instruments used in the same physical model in
of current surgical concerns, the actual operating room, the same simulator.
focusing on clinical issues of Our third- and fourth-year and because its objective
interest to practicing physicians general surgery residents evaluation cameras track the
and surgeons. Featured speakers and our colorectal surgery instruments in 3D space. Simulated Laparoscopic
include distinguished visiting residents (fellows) are Sigmoidectomy Training:
trained and tested on the lap- All residents undergo a
Responsiveness Of
professors from the nation’s Surgery Residents
aroscopic skills required for number of educational
top universities and
sigmoid resection for cancer. interventions, which include This study involving our surgery
medical centers. Stony Brook’s state-of-the-art the viewing of a video of residents (n = 8) was recently con-
For more information, Clinical Skills Center, which the standardized proce- ducted by our faculty to evaluate
houses an operating room dural skills for laparoscopic the responsiveness of residents to
please call
simulated laparoscopic sigmoidec-
(631) 444-7875. with availability of external sigmoid resection performed
tomy training using the ProMIS
cameras and microphones, is by an expert. The residents surgical simulator, which was found
the ideal classroom for this also are familiarized with the to significantly decrease operating
laparoscopic training. ergonomic position of the time and anastomotic leak rate for
hybrid colorectal surgery all residents [authors: Essani R,
simulator by observing and Scriven R, McLarty A, Merriam L,
Ahn H, Bergamaschi R].
viewing a video of a laparo-You can also read
