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specialties
at ACMC
surgeons make small incisions to insert
a laparoscope—a small tube with a
video camera—and other instruments
needed to perform the surgery. This
type of procedure, which replaces the
larger incisions and open surgeries of
the past, reduces the postoperative
pain and the amount of bleeding
during surgery. There are also fewer
and smaller scars than with open
surgery.
For the patient, minimally invasive
surgery means more convenience and
comfort of care.
A CLOSER LOOK
A stereotactic breast biopsy system
at Ashtabula County Medical
Center (ACMC) gives physicians
the opportunity to take a sample of
breast tissue without using invasive
techniques in an operating room. The
surgeon uses the mammogram’s x-ray
equipment and a computer to pinpoint
the precise area from which to remove
the sample. A local anesthetic means
that only the area to be biopsied is
gastroesophageal reflux disease,
ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis
and Crohn’s disease.
General surgery
ACMC’s surgeons also perform
appendectomies, gallbladder surgery,
thoracic surgery, lung biopsy, cancer
removal, thyroid surgery, hernia
repair and breast biopsy.
Obstetric and gynecologic
surgery
ACMC’s OB-GYNs perform the
latest surgical procedures related
to childbirth and other conditions
of the female reproductive system,
including thermal ablation;
hysterectomy; and procedures to
treat uterine cancer, ovarian cysts,
pelvic organ prolapse, irregular
menstrual periods and infertility.
They also perform cesarean section
deliveries when necessary.
Orthopaedic surgery
ACMC’s orthopaedic surgeons use
state-of-the-art equipment and
techniques to repair damaged joints
and tendons; replace knee, hip or
shoulder joints; repair fractured
bones; reconstruct ligaments; and
release carpal tunnel tendons.
Podiatric surgery
ACMC’s podiatrists offer a variety
of surgical procedures for the
foot, ankle and lower legs, such as
treatments for bunions, hammertoes,
corns, plantar fasciitis and tight
tendons. They also perform
procedures to help with poor blood
circulation, diabetes-related injuries,
wound care and sports injuries.
Urologic surgery
ACMC’s urologists treat a variety
of urologic conditions, including
prostate cancer, impotence, kidney
disease, penile disorders and
testicular disorders. They offer
the most current procedures for
stress urinary incontinence, fecal
incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses,
erectile dysfunction, overactive
bladder and prostate issues.
Vascular surgery
ACMC offers comprehensive care
for vein and arterial blood vessel
disorders. Candidates for vascular
surgery include patients with
carotid artery blockages, chronic leg
swelling, hypertension and kidney
artery blockage, leg pain due to poor
circulation (called claudication), and
varicose veins.
numbed. The patient remains awake
throughout the procedure.
Many surgeries do require the patient
to be asleep during the procedure.
In those cases, an anesthesiologist
administers the proper amount of
general anesthesia and monitors the
patient’s condition and vital signs
throughout the surgical procedure.
At ACMC, anesthesiologists also
screen for sleep apnea, a condition
in which a person stops breathing
temporarily while they sleep.
This screening not only provides
anesthesiologists with the information
they need to know while a patient
is unconscious, but it can also be
helpful for the patient’s postoperative
recovery—both in the hospital and at
home.
ACMC Pulse •
www.acmchealth.org9