EXCELLENT ORTHOPEDIC CARE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD 3-D … · 2017-11-06 · long been a leader in orthopedics, but we let our satisfied patients do the talking: Read their stories

EXCELLENTORTHOPEDIC CARE

IN YOUR OWNBACKYARD

3-D MAMMOGRAPHYADDS DIMENSION

TO BREAST CARE

Interested in a career with Commonwealth Health? Go to CommonwealthHealth.net and click on “Careers” to apply to any of our facilities.

From the Desk of Cornelio Catena, CEO, Commonwealth Health

AS WE ENJOY another beautiful autumn in Northeastern Pennsylvania and anticipate the coming of winter, we hope you find this magazine interesting, informative and enlightening. You may even recognize a neighbor or familiar local landmark

within these pages.We strive to appeal to people of all ages while

providing information on the advances we are making within our hospitals. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are proud that two of our imaging centers now offer 3-D mammography (Pages 6 and 7). We have long been a leader in orthopedics, but we let our satisfied patients do the talking: Read their stories beginning on Page 8.

Our Page 11 report features a Dunmore woman who has had numerous cardiac catheterizations performed at Regional Hospital. Learn about the latest in robotic-assisted surgery (Page 15) and discover the life-altering benefits that bariatric surgery offers at any age (Pages 12 and 13).

We’ve included practical stories on supplements, adapting to college life, pregnancy, and concussion — a timely topic now that football, soccer and hockey seasons are in full swing.

We hope you enjoy this issue and encourage you to visit our website at CommonwealthHealth.net for more information on our hospitals.

Best Regards,Cor CatenaCEO, Commonwealth Health

AFTER LAUNCHING AN online check-in service that makes going to the emergency room and walk-in clinics more convenient, Commonwealth Health has expanded its online access to include scheduling doctor appointments.

“An increasing majority of Americans use computers, tablets and smartphones to manage their daily routines,” said Cor Catena, CEO of Commonwealth Health. “Now they can book doctor appointments online, too. Having that 24/7 access is a great convenience.”

To use the service:1. Visit the hospital website, CommonwealthHealth.net, and click “Online Scheduling.”2. Select a doctor and an available appointment time, and then complete a

registration form.3. The hospital will send an email reminder with the appointment’s date and time,

directions, and other instructions to ensure prompt service on arrival.Michael Brown, M.D., a family medicine doctor in Tunkhannock, said his patients have

found the online option to be quite convenient, and he expects more people to begin using it as the word spreads.

“It’s all about the patient’s convenience,” Dr. Brown said. “If you’re short on time, this helps you avoid having to call and maybe getting placed on hold as the scheduler checks availability. You don’t have to go through any back-and-forth to secure a date. You just sign on to your device, see the available time slots and pick one. And then go to your appointment.”

Dr. Brown said patients of all ages find it easy to do, and those who have used it say they will continue to do so.

“It’s a great idea,” he said. “Anything we can do to make the process more hassle-free for the patients is a good thing.”

Dr. Brown is affiliated with Commonwealth Health Physician Network and is a member of the medical staff at Tyler Memorial Hospital.

Doctor Appointments at Your Fingertips

Tunkhannock family physician Michael Brown, M.D., says

his patients who use online scheduling find

it convenient.

2 | CommonwealthHealth.net

GOING OFF TO COLLEGE CAN TEST A TEENAGER’S MENTAL HEALTH, BUT IT’S NOT A CHALLENGE THAT NEEDS TO BE FACED ALONE.

THE FIRST DAY of college is something many teenagers dream about. It’s a milestone in their lives that’s often associated with freedom, fun and friends. Some teenagers, however, arrive on campus with high hopes, only to realize they’re in an unfamiliar place, without the support network they’ve relied on in the past. This drastic shift can prompt feelings of anxiety, loneliness, hopelessness or irritability. Over time, many students develop healthy ways to adapt, but if these feelings persist, they’re worth closer attention.

“If a teenager is struggling with mood or sleep issues for more than two weeks, that could certainly signal a behavioral health problem,” said Tiffany Hughes-Eagen, M.D., psychiatrist and member of the medical staff at First Hospital.

A PARENT’S ANSWER KEYAlthough it can be challenging for parents to keep tabs on their teens when they’re away from home, there are a few steps parents can take to help navigate the stressful transition:

» Offer a warning. Parents should talk to their children about a period of adjustment before they leave for college, especially if their children have dealt with substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety

or depression while at home. Let them know that while it may be a stressful time, support is always available.

» Be present. Parents should make it clear that they’re always accessible if their children need to talk, whether it’s by phone or the occasional weekend visit.

» Listen closely. If a teenager is regularly complaining about not sleeping due to anxiety or stress, take it seriously. Validate their feelings and let them know that it’s not abnormal.

» Learn the layout. Most colleges have support systems in place to help students who are struggling with behavioral health issues. If parents feel their child is having a difficult time, they can suggest contacting the school about finding the necessary resources.

“A lot of times, people don’t realize there are resources on campus,” Dr. Hughes-Eagen said. “Even if there isn’t a dedicated counseling center, there’s usually someone in student affairs who can help or connect students with the appropriate support. Catching depression early can help prevent substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.”

Have questions? Visit CommonwealthHealth.net and click on “Behavioral Health” under the “Services” tab.

ADAPTING TO COLLEGE LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS EASYStarting college can be exciting, but the change in routine and lifestyle can often bring on anxiety or depression.

CommonwealthHealth.net | 3


FROM THE SHELVES AT YOUR PHARMACY TO YOUR CHILD’S SPORTS DRINK, VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS AND FORTIFIED FOODS ARE ALL AROUND YOU. BUT HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING? THESE DAYS, IT’S common to find basics like bread, milk and water being fortified with nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin D and niacin, which prompts questions such as “Are supplements necessary?” and “Can they be harmful?”

Erica Perez, D.O., a family medicine doctor and member of the medical staff at Berwick Hospital Center, addresses some of the most frequent questions and concerns about vitamins and supplements.

Q: WHAT ARE SUPPLEMENTS?Dr. Perez: When people hear the word supplements, they probably

think of vitamins and minerals, which are some of the most well known, but the category includes many more products, such as herbs — also known as botanicals — and probiotics. Supplements come in many forms, including pills, powders and drinks. They can’t treat disease, but if used appropriately, some of them can be beneficial for health.

Q: WHO SHOULD TAKE SUPPLEMENTS AND WHY?Dr. Perez: Most Americans take at least one supplement, and they take

them for a variety of reasons. A common one is to get an adequate amount of a nutrient — such as vitamin D, calcium, iron or magnesium — that they struggle to obtain from food. Some individuals use supplements to prevent certain health conditions. Pregnant women, for example, take folic acid to prevent birth defects. Not all supplements have proven benefits, however, so it’s important to speak with your primary care provider before you start taking one. Even if you’re interested in taking a legitimate supplement, you

may not need it because you could be getting enough of the nutrient in question from diet, particularly fortified foods. Too much of a nutrient can be harmful. That’s another reason to consult your doctor.

Q: IS A VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT HELPFUL IN THE WINTER?Dr. Perez: It depends on the individual. People typically get vitamin D

from diet, especially milk and other fortified foods, as well as from exposure to sunlight. You will likely have less sun exposure in the winter, and if that causes a vitamin D deficiency, you may wish to speak with your doctor about a supplement.

Q: DO CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS HELP WOMEN AVOID BONE LOSS?Dr. Perez: We have to replace the calcium our bodies lose every day,

preferably with foods that are naturally rich in it, such as broccoli, oranges, salmon, cheese and Greek yogurt. A supplement may be appropriate if you don’t consume enough calcium from food.

Q: IS FISH OIL GOOD FOR THE HEART?Dr. Perez: The most recent evidence indicates fish-oil supplements

may be beneficial for heart attack survivors and patients living with heart failure. Nothing suggests, however, that these supplements prevent heart disease or stroke.

Looking for a primary care provider to help you determine whether you are receiving all the nutrients your body needs? Visit CommonwealthHealth.net and click on “Find a Doctor.”

BEST ADVICE ON SUPPLEMENTS?

Ask Your DoctorFamily medicine doctor Erica Perez, D.O., discusses nutrition and vitamin supplements with a patient.


THE WOMEN’S HEALTH TEAM AT WILKES-BARRE GENERAL HOSPITAL CAN HELP EXPECTANT MOTHERS SORT THROUGH ALL THE INFORMATION COMING THEIR WAY.DURING PREGNANCY, IT is common for women to receive advice from well-meaning friends, family members and even strangers. Some of these tips can be helpful, while many others can seem confusing, contradictory or just wrong. Taken altogether, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Here, J. Michael Tedesco, D.O., OB-GYN and member of the medical staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, provides answers to the most common questions about pregnancy, labor and delivery.

Q: HOW LATE INTO A PREGNANCY IS IT ADVISABLE FOR A WOMAN TO TRAVEL?

Dr. Tedesco: It depends on whether we’re talking about travel by car or by plane. If a woman is 37 to 38 weeks into her pregnancy, I’d prefer she stay in the area because the possibility exists for her to go into labor while on the turnpike.

When it comes to air travel, every airline has its own policy, but most airlines say that women up to 37 weeks into their pregnancies can fly. Like anyone who’s flying, I encourage expectant moms to stay hydrated and not sit for too long.

Q: SHOULD WOMEN STILL BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ZIKA VIRUS?

Dr. Tedesco: Yes and no. Yes, they should

be concerned about it, but fortunately for Pennsylvanians, the mosquito that’s a vector for the virus isn’t a Pennsylvania mosquito, so it’s highly unlikely that anyone here will contract the virus from a mosquito bite. Women or their partners who visit Texas, Florida, the Caribbean or South America should consult their doctors before deciding to travel to those areas.

Q: DOES A WOMAN HAVE TO HAVE AN EPIDURAL DURING LABOR?

Dr. Tedesco: No, women aren’t required to have epidurals, but 90 to 95 percent of our patients choose to do so. The downside to the epidural is that it requires patients to stay in bed, which may not be acceptable to women who want to walk or move around during contractions. The upside to the epidural, of course, is that the woman has adequate pain relief.

Q: HOW LONG AFTER THE DUE DATE DO WOMEN TYPICALLY NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THEIR LABOR IS INDUCED?

Dr. Tedesco: The due date is actually a due month. If an expectant mom has a due date of January 1, her due date starts December 15 and extends to January 15. We consider a pregnancy late if it is one week past the due

date. There’s evidence that if a pregnancy goes further than 41 weeks, there can be problems with the placenta that nourishes and oxygenates the baby, so the risk of stillbirth goes up. For this reason, we induce labor for expectant mothers at 41 weeks gestation.

Q: IF A WOMAN’S FIRST CHILD WAS DELIVERED BY C-SECTION, CAN SHE TRY TO HAVE A VAGINAL DELIVERY WITH HER SECOND CHILD?

Dr. Tedesco: That largely depends on the reason the woman had a C-section. There are some nonrecurrent reasons for C-section — for instance, if the baby was breech or in distress. In those cases, we encourage women to have a vaginal delivery with subsequent pregnancies. In cases where the baby was big and the woman was in labor an extended time without making progress, we’d be more inclined to say it would be safer to schedule a C-section than to wait until labor, discover that labor will be unsuccessful and then have to do an emergency C-section again.

To learn more about the women’s health services offered at Wilkes-Barre General, visit CommonwealthHealth.net and select “Women’s Health” under the “Services” tab.

Delivering

Answers

OB-GYN J. Michael Tedesco, D.O., knows expectant mothers are

getting advice from all angles.


Adding Another Dimension

TO BREAST IMAGING


WILKES-BARRE GENERAL HOSPITAL AND MOSES TAYLOR HOSPITAL ARE BRINGING A NEW DIMENSION TO BREAST CANCER DETECTION IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.

DISCOVERING BREAST CANCER early and then promptly undergoing appropriate treatments are the most important factors when it comes to breast cancer survival. Routine screening tests such as mammography and annual clinical breast exams remain the best ways to diagnose cancer, but not all medical facilities are equal when it comes to breast

When Should I Get Screened?A screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Although every woman should speak with her primary care provider or gynecologist for guidance about mammography screenings, the American Cancer Society provides the following guidelines: » Women ages 40 to 44 may want to

consider getting annual mammograms, especially if they have a family history or find a breast abnormality. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.

» Women of average risk for breast cancer who are ages 45 to 54 should schedule mammograms annually.

» Women of average risk for breast cancer who are 55 and older can switch to scheduling a mammogram once every two years, or they can continue the screening on a yearly basis.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY INCREASES THE DETECTION OF ALL BREAST CANCERS BY 29 PERCENT WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY REDUCING FALSE-POSITIVE RECALLS BY UP TO 40 PERCENT. IT DOES THIS BY TAKING MORE IMAGES OF THE BREAST THAN STANDARD 2-D MAMMOGRAPHY. THESE IMAGES GIVE RADIOLOGISTS A MUCH CLEARER IMAGE OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE BREAST. Dr. Myron Prawak, radiologist, studies the images created through 3-D mammography at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital’s Thomas P. Saxton Medical Pavilion.


believe in its ability to provide better care for our patients.”

In addition, Commonwealth Health now offers Lackawanna County’s first open magnetic resonance imaging system, which became operational in September at Advanced Imaging Services, 1000 Meade St., in Dunmore.

The open MRI is ideal for patients who experience feelings of claustrophobia or who exceed size limitations of the closed MRI system, a tube-like enclosure used by health care professionals to capture images of the body that cannot be seen with other imaging methods.

“The system we have installed offers an unprecedented combination of clinical excellence and patient acceptance,” said Justin Davis, CEO of Moses Taylor Hospital. “Getting

this power in an open design gives us a lot of flexibility. We’re able to see more patients, give them a comfortable experience and get the most effective results from our work.”

The team at the Women’s Imaging Center is also dedicated to providing results from breast imaging scans to the patient as soon as possible.

“Our center will continue to be unique in that we offer online interpretation of screening mammograms,” Dr. Rubner said. “This means our radiologists interpret the images while the patient is still at our facility rather than days afterward. This eliminates stressful waiting periods for patients and allows us to do any additional imaging that’s needed on the same day as the screening mammogram rather than calling the patient back to be rescanned.”

Calling Out CancerIn honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Commonwealth Health held its sixth annual Mammothon on October 12.

Employee volunteers made calls to women in the community who are past due for their annual mammogram, encouraging them to schedule the screening.

Commonwealth Health affiliates Berwick Hospital Center, Moses Taylor Hospital, Regional Hospital of Scranton, Tyler Memorial Hospital, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and the Diagnostic Imaging Center all participated.

If you did not receive a call this year or if we could not reach you and left a voice message, please call your primary care provider and make an appointment for a mammogram today.

cancer screenings and care. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Moses Taylor are exceeding expectations with new facilities and diagnostic technologies.

WILKES-BARRE GENERAL HOSPITAL With the recent installation of two digital breast tomosynthesis units this summer, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital has added 3-D mammography to its list of services.

“We want tomosynthesis to become the standard in mammography,” said Brenda Heck, director of imaging services at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “This is the future of breast cancer care, and we want to ensure our patients and community members have easy access to it.”

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital also utilizes a biopsy system that works in conjunction with the 3-D tomosynthesis unit. This equipment allows doctors to perform biopsies in an accurate and efficient manner by utilizing the sharper, higher-resolution images produced by 3-D mammography.

“This is a very exciting time as things begin to change in breast cancer screenings,” said Myron Prawak, D.O., radiologist and member of the medical staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “The equipment we use is continuously advancing, and I’m glad to be a part of an organization that recognizes the value of putting such tools to work for our patients.”

MOSES TAYLOR Moses Taylor recently opened the doors to a new Women’s Imaging Center, adding to the existing Advanced Imaging Specialists satellite imaging center for the hospital. This 3,600-square-foot facility was designed with patients in mind.

The convenient location and patient check-in make breast cancer screenings easy to work into your schedule, while the modern layout offers comfort, privacy and advanced technology.

“The Women’s Imaging Center has three digital breast tomosynthesis units — also known as 3-D mammography — and the equipment required to perform biopsies under 3-D guidance, which involves removing a sample of suspicious breast tissue in order to examine it for cancerous cells,” said Raymond Rubner, M.D., radiologist and member of the medical staff at Moses Taylor. “It’s rather unusual for a facility to purchase all this equipment simultaneously, but we

For a list of risk factors and American Cancer Society recommendations, visit cancer.org. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is required. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider, and the patient is responsible for follow-up. *Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for a screening mammogram.

Dr. Raymond Rubner talks about the new 3-D mammography units at Moses Taylor Hospital’s Center for Women’s Imaging at Advanced Imaging Specialists.


AS PART OF Commonwealth Health’s dedication to providing a wide array of services to all communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the health system this year established a patient-centered joint replacement program at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Wyoming County.

The Rapid Recovery Program, which is modeled after the orthopedic programs in place at other Commonwealth Health hospitals, aims to decrease the length of a hospital stay and postoperative pain.

“Our joint replacement outcomes have always been above the national average, but we wanted to create an even better recovery program that was more patient-centric and fostered a team approach,” said William Charlton, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and an independent member of the medical staff at Tyler Memorial Hospital.

DAVID’S STORY: A JOINT VENTURE Lawton resident David Juser, a bilateral knee replacement patient, can attest to the benefits of Tyler Memorial’s new recovery program. After suffering from increasing knee pain for five years, David, 58, met with Dr. Charlton in mid-July of 2017 to discuss his treatment options.

“I have a cattle farm and enjoy being outdoors, hunting and fishing,” David said. “When the pain began to interfere with my everyday life and the things I enjoy doing in my spare time, I finally decided to do something about it.”

X-rays showed severe arthritis in both of David’s knees. Knee replacement surgery was the best option for both knees. After discussing his choices with

Local Orthopedic Services Prove a Boon for Commonwealth Health PatientsCommonwealth Health has invested a great deal of resources into its orthopedic programs at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Tyler Memorial Hospital, Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton so patients don’t have to travel far from home to receive exceptional orthopedic care.

Composed of fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic specialists, Commonwealth Health’s orthopedic team offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care in patient-centric, hometown settings. Our orthopedic specialists provide the full gamut of orthopedic services — from injury prevention and recovery to total joint replacement and rehabilitation — to help keep our community members active, healthy and living the lives they love. When debilitating bone, joint or back issues arise, it’s reassuring to know that a skilled team of orthopedic specialists — and three local hospitals with nationally distinguished hip and knee replacement programs — are close to home.

Top-notch Joint Surgery

IN YOUR HOMETOWN

RAPID RECOVERY PROGRAM HELPS ORTHOPEDIC PATIENTS HEAL FASTER

William Charlton, M.D.

David Juser of Lawton was walking on the same day he underwent bilateral knee surgery at Tyler Memorial Hospital.


Dr. Charlton, David made a decision that not all people would: He opted to have a bilateral knee replacement surgery, meaning both knee joints would be replaced during a single surgery.

“I didn’t want to stretch this out any longer,” David said. “I just wanted to get on with it.”

David had his double knee joint replacement surgery in August of 2017 and had a great recovery period.

“With the Rapid Recovery program, I was up walking the same day as my surgery and was home less than 48 hours after my surgery,” said David, who’s confident about his long-term recovery. “Dr. Charlton and my entire care team have been exceptional,” David said. “My family and I are grateful I was able to receive such excellent care right here at home.”

TRUDIE’S STORY: AGE IS JUST A NUMBERWhile some may have reservations about hip replacement surgery after age 80, Trudie Collins, a tenured volunteer at Tyler Memorial Hospital, isn’t one of them. In March 2017, Trudie confronted the debilitating pain she had been experiencing in her right hip.

“The pain got to the point where it was ridiculous, and I knew I needed to do something about it,” she said.

Trudie talked with Tyler Memorial colleagues, who referred her to Dr. Charlton. A simple X-ray revealed advanced arthritis, in addition to something else she wasn’t expecting: a leftover screw in her leg from a surgery she’d had more than 60 years before, following a car accident.

“It wasn’t a straightforward case,” Dr. Charlton said.

Still, hip replacement surgery was Trudie’s best shot at finding pain relief. She and Dr. Charlton decided to move forward with the surgery.

CLOSE-TO-HOME CARE SHE COUNTED ONTrudie had her surgery in late March of 2017, and thanks to the Rapid Recovery Program,

Casey Burke, D.O.

After an accident with a chainsaw, Scott Reese is back on the golf course.

she was only in the hospital for a little over a day before she was released for a weeklong physical therapy program. For Trudie, having pre- and post-surgical care close to home was essential.

“I live by myself, so being able to have my surgery and complete my physical therapy close to home was important to me,” she said.

Trudie has enjoyed a great recovery and is doing well, Dr. Charlton said. Eight weeks after her surgery, she was driving again, and less than four months after her surgery she was discharged from care.

LOOK NO FURTHER THAN YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPITAL FOR EXCEPTIONAL ORTHOPEDIC CARE.

WHEN 55-YEAR-OLD Scott Reese, a cardiovascular technologist at Regional Hospital of Scranton, severely injured his hand in a chainsaw accident in early March 2017, there was no question where he wanted to receive treatment: his workplace and hometown hospital, Regional Hospital of Scranton.

Scott went directly to the ER at Regional Hospital, where the emergency team took diagnostic images of his hand and sutured the wound. The next day, Scott met with Casey Burke, D.O., an orthopedic hand surgeon, who is one of two fellowship-trained hand surgeons in the northern Pennsylvania area. Dr. Burke and Scott discussed treatment options and decided to move forward with hand surgery immediately to repair the tendons that had been damaged in the accident.

HANDS-ON SOLUTIONS The surgery, which was performed on an outpatient basis — an option Dr. Burke says many patients choose — went well.

“The procedure didn’t take long at all,” Scott said. “I went in for surgery in the morning and was back home that afternoon before supper.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” he said. “For any orthopedic issues people in our community might have, I recommend looking closer to home for care. It’s simply not necessary to travel to Philadelphia or New York — we’ve got fantastic surgeons here.”

Following his procedure, Scott completed a 10-week hand-therapy program at Dr. Burke’s office, where patients complete post-op therapy with two dedicated hand therapists who Dr. Burke has on staff.

Scott has regained nearly full function of his hand and has since returned to work.

“Scott is a model of the outcome patients can have if they follow the protocols as explained by their doctors and see their postoperative therapy through,” Dr. Burke said.


STATE REPRESENTATIVE SID Michaels Kavulich is no stranger to Moses Taylor. A decade ago, the 61-year-old legislator, then 51, underwent emergency open-heart surgery when his aorta ruptured, a condition that fewer than 50 percent of people survive.

“The team at Moses Taylor really saved me,” Sid said. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.”


Patient results may vary. Consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment. Dr. Charlton is an independent member of the medical staff at Tyler Memorial Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Dr. Burke is an independent member of the medical staffs at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital.

“The orthopedic surgical team does phenomenal work,” Sid said. “I experienced minimal pain, and the movement in my shoulders is astounding.”

Though full recovery for shoulder surgery takes approximately 12 months, Sid is already back in the gym and on the golf course. He emphasized the important role of patient-doctor collaboration in his smooth recovery.

“Joint replacement surgery takes teamwork,” Sid said. “You get out of it what you put in. I had a great outcome for both shoulders — not only because I had such a fantastic orthopedic team taking care of me but also because I kept my follow-up appointments and did all the rehabilitation exercises my surgeon suggested.

“This hospital truly has great doctors on staff who do fantastic work,” Sid said. “Anytime I need a major surgery, I don’t think twice about going to Moses Taylor.”

Learn more about the orthopedic services available near you by visiting CommonwealthHealth.net/orthopedic_services.

Some people may think that you need to leave the area for complex procedures like joint replacement surgery, but I honestly can’t agree. We are really fortunate to have

such excellent doctors, who do fantastic work right here, close to home.— State Representative Sid Michaels Kavulich

A SURGICAL SOLUTION TO SHOULDER PAIN AT MOSES TAYLOR HOSPITAL

Great Expectations for Ortho PatientsOne of the most appealing features of the Commonwealth Health orthopedic program is its thorough patient-education program — and both surgeons and patients agree.

Just ask Patrick Sammon of West Pittston, who, at age 69, underwent a right total hip replacement performed by John Doherty, M.D., at Regional Hospital of Scranton.

“I knew exactly what I was in for, from admission to recovery,” Sammon said. “There were no surprises.”

Every person who is planning to undergo a joint replacement operation at a Commonwealth Health hospital completes a thorough pre-op class. This patient-education program explains, in detail, the surgery, what to expect immediately after the operation and the postoperative experience, from recovery in the hospital to follow-up physical therapy.

“I knew what to expect and knowing that made for a much smoother recovery,” Sammon said. “The pre-op class was excellent. It prepared me for every step of the process.”

For Patrick Sammon, a hip replacement went smoothly because he knew exactly what to expect.

State Rep. Sid Kavulich addresses a rally.

Fortunately, Sid, who enjoys working out at a local gym and playing an occasional round of golf, made a full recovery and got back to his normal routine quickly. To stay on top of his heart health, the former news broadcaster returned to Moses Taylor every couple years for follow-up chest MRI scans. Little did he know when he went for one of these routine scans in January 2016, he would once again need the help of Moses Taylor medical specialists — only this time, not for his heart.

A LUCKY FIND Though Sid’s chest-scan results were clear, the imaging test detected something that normally doesn’t show up on an MRI: advanced arthritis in his right shoulder.

“I wasn’t too surprised — I knew I had problems with my shoulder,” Sid said. “I’d had severe pain — first in my right shoulder, and then in my left — for about 20 years.

“The pain finally got to the point where it felt like a knife going in when I moved my arm a certain way,” he said. “I couldn’t even throw a ball or reach shelves I used to be able to.”

Within a week, Sid met with a local orthopedic surgeon to discuss his options. Because Sid was active and healthy, he was a prime candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. Less than two weeks later, he had the procedure.

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER The surgery went well, and Sid had a great outcome — so good that he chose to have the same replacement surgery on his left shoulder just under a year later, in January 2017.


ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE HAS THREATENED THE LIFE OF SHARON HAHN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THANKS TO THE HEALING HANDS AT REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF SCRANTON, SHE’S ENJOYING TIME WITH FAMILY.SHARON, A RETIRED food-service manager from Dunmore, beams with pride when she talks about the son she raised as a single mom, her daughter-in-law and her two grandchildren. Family means everything to her, and as a survivor of multiple cardiac events, she is grateful for every second she has to spend with her loved ones.

Sharon’s family history of heart and vascular disease has been a concern for much of her adult life. She began keeping a close eye on her cholesterol and blood pressure levels when they started to elevate in her 30s. At the time, she was prescribed medication to help control them because high cholesterol and blood pressure are risk factors for heart attack and stroke.

In addition to genetic factors, Sharon, whose career kept her busy with 16-hour workdays, was under a lot of stress. She routinely ate late dinners and enjoyed the restaurant foods that were around her. When she began having symptoms of vascular problems in 2008, she attributed them to the mental and physical stress of her job.

“We as women do it all,” Sharon said. “We push ourselves to the limit, and then to exhaustion.”

MANAGING SETBACKSOn July 19, 2008, Sharon suffered a heart attack, an event that led to open-heart surgery just a few days later.

“Dr. Pancholy [Samir Pancholy, M.D., interventional cardiologist and member of the medical staff at Regional] inserted a tube into my arteries to look for blockages in a procedure called cardiac catheterization,” Sharon said. “He could see a blockage and consulted with Dr. Koch [Lear Koch, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon and member of the medical staff at Regional].”

Sharon had double bypass surgery to clear her blocked arteries. When she awoke from the procedure, she learned her cardiovascular disease was more advanced than she expected.

“I was young when I had my heart attack. My only child had just graduated college and landed a good job. He had his whole future in front

of him,” Sharon said. “I wanted to live. I wanted to work and go back to life the way it was before.”

Sharon’s plans, however, didn’t pan out: She was back to work in eight weeks, and not long afterward, she discovered she had another blocked artery.

“I ended up back at Regional’s emergency department,” Sharon said. “Thank God for them. They did a phenomenal job, and triage was amazing. I walked in, explained my symptoms, and within minutes I was in a room with Dr. Pancholy, where the staff was getting everything ready for another cardiac catheterization. I credit them with saving my life a few times.”

A NEW LIFEIn total since 2008, Sharon’s had 17 catheterizations and 16 stents — small, flexible mesh tubes placed inside damaged arteries to hold them open and improve blood flow. She considers herself a “lifer” at cardiac rehabilitation, and she’s adopted an exercise routine and healthier eating habits. At home, her diet now involves more vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, such as chicken and fish. When she isn’t preparing fresh dishes, she’s walking her dog, Maggie Elizabeth, and spending time with family.

To learn more about the cardiac catheterization lab at Regional, visit CommonwealthHealth.net and click on “Heart Care” under the “Services” tab.

Patient results may vary. Consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.

Lifesaving Care in the CardiacCatheterizationLab

Sharon Hahn has had numerous cardiac procedures performed at Regional Hospital of Scranton.



WHETHER YOU’RE 18 OR CLOSER TO 80, YOU CAN OPT FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROCEDURE.

BARIATRIC SURGERY HAS changed a lot since its inception in the 1950s. Minimally invasive surgical techniques — along with wider education and adoption among healthcare providers — have made bariatric surgery a viable choice for people of all ages.

“Pediatric surgeons are performing bariatric procedures on adolescents who haven’t seen results from other weight management techniques,” said Gary Neale, M.D., FACS, general and bariatric surgeon on the medical staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “On the other end of the age spectrum, I’ve

operated on patients as old as 75 who required bariatric surgery.”

Cassidy Jones, a college student and production design consultant, underwent a sleeve gastrectomy a month after turning 19 years old.

“I would encourage someone who is considering bariatric surgery to do it when they’re young if that is an option,” Cassidy said. “My recovery time was really short compared to people I know who had the procedure when they were older. That being said, you can change your life at any time. There’s no expiration on that.”

MORE THAN WEIGHT While bariatric surgery is an effective way to begin losing weight, it can have positive effects on other disorders, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Patients with a body mass index of 35 or higher are at greater risk for hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, gastric reflux, heart disease and other conditions.

“I’ve had some patients who thought they were infertile before weight-loss surgery,” Dr. Neale said. “After losing 50 pounds or more, their fertility improved, and they achieved pregnancy. It’s truly remarkable.”

No Age Limits onBARIATRIC SURGERY

“I didn’t want to develop a lot of health problems

as I got older. I am a very active person, and it was hard to be active

when I was heavier. I definitely lead a more

active life now. I also notice a lot of little things.

For instance, I can cross my legs when I sit, and I had to keep adjusting

my car seat forward after the surgery. The surgery has also given me more

confidence.”— Cassidy Jones, 20, sleeve gastrectomy patient


Bariatric surgery can slow the progression of arthritis and help with joint or muscle pain. In some cases, cardiologists, neurosurgeons or orthopedists may recommend bariatric surgery before procedures like joint replacement, spine or heart surgery.

“It’s easier to perform surgery on someone who’s at a healthier weight,” Dr. Neale said. “Tests like X-rays and CT scans are also more accurate.”

People who undergo bariatric surgery and commit to lifestyle changes in diet and daily exercise can see their medical problems decrease, energy levels rise and overall quality of life improve. Garry Van Scoy was 66 years old when he underwent sleeve surgery, and he has seen many improvements, including a reduction in his pant size from 52 to 38. Clark Gerhart, M.D., FACS, general and bariatric surgeon, performed Garry’s surgery at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

“Before the surgery, I had issues with diabetes, sleep disorders and my knees,” Garry said. “Now I’m doing very well. I’m off the diabetic medications. I don’t need surgery on my knees. The experience has been life changing.”

TECHNIQUES, TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY Most bariatric surgeries are minimally invasive, requiring only a few small incisions, and are performed by surgeons who do multiple procedures a week.

“During a year of fellowship training, I completed 75 gastric bypass surgeries,”

Dr. Neale said. “Now I do about three or four surgeries a week and have performed almost 1,000 surgeries in my 10-year career.”

General Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton are committed to the success of bariatric surgeries and provide modern instruments, cameras and robotic equipment for surgeons, as well as preoperative and postoperative programs with monthly support groups and lifetime office visits to help patients maintain the weight loss. They also offer information sessions and educational tools for patients to become more aware

of bariatric surgery and its benefits. “Everyone considering a bariatric procedure,

as well as their family members, are welcome to attend our talks, ” Dr. Neale said. “We want them to be educated. These surgeries are common, helpful and worthwhile.”

Learn more about bariatric surgery and its benefits by visiting CommonwealthHealth.net/commonwealth/bariatric-weight-loss.aspx.

Types of Bariatric SurgeryDuring a sleeve gastrectomy, around 80 percent of the stomach is removed. The procedure can take less than an hour and may affect gut hormones in addition to lowering the amount of food a person can eat.

Gastric bypass surgery — a slightly more complex but commonly performed bariatric procedure — takes a little longer to complete. During gastric bypass, the stomach is divided into two pieces, with the smaller piece connected to the small intestine.

Both procedures are more effective at helping patients achieve long-term weight loss and manage diabetes when compared to lifestyle changes alone, or even aggressive medical management.

“I’m not tired all the time anymore. I can focus on my volunteer work at

the church and the American Legion, and I spend more

time in my backyard and outside with my

granddaughter.”— Garry Van Scoy, 67,

sleeve gastrectomy patient

Drs. Neale and Gerhart are on the medical staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Patient results may vary. Consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.

Gary Neale, M.D.

Clark Gerhart, M.D.

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY AND GASTRIC BYPASS

SURGERY ARE ELECTIVE PROCEDURES. BOTH PRIVATE

INSURERS AND MEDICARE OR MEDICAID MAY COVER A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF

THE COST.

Garry Van Scoy jokes that he’s now able to fit behind the wheel of his Corvette because of his weight-loss surgery.



Mikhail Mirer, M.D.

A PROGRAM AT MOSES TAYLOR HOSPITAL IMPROVES THE ASSESSMENT AND CARE PROCESSES FOR CONCUSSIONS SO THAT YOUNG PATIENTS CAN MAKE A SAFE RETURN TO PLAY.

NOT LONG AGO, if a player experienced a head injury, a coach might just let him rest for 30 minutes before sending him back onto the field. But in the past 10 years, the scientific community has come a long way in its understanding of concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a blow to the head jars the brain and causes it to move inside the skull.

“We now know there is no such thing as a small concussion,” said Mikhail Mirer, M.D., a pediatric neurologist, certified concussion specialist, and chair of pediatrics and member of the medical staff at Moses Taylor. “Each concussion should be

taken seriously, especially with children, because it can cause not only short-term symptoms but also brain dysfunction later in life.”

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFEThe primary goal for coaches, parents and doctors, Dr. Mirer said, should be preventing concussions by ensuring athletes use the proper protective gear and follow the rules of the game. In the event that a child has a head injury, swift recognition of symptoms — including headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to noise or light, and trouble thinking or concentrating — is one of the most important factors in a successful recovery. Now, thanks to a two-year-old program at Moses Taylor, many athletes can verify whether they have a concussion by using a computerized assessment called ImPACT.

In 2015, Dr. Mirer created the Concussion of the Brain Program to streamline the care processes for young patients. If, for example, a football player receives a suspected concussion, he can visit a local pediatrician — Dr. Mirer trained several to participate in the program — and take the ImPACT test, which can identify a concussion based on

a 20-minute assessment of memory, recall and reaction time. The results are compared to the norm for the patient’s age. Or, if the patient took the test before the season began, the doctor can also compare the post-injury score to their baseline.

With the results in hand, a pediatrician can then recommend the proper management strategy, which typically includes sitting out of practice and competition for a week, until the athlete takes the ImPACT test a second time. If the score improves, the doctor will likely clear him to return to sports in a week. If he still has symptoms, the doctor will refer him to Dr. Mirer for additional care.

“When concussions occur, we don’t want athletes returning to sports before it’s safe,” Dr. Mirer said. “Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and giving the brain time to recover help prepare young athletes to play again.”

If you are interested in finding a pediatrician who participates in the ImPACT program, visit CommonwealthHealth.net.

Making an ImPACT on Young AthletesPediatric neurologist Mikhail Mirer’s program improves

the process of diagnosing and treating concussion.


PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGICAL TECHNIQUES AND THE SKILL OF THE SURGEONS PERFORMING THEM AT REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF SCRANTON AND WILKES-BARRE GENERAL HOSPITAL.

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERY IS a tool surgeons use to make smaller incisions and more precise movements during minimally invasive procedures and some traditional open surgeries.

“The whole goal of surgery is to give a patient the best possible treatment while simultaneously minimizing the amount of trauma to the patient’s body due to the procedure,” said Brian Mott, M.D., FACS, FRCSC, cardiothoracic surgeon and member of the medical staff at Regional. “Robotic-assisted surgery is a natural evolution of this goal.”

New robotic technology in operating rooms at Regional and General Hospital equip surgeons with 3-D visibility of the surgical site and may provide patients with such advantages as fewer complications, less blood loss and scarring, reduced infection risk, and shorter recovery times.

ROBOTICS AT REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF SCRANTON Equipped with the da Vinci Surgical System Xi, the latest da Vinci Surgical System equipment, doctors at Regional are finding additional ways in which the technology can be used to help patients.

“This equipment has become so minimally invasive that we can now use it for thoracic surgeries,” Dr. Mott said. “This is a very specialized robotics skill that isn’t yet being done across the country.”

To foster the process in other areas, Dr. Mott travels the country, teaching surgeons how to utilize this equipment.

“There’s a lot of good that can come from adopting this technology,” Dr. Mott said. “I want more patients to have access to its benefits.”

ROBOTICS AT WILKES-BARRE GENERAL HOSPITAL As one of the nation’s leading training centers for robotics, General Hospital has trained more general surgeons in robotic-assisted surgery than any other facility in the country. It was the eighth facility in the country to install the da Vinci Surgical System Xi.

“Our robust program started using robotics in 2005,” said Clark Gerhart, M.D., FACS, medical director of minimally invasive surgery and robotics and member of the medical staff at General Hospital. “Now, we have just about all the specialties that utilize robotics represented in our program.”

Given their experience and expertise, surgeons at General Hospital are working directly with other programs, robotics manufacturers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to come up with new ways in which robotics can help patients.

“It takes a team to develop a program as good as what we’ve got here,” Dr. Gerhart said. “You need buy-in from the surgeons, anesthesia specialists, nurses, staff and hospital administration to make it possible. Our entire team believes in what robotics can do for patients, and it shows in what we’ve been able to accomplish so far.”

Discover what robotic surgery has to offer by visiting CommonwealthHealth.net and clicking on “Robotic Surgery” under the “Services” tab.

Brian Mott, M.D. Clark Gerhart, M.D.

Patient results may vary. Consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.

Where Robotics Meets Surgical Innovation


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Berwick Hospital Center complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.commonwealthhealth.net/locations/berwick-hospital-center. Attention: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call (570) 759-5000 (TTY: (800) 654-5988).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1 (570) 759-5000. (TTY: (800) 654-5988).注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1 (570) 759-5000。(TTY: (800) 654-5988)。

First Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.commonwealthhealth.net/locations/first-hospital. Attention: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call (570) 552-3900 (TTY: (800) 654-5988).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1 (570) 552-3900. (TTY: (800) 654-5988).注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1 (570) 552-3900。(TTY: (800) 654-5988)。

Moses Taylor Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.commonwealthhealth.net/locations/moses-taylor-hospital. Attention: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call (570) 340-2100 (TTY: (800) 654-5988).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1 (570) 340-2100. (TTY: (800) 654-5988).注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1 (570) 340-2100。(TTY: (800) 654-5988)。

Regional Hospital of Scranton complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.commonwealthhealth.net/locations/regional-hospital-scranton. Attention: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call (570) 348-7100 (TTY: (800) 654-5988).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1 (570) 348-7100. (TTY: (800) 654-5988).注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1 (570) 348-7100。(TTY: (800) 654-5988)。

Tyler Memorial Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.commonwealthhealth.net/locations/tyler-memorial-hospital. Attention: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call (570) 836-2161 (TTY: (800) 833-6388).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1 (570) 836-2161. (TTY: (800) 833-6388).注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1 (570) 836-2161。(TTY: (800) 833-6388)。

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.commonwealthhealth.net/locations/wilkes-barre-general-hospital. Attention: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call (570) 829-8111 (TTY: (800) 654-5988).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1 (570) 829-8111. (TTY: (800) 654-5988).注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1 (570) 829-8111。(TTY: (800) 654-5988)。

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