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Question: What Are Pleural Procedures?
Answer:Pleural biopsies can detect infection, cancer and other lung conditions. At AdventHealth Ocala, we specialize in thoracentesis procedures, minimally invasive surgical biopsies and open surgical biopsies. -
Question: What Are Interventional Radiology Lung Biopsies?
Answer:To help detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, we may need to obtain tissue samples. Interventional radiology biopsies provide a minimally invasive way for your care team to get a sample, using imaging technology to enhance precision and allow for a quicker recovery. -
Question: What Does a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Show in Lungs?
Answer:As part of our Lung Nodule Surveillance Program, we use chest CT scans to evaluate your lungs. These highly detailed images help us identify pulmonary nodules and detect cancer in its earliest stages. -
Question: What Are Bronchoscopies?
Answer:Flexible Bronchoscopy and Rigid Bronchoscopy
If an object or piece of food is stuck in the airway, or when a larger tissue sample is needed, our experts can perform:
Flexible bronchoscopy, which can be done without general anesthesia
Rigid bronchoscopy, which is done when bleeding is detected in the airwayContinue ReadingRobotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy With the MONARCH® Platform
AdventHealth Ocala is the first hospital in Marion County to offer robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to better detect and treat lung cancer.
An advanced robotic system, the MONARCH® Platform allows our surgeons to navigate the anatomy of the lungs with enhanced visibility and control. Guiding the robotic arms with a remote control modeled after popular video game controllers, our surgeons can access lesions in the lung periphery with greater accuracy than ever before, using a bronchoscope with 180° flexion in any direction.
The MONARCH® Platform is just one more way we’re elevating our care with innovative medical technologies to deliver better care for you.
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Question: How much excess skin will I have after surgery?
Answer:It varies, but most patients who experience substantial weight loss will have some extra skin. Exercising to tone muscles will help to some degree. Removal of the extra skin is usually considered cosmetic, and coverage depends on your insurance policy. We recommend you first reach your weight loss goal and then undergo surgery to remove your excess skin, if desired.
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Question: How rapid is weight loss after bariatric surgery?
Answer:Weight-loss surgery is incredibly life-changing, and post-bariatric surgery results are wonderful for many people. Most patients will lose about 65% of their excess weight in 18 months (one and a half years), and most of the weight comes off in the first year. About 75% of people can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.
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Question: How long do bariatric procedures take?
Answer:The bariatric surgery process and average procedure time vary on multiple factors, like the type of surgery. For example, a gastric bypass procedure usually takes about two hours, and a gastric sleeve procedure may take an hour and a half.
Before your surgery, your care team will be sure to go over all the details of your procedure, including how long you’ll be in the operating room, so all your specific questions are answered.
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Question: What are some bariatric surgery risks?
Answer:All surgical procedures come with risks, but for most patients, the lasting benefits of bariatric surgery outweigh the risks. Some of the main risks of bariatric surgery include:
- Acid reflux
- Anesthesia-related risks
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Dilation of esophagus
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Infection
- Obstruction of the stomach
- Weight regain
Other risks may include:
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is actually an adrenaline rush caused by too many carbohydrates entering the intestine too quickly. Symptoms are palpitations, sweating and a weak-in-the-knees feeling. About one-quarter of patients who receive a gastric bypass will experience this. This condition is unusual with the gastric sleeve.Blood Clots (Rare)
Very few surgical weight-loss patients develop blood clots. Less than 1% of all surgical patients in the U.S. encounter this issue. The bariatric team is very proactive in preventing blood clots. You are given blood thinners during surgery and after. You also use a compression device and ambulate every two hours while in the hospital and at home. -
Question: What is the cost of bariatric surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
Answer:The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. Our care coordinators will help you communicate with your insurance company to understand what coverage your plan requires and provides.
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Question: Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?
Answer:The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consult visit when you sit down with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like:
- Any health conditions (like diabetes or GERD)
- Any previous attempts at weight loss
- Your BMI
- Your health history overall