Pennsylvania Hospital bariatric surgery program receives Center of Excellence designation

Jan 22 2008

Pennsylvania Hospital has announced that it has been named an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

“This distinction recognizes the expertise of our experienced surgeons and our institutional commitment to quality programs and services,” says Robert Haffey, RN, MBA, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “In a growing market and increased options in bariatric surgery, the ASMBS Center of Excellence distinction sets Pennsylvania Hospital apart.”

The Bariatric Surgery program at Pennsylvania Hospital offers severely obese patients a specialized program that caters to their specific needs. The core team consists of surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, and internists who provide each patient with expert care before and after weight loss surgery.

To earn a Center of Excellence designation, the program underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the program's surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected.

Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 66 percent of all US adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“The Bariatric program at Pennsylvania Hospital has achieved excellent patient outcomes through the implementation of a rigorous screening process, the advanced surgical skills of our physicians, and the comprehensive follow up care provided by our multidisciplinary team. Our comprehensive program is designed to ensure that our patients are physically and mentally prepared for surgery,” notes Matt Kirkland, MD, Medical Director of Pennsylvania Hospital's Bariatric Surgery program.

Pennsylvania Hospital's experienced surgeons are well-versed in both laproscopic (minimally-invasive) and open surgeries, and perform the latest, most-advanced bariatric surgery procedures, including LAP-BAND® and roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery.

In becoming a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the program has held itself to the highest standards in the industry and is recognized for its dedication to helping patients achieve their lifestyle and weight loss goals.