Ochsner Magazine, Spring 2017

chsner spring 2 017

your guide to health and wellness

Uncommon Ground

When Jacqueline Shedrick was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ochsner’s unique NET program provided exceptional care

Inside: Fast action and teamwork when every second counts (page 8).

Advances in orthopedic surgery keep athletes in the game (page 10). A young patient (and tireless Saints fan) advocates for organ donation (page 15).

Welcome

dear friends,

In this issue, you will also read about the extraordinary teamwork that

On Jan. 2, 1942, our

saved the life of stroke patient Kay Davis and the specialized care Ochsner

founding physicians

provides to patients with extremely rare tumors, as was the case with

opened the Ochsner Clinic.

Jacqueline Shedrick. As an organization and as individuals, Ochsner always

Seventy-five years later, it

strives to ensure that the best healthcare is available to an increased number

is time to reflect on where

of patients every year.

healthcare in this region

We find inspiration in both the past and the present—and even the future,

would be without their

as reflected in the heartfelt story of Jarrius Robertson. Diagnosed with

guiding vision. They were

biliary atresia at a young age, Jarrius has never let his illness stop him,

committed to providing our community with world-

advocating for organ donation and impressing even the New Orleans Saints

class, patient-centered care, and always did so with

with his cheerful attitude.

compassion and integrity.

Ochsner Health System upholds that powerful legacy today. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we

Today, we would like to express our gratitude to the health system’s visionary founders. We are deeply grateful to have the opportunity to continue serving our patients for the next 75 years.

remember our beginnings with a story highlighting some of our most notable moments and a look at our colleague of 50 years, Odette Miguelez. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit in which Ochsner was founded.

Warner L. Thomas President and CEO Ochsner Health System

Warner Thomas, President and CEO of Ochsner Health System, toasted a large crowd of physicians at 75 Years Strong, A Celebration of Ochsner Physicians earlier this year.

www.ochsner.org Copyright © 2017 by Ochsner Health System. Ochsner is published as a community service and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing.

Be a part of history, visit www.ochsner.org/ochsner75 2

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Cover: Greer Gattuso

Milestones

Reflections on 50 Years at Ochsner

Ochsner’s founding fathers, from left: Dr. Francis E. “Duke” LeJeune Sr., Dr. Edgar Burns, Dr. Curtis Tyrone, Dr. Guy Caldwell and Dr. Alton Ochsner.

75 Years Strong Since its founding 75 years ago, Ochsner has tirelessly served the community of New Orleans and the greater Gulf South region. Here are a few milestones in Ochsner’s history.

•

1942: Ochsner Clinic was founded by five local medical school professors. Each doctor contributed $4,300 of his own money to open the first private group practice clinic in New Orleans.

•

1944: The founders established the Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation to create a permanent research, educational and charitable organization.

• •

“Ochsner always makes the patient the most important thing. I love it here and I love what I do.

It feels like family.

Working with the people here really shaped my character.

People always ask me why I have worked at Ochsner so long and I say it is because I am very lucky.”

1954: Ochsner Foundation Hospital moved to its current campus on Jefferson

— Ode t te Miguele z, international

Highway.

tr anspl ant co ordinator . Miguele z, 69,

1966: The first successful adult kidney transplant in the Gulf South region was

beg an working at O chsner when she wa s 18.

performed at Ochsner.

•

1975: Ochsner doctors Terry D. King and Noel L. Mills invented a device that closed holes in hearts without open-heart surgery.

•

1985: The Ochsner Health Plan was chartered by Ochsner Clinic and Ochsner Foundation Hospital. The prepaid health plan’s enrollment eventually exceeded 200,000 subscribers.

•

2001: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation and Ochsner Clinic consolidated into the not-for-profit Ochsner Clinic Foundation, which became Ochsner Health System.

•

2005: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Ochsner always kept its doors open, providing the community’s only Level 1 trauma care at its Elmwood facility.

•

2014: Ochsner’s Multi-Organ Transplant Institute performed its 5,000th transplant.

Want to learn more about Ochsner’s history? Visit www.ochsner.org/timeline.

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The Scoop

Diabetes Checklist Manage your chronic disease by following these annual recommendations Diabetes is growing at an epidemic rate in Louisiana. According to the American Diabetes Association, 13.9 percent of the adult population in the state is living with diabetes, while an estimated 35,000 residents are diagnosed every year.

There are many steps diabetics can take to manage the disease. For instance, coming up with a yearly checklist of tests and questions to go over

Expert Advice Learn everything you need to know about diabetes care through Ochsner’s Diabetes Management Program

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes or just need some extra guidance in dealing with your ongoing condition, Ochsner’s certified educators are here to help. Ochsner’s team of registered nurses and dietitians works with adults living with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes in both individual and/or group sessions. The basic diabetes class sessions last five hours and cover blood sugar monitoring, medication management, healthy diet, exercise and

with a doctor helps ensure any problems are found and treated early. If you have diabetes, you should ask your doctor about the following steps:

✓ A cholesterol test. With diabetes, you have a greater chance of getting heart disease. Knowing and controlling your levels of “bad” cholesterol can help prevent heart disease. ✓ A complete foot exam. Annual foot exams help doctors check for neuropathy (nerve damage), something about half of all diabetics have. ✓ A dental exam. Those with diabetes have greater risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay and other problems related to oral health. Tell dental professionals that you have diabetes, so they know what to look for. ✓ A dilated eye exam. An eye care specialist will temporarily enlarge your pupils to see more easily inside your eye. Because diabetes is the leading cause of preventable new-onset blindness in adults, getting this exam yearly, instead of simply having your doctor look at your eyes, is important. ✓ Urine and blood tests. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure; make sure to get annual blood and urine tests to confirm your kidneys are in a good state of health.

Consult with your doctor about any other tests or exams he or she believes you should undergo, and keep track of what you have done each year.

stress relief, among other topics. At individual appointments, patients can get help with injection administration, self blood sugar monitoring, nutrition counseling and insulin pump training.

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➜ To find out more about diabetes and diabetes management, visit www.ochsner.org/diabetes or call 866-624-7637 to schedule an appointment.

The Scoop

Chicken Fajita Wraps For diabetics, it’s important to keep intake of sodium, saturated fats and trans fats down, while consuming a balanced diet of high-fiber whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. This recipe not only makes delicious chicken fajita wraps, but with wholewheat tortillas, reduced-sodium cheddar and only 3 grams of saturated fat, it’s diabetes-friendly as well! Serves 8.

Ingredients: • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tablespoon mesquite flavor liquid smoke • 1 teaspoon salt-free Cajun seasoning blend • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 medium onion, sliced into ¼-inch slices • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into ¼-inch slices • 8 medium whole-wheat tortillas • ½ cup reduced-sodium sharp cheddar, shredded Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken breast on foil. Pour ½ tablespoon liquid smoke over top of each and sprinkle with saltfree Cajun seasoning. Bake chicken in oven until it is done and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (about 25–30 minutes). Allow to cool.

While chicken is cooling, heat a large skillet on stove and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Saute onion and pepper over medium heat until softened (about 10–15 minutes), then remove from heat.

Once chicken is cool, shred into small pieces and toss with peppers and onions. Place tortillas on plate and cover with wet paper towel. Warm in microwave for 1 minute or until soft and pliable.

Place about ½ cup of chicken and vegetable mixture and 1 tablespoon shredded cheddar into center of each tortilla. Fold each like a burrito.

Warm a dry skillet over medium heat on the stove and brown each wrap until golden and toasted, about 1 minute per side.

Serve with mashed avocado and pico de gallo.

(Whip up pico de gallo at home with tomatoes, cilantro, white onions, jalapeno and lime juice.)

Nutrition Information (PER WRAP): 321 calories, 8 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 90 mg cholesterol, 269 mg sodium, 286 mg potassium, 27g total carbohydrate, 4 g dietary fiber, 37 g protein Recipe by Brittany Santos, MS, RD, LDN, Senior Clinical Dietitian, Ochsner Diabetes Management Program

spring 2017

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Cancer Care

Uncommon Expertise

“I’m so grateful for how my life is right now,” says cancer patient Jacqueline Shedrick.

Ochsner’s NET program offers advanced treatment options for a rare type of tumor

T

here’s a popular saying

so vague, and they often mimic other

hear hoofbeats, think of

diseases,” explains Pam Ryan, BSN, RN,

horses not zebras.” It’s a variation

Nurse Manager of the Neuroendocrine

on the theory that the simplest

Tumor Program. “That’s why we use the

explanation is usually the right

zebra as our symbol.”

one. But when Kenner resident

The origin of the NET program dates

Jacqueline Shedrick went to the

to the 1990s, when LSU physicians

ER at Ochsner Baptist to get checked

were conducting clinical trials on

for kidney stones, her doctors

these rare tumors. “They started to

discovered the zebra.

learn that surgery was really helping

“On my 61st birthday, I had to go

these people and that maybe we had

to see the oncologist, and she said the

something to offer besides clinical

tumors they found were cancerous,”

trials,” Ryan says.

Shedrick says. “It was a rare carcinoid

After Hurricane Katrina, the

all cancers in the U.S., but also often

[also called a neuroendocrine

program landed at Kenner Regional

go undiagnosed simply because most

tumor] that is almost always found

(which was later bought by Ochsner).

doctors don’t know to look for them.

unexpectedly.”

“We did 56 surgeries the first year.

Fortunately for Shedrick, Ochsner’s

“A lot of doctors end up treating the

Now we do 150 a year,” Ryan says.

symptoms as conditions like irritable

Kenner Hospital (in partnership with

“We’ve seen over 2,500 new patients in

bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease or

Louisiana State University and led

the last 10 years, probably more than

asthma,” Ryan says. “Unfortunately,

by Dr. Eugene A. Woltering) operates

any other NET program in the world.”

even we don’t understand what causes

one of the world’s leading centers for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

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“The symptoms of these tumors are

in medicine: “When you

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Neuroendocrine tumors are not only rare, accounting for about 2 percent of

the tumors, and they can happen anywhere—the gastrointestinal tract,

Greer Gattuso

“Our outcomes are phenomenal. We did our 1,000th NET surgery in August 2015, and our outcomes are about twice as good as the national average.”

— Pam Ryan, BSN, RN, nurse manager of the Neuroend o crine T umor Pro gr am

follows a multidisciplinary approach

travel from all over the country,

in which each patient is seen by a

even internationally, for treatment

team of experts with an arsenal

at Kenner. “Our outcomes are

of tools—including radioactive

phenomenal,” Ryan says. “We did our

systemic therapy, I-131 MIBG therapy,

1,000th NET surgery in August 2015,

radiofrequency ablation and others—

and our outcomes are about twice as

to ensure that every aspect of the

good as the national average.”

patient’s care is managed effectively and efficiently.

When Shedrick came to the NET

Ochsner’s NET program is also leading the way in technological advances. The program recently

program, she said her oncologist,

acquired a NanoKnife system that

Dr. Robert Ramirez, and his team

uses high-voltage electricity to destroy

immediately made her feel at ease with

tumors quickly and painlessly; Ochsner

their compassion and competence. In

is also the only location in the region

fact, the support she received from all

using high-resolution imaging called a

of the caregivers and staff had a huge

Gallium 68 PET/CT scan. “We got it last

impact on her journey to recovery.

year as a clinical trial,” Ryan says. “It

“The love and care they showed was

shows tumors better than conventional

amazing,” Shedrick says. “Everything

scans. Patients previously had to go to

started to move in the right direction.”

Europe to have it done.”

Her treatment started with surgery

Now, thanks to the treatment

to remove the tumor, along with her

she got through the NET program,

gallbladder and part of her small

Shedrick is looking forward to

lungs, appendix, pancreas. In most

intestine. But soon after, Dr. Ramirez

spending time with her husband,

patients, they are slow growing, and

noticed spots on her liver that required

children and grandchild.

surgery is the first-line therapy, but

chemotherapy and radiation, which

we have to monitor patients for the

she completed in early December. “I’ve

with things I can’t change,” she says.

rest of their lives to make sure the

been so happy with how they handled

“Everybody has some type of storm

tumors don’t come back.”

the situation,” Shedrick says. “I’ll soon

they go through, and I’m so grateful for

be back to normal doing everything I

how my life is right now.”

Surgical removal is the most common way to deal with these

“I’m very spiritual—that’s how I deal

did before.”

tumors, but every case is different.

Shedrick was lucky that the NET

➜ Visit www.ochsner.org/nets or call

That’s why Ochsner’s NET program

program was so close to home; people

504-502-7118 to find out more.

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When Every Second Counts Prompt action and a coordinated effort throughout the Ochsner Health Network provided lifesaving care for Kay Davis when she suffered a stroke

O

n a warm Sunday afternoon in

that she might be experiencing a

and treatments to patients who

October, Kay Davis, 68, took

stroke. Kennedy, a retired nurse, knew

otherwise would not have access to top

her beloved dog—an energetic

that every second counts. Because

neurological experts.

rat terrier named Hunter—for a walk in

“time is brain,” the sooner the patient

her Covington neighborhood. It could

is treated, the better the outcome.

Zweifler, Ochsner’s System Chair

have been a day just like any other; she

Davis was rushed to St. Tammany

of Neurology, was able to diagnose

and Hunter take the same walk all the

Parish Hospital, also in Covington.

Davis remotely and recommended

time. But at about 6 p.m., everything

that she be promptly treated with

changed. “I took a step and went

St. Tammany has access to many

the clot-busting drug tPA. “A stroke

oooh,” she recalls. “The numbness

of Ochsner’s world-class resources

is a very time-sensitive disease, with

started in my big toe, then spread to

and technologies. One of these is

nearly 2 million brain cells lost each

my other toes until my entire foot was

the TeleStroke program, in which

minute,” says Dr. Zweifler. “Having

numb. Then my leg went numb. My

Ochsner specialists give patients

an efficient multidisciplinary team

arm and hand were numb before I

live consultations via video. With

to treat patients is critical, and with

knew it. I started to sway. That’s when

the program now at 33 partnering

TeleStroke, I was at her bedside in

I knew it was serious.”

hospitals, Ochsner makes some

less than a minute after St. Tammany

1,800 TeleStroke consults each

contacted me.”

Fortunately, Davis’ friend Maureen Kennedy was with her and recognized

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Partnered with Ochsner since 2014,

Using this program, Dr. Richard

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year—bringing swift diagnoses

Because the teamwork between the

Teamwork “The care was extraordinary every step of the way, from the St. Tammany medical staff and Dr. Zweifler and his team to the flight crew and the wonderful nurses.

I am very thankful.” —S troke patient kay davis

Best of all, Davis says she is “almost back to my old self,” which means spending quality time with family and friends, resuming her work as an accountant, and going on her daily—

two hospitals was so efficient, Davis

relieved to have so many exceptional

and, thankfully, much less eventful—

was able to receive her critical tPA

people help me,” says Davis, who is in

walks with Hunter at her side.

injection at about 7 p.m.—less than an

physical therapy to help build up her

hour after she started to feel symptoms.

strength. “The care was extraordinary

Dr. Zweifler also requested that she

every step of the way, from the St.

services/ochsner-critical-care-

be transferred to Ochsner’s Jefferson

Tammany medical staff and Dr. Zweifler

telemedicine-program to find out

Highway campus as soon as possible. As

and his team to the flight crew and the

more about Ochsner’s telehealth

the only Ochsner hospital in the region

wonderful nurses. I am very thankful.”

solutions.

➜ Visit www.ochsner.org/

that offers a procedure in which clots in the brain can be mechanically removed, he wanted to ensure that Davis was onsite in case she needed the surgery.

In short order, an emergency helicopter arrived at St. Tammany Parish Hospital to quickly and safely transport Davis to Ochsner.

The helicopter was dispatched by Ochsner’s Regional Referral Center, which contacted Ochsner’s Flight Care Team, a 24/7 transport service for critically ill patients.

Specially trained critical care nurses continued administering the tPA during the flight, which arrived at Ochsner within minutes. A CT angiogram revealed that Davis did not have a blood clot in a major artery in her brain, so she didn’t need specialized surgery. She spent three nights in the hospital before being discharged.

Today, Davis has almost fully recovered, and Dr. Zweifler expects her

Keeping Promises, Delivering Results Ochsner’s partnerships with health systems and hospitals throughout the state build on the shared strengths of all parties and result in the highest level of care.

Witness the strategic collaboration between Ochsner and St. Tammany Parish Hospital (STPH), which is now in its second year. Among the notable results of that partnership are: • Building on the successful TeleStroke collaboration, a comprehensive neurosciences institute at St. Tammany Parish Hospital (where two Ochsner neurosurgeons and five neurologists now practice) is in place and growing; the expansion will continue with STPH opening a four-bed neuro intensive care unit in early 2017.

• Establishing a jointly branded subspecialty pediatric clinic to provide care for more than 1,500 children and their families; a new STPH Pediatric Emergency Room opened at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in January.

• Increasing patient access to comprehensive cancer care with the expanded St. Tammany Parish Cancer Center, which regularly rotates in Ochsner oncologists to participate in forming multidisciplinary treatment plans.

The partnership has also increased the number of patient referrals between Ochsner and St. Tammany Parish Hospital to ensure people receive the care they need in the right setting, and has created and preserved jobs for both entities.

to be 100 percent before long. “I was

spring 2017

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Sports Medicine

On the Move Again A complex, minimally invasive hip arthroscopy gave college student and dedicated athlete Shawn Smith a new lease on life Shawn Smith is back in the game, thanks to the care he received at Ochsner.

D

iagnosed at birth with sickle cell disease—a hereditary condition

affecting the red blood cells—Shawn Smith learned at an early age how to live with limits.

“You really have to watch yourself,” says Smith, 18, whose symptoms included dizziness, exhaustion and pain. “I loved to play sports, but I had to pace myself.”

The New Orleans resident explored his passion for a variety of athletics, playing quarterback (“I’ve got a great arm!” he says) and other positions that didn’t require him to run too much. In his freshman year of high school, Smith hurt his leg during a baseball game, but given his increased tolerance for pain, he says he didn’t think anything of it. His physical state worsened over the next two years, however—and leg pain, fatigue and decreased mobility finally sent him to his doctors at Ochsner in 2015.

Smith’s injury had resulted in reduced blood circulation to his leg and deterioration of his hip joint.

His orthopedic specialist referred him to Dr. Misty Suri, Senior Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute.

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Greer Gattuso

“Dr. Suri was great to talk to,” Smith says. “He got to know how I was feeling, answered my questions and made decisions based on my needs. It’s wonderful to have such personal care.”

Dr. Suri ultimately performed a hip arthroscopy, which was followed by six months of physical therapy at Ochsner Hospital – Elmwood. In September 2016, Dr. Suri performed an arthroscopic surgical femoroplasty and labral repair, a specialized operation that involved reshaping the malformed femoral head of the hip joint.

An expert in advanced orthopedic procedures, Dr. Suri is world-

Advances in Shoulder Surgery Senior Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute (and team physician for the New Orleans Saints and the recently named medical director of the New Orleans Pelicans), Dr. Misty Suri has treated more than his share of shoulder injuries: He estimates he performs about 225 shoulder surgeries a year. “We do the highest-quality techniques to help the shoulder, using stem cells and patch supplementation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, instability surgery and biological shoulder preservation, and shoulder replacement surgery,” says Dr. Suri, whose department is involved in several outcomes studies and groundbreaking research on the subject. “We’re trying to promote faster and more effective healing using such advanced techniques and biologic therapies.”

To learn more, visit www.ochsner.org/sportsmed, or call 504-736-4800 to make an appointment on the South Shore or 985-875-2828 on the North Shore.

renowned in his field. His fellowship training with leading sports surgeon Dr. Richard J. Hawkins at

For his part, Smith credits all the

it is always a team effort.”

Although Smith had to miss some

the prestigious Steadman Hawkins

members of his care team for the

Clinic of the Carolinas, as well as

exceptional treatment he received. “It’s

of his senior year of high school

other international study fellowship

a cool environment at Ochsner. You

recovering from the hip arthroscopy,

opportunities, gave him the knowledge

can talk to the doctors in a relaxed way,

he graduated and is now majoring in

and experience to perform these

but we always get down to business,”

accounting at Southern University at

complicated surgeries. “When you

he says. “They don’t say things just to

New Orleans.

have been fortunate enough to have

make you feel better; they tell you the

been trained by the best in the world,

truth, and that makes me feel better.”

you get to offer that expertise to your

“Our patients receive the best care

“I’ve always felt that you have to make the best of the hand you’ve been dealt,” Smith says. “This was

patients,” says Dr. Suri. “It’s very

on the planet,” says Dr. Suri. “That

just another hurdle I had to get over

valuable for patients and sets us apart

goes from surgical and nonsurgical

to achieve my goals and make myself

here at Ochsner.”

care to physical therapy as well. Here,

even stronger.”

“We do the highest-quality techniques to help the shoulder, using stem cells and patch supplementation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, instability surgery and biological shoulder preservation, and shoulder replacement surgery.”

— Dr . mis t y suri, senior at tending or thopedic surgeon at the o chsner sp or t s medicine ins tit u te

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Body & Soul

Helping Handiworks Volunteers create comfortable prosthetics for breast cancer patients

While Sandra L. was visiting her doctor at Ochsner’s Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center, her daughter asked if Sandra could wear a sock in her bra following her mastectomy. “Ochsner nurse Judy told me, ‘We have something better for you than a sock!’ ” Sandra recalls.

NOLA Knitted Knockers is the New Orleansbased chapter of a national organization that creates and provides free hand-knit breast prosthetics for women like Sandra who have undergone a mastectomy. Unlike other types of post-mastectomy prostheses, which can be heavy and require special bras, knitted knockers are soft, comfortable and worn with a regular bra. The local chapter was also founded

by Ochsner employees and includes both employees and patients.

To volunteer as a knitter or crocheter, contact Deanna Nettles at dnettles@ochsner.org or Judy Pennison at jpennison@ochsner.org.

give back to others —and yourself A 2016 study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that long-term volunteering is associated with reduced mortality. If you want to give back—and do yourself a world of good, too—call Ochsner’s Volunteer Services Department at 504-842-5085 or visit www.ochsner.org/giving/ volunteer.

The Shape of Things From compassionate volunteers to dedicated pharmacists, members of the Ochsner community always go above and beyond

Connecting Patients With Specialty Medications and Customized Care Ochsner Specialty Pharmacy helps patients achieve their best outcomes With a focus on serving patients with chronic or uncommon medical issues, the Ochsner Specialty Pharmacy stocks medications that can be hard to find at one’s neighborhood drugstore. The trained pharmaceutical team offers a customized experience for patients to ensure proper medication and care. The team consists of patient care advocates who are available to assist eligible patients with securing financial assistance and reviewing insurance benefits. The pharmacy also offers a 24/7 pharmacist hotline to ensure that patients always receive the care they need.

One of Ochsner’s eight pharmacies, the Specialty Pharmacy is available to patients throughout the Ochsner system and provides free shipping in Louisiana and Mississippi (coming soon to other states).

For more information, visit www.ochsnerspecialtypharmacy.com, email specialtypharmacy@ochsner.org or call 855-312-4193.

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Innovations

around the spine,” says Dr. Olawale Sulaiman, Chairman of the Neurosurgery Department & Back and Spine Center. “With minimally invasive techniques, we get similar if not better results, less blood loss, less pain and fewer surgical problems with the spine.” Today, 95 percent of the procedures Dr. Sulaiman offers are minimally invasive. “This is the future of spine surgery,” he adds.

To learn more about neurosurgery options, call 504-842-4033.

Breakthroughs in Surgery Advanced minimally invasive procedures allow patients to recover faster, with less pain and scarring

O

ver the past 30 years, a surgical revolution has taken place. New technologies now allow surgeons to perform a wide variety of minimally invasive surgeries. In these procedures, surgeons make very small incisions and use imaging equipment to reduce impact on the body and recovery time. Read on for a look at three innovative procedures available at Ochsner.

Anterior and Bikini-Line Hip Replacement Traditional hip replacement surgery uses a larger incision and the increased tissue damage can lead to longer recoveries. At Ochsner, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brad Waddell offers minimally invasive hip replacements, including one called a bikini-line hip replacement where the incision is hidden in the crease of the groin and is not visible even when wearing a bikini.

“The people who want this generally don’t want anyone to know they had hip replacement surgery,” Dr. Waddell says. He also offers an anterior-approach hip replacement surgery that leaves a slightly larger scar (only 7–8 cm long) but is performed with a surgical robot that “gives me about 99 percent accuracy,” he says. “Patients are usually out of the hospital and walking within a day.”

To learn more about orthopedic care at Ochsner, call 504-842-3970.

Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery has seen great improvement in recent years, thanks to minimally invasive procedures. “Traditional open surgeries can cause a lot of collateral damage to the tissues

Cataract Surgery Cataracts, a condition that comes with age, occur when the internal lenses of the eyes cloud over. Replacing these lenses with artificial lens implants is a routine procedure; however, Dr. Pulin Shah, Medical Director of the Ochsner Baptist Laser Vision Center, now uses a minimally invasive laser to make it even easier and more accurate. “The laser procedure takes two minutes,” Dr. Shah says. “The laser goes in the eye and quickly makes the cuts.” Afterward, many people see better than they did before they had cataracts. “About 85 to 90 percent of our patients have vision in the 20-20 range,” he says. “And with the new generation of implants, that can include reading vision too.”

To schedule an ophthalmology consultation, call 504-842-3995.

“With minimally invasive techniques, we get similar if not better results, less blood loss, less pain and fewer surgical problems with the spine.”

— DR . OlawaLe sulaiman, chairman of the neurosurgery department & back and spine center

spring 2017

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Navigation Tips

Connecting with your Ochsner healthcare team has never been easier. For non-life-threatening issues, call Ochsner’s free 24/7 nurse care line and speak with a registered nurse, who will help determine the best care options for you. Ochsner On Call provides nurse triage, appointment booking, health education and advisory services.

To speak to one of our specially trained nurses, call 800-231-5257.

Stay Connected ➜

Just call, click or tap!

1 Set up a MyOchsner account at www.myochsner.org.

2 Book appointments online at www.ochsner.org/schedule.

3 Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ochsnerhealthsystem.

4 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ochsnerhealth.

5 Keep up with the latest videos from Ochsner at www.youtube.com/ochsner.

6 Check ER wait times at www.ochsner.org/chooseER. 7 Bookmark www.ochsner.org on your tablet or smartphone to contact us on the go.

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Superhero Spotlight

In October 2016, Jarrius Robertson appeared on Good Morning America with host Robin Roberts.

The Jarrius JJ Robertson Fund was created at Ochsner to provide pediatric liver transplant patients and their families assistance with unexpected costs before, during and after a transplant. To contribute to this fund, please visit www.ochsner.org/jarrius.

“It Takes Lives to Save Lives” A young Ochsner patient and New Orleans Saints superfan speaks out for organ donation

“It

takes lives to save lives,” said 14-year-old Jarrius “JJ” Robertson during a segment on Good Morning America. “That means if people go out and donate

anything like blood, organ, kidneys or liver, then they can save somebody else’s life.”

The topic of organ donation is all too familiar to Robertson. Diagnosed at an early

Robertson is taking advantage of his football fame to promote organ donation.

With more than 2,000 people on the waiting

age with biliary atresia, a rare chronic liver disease in which one or more bile ducts

list for a new organ in Louisiana (and 120,000

are abnormally narrow, blocked or missing, he had a liver transplant when he was

waiting nationwide), organ donation is a

1 year old and is currently on the waiting list for another.

pressing need. Children are especially at a

Despite everything, Robertson hasn’t allowed his illness to hold him back. image Cour te s y of the Ne w Orle ans Saint s

We love him.”

disadvantage, due to the shortage of pediatric

When New Orleans Saints players visited Ochsner Hospital for Children a year ago,

donors. Just one donor can save up to nine

Robertson impressed them with his constructive criticism and great attitude; he

people’s lives.

began attending their practices, where he soon became known as the team’s “hype

Ochsner’s Multi-Organ Transplant

man” (gaining viral video fame for scolding Carolina Panthers players for dancing in

Institute is one of the nation’s leading

“his end zone”). Robertson was even invited on Good Morning America, where Saints

transplant centers. Since its inception in

coach Sean Payton presented him with a contract making him an honorary Saint.

1984, the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant

Payton also invited Robertson and his family to join the team in Kansas City and act

Institute has performed more than 6,000

as their social media correspondent for the weekend.

lifesaving transplants.

“We love having Jarrius out here. He’s such an inspirational young man,” says quarterback Drew Brees. “His strength, his attitude—he’s welcome out here anytime.

Register today to become an organ donor at www.ochsner.org/savenine.

spring 2017

15

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

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