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Ask a Doctor Advancements in medicine translate to more options – and better outcomes – for patients. Here, local physicians answer an array of questions. Edited By EVERETT SULLIVAN
four years for people between age 40 to 64 and one to two years after age 65. And, when you do go in, talk to your doctor. Ask questions. Discuss concerns. Most importantly, follow any treatment recommendations. By following these steps, you can help guarantee that you see life to the fullest – now and in the future. DR. BRUCE GERSHENHORN
CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA Q: What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
DR. SUHAIL ALLAQABAND
AURORA ST. LUKE’S AND AURORA GRAFTON
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Q: What is a common type of heart valve disease, and what are the potential treatments?
A: One of the most common heart valve conditions is called aortic stenosis, when the aortic valve – which is the main valve through which the blood flows out of the heart – becomes stiffened and narrowed. Ten years ago, the only option for heart valve disease was openheart surgery. In the last 10 years, we have experienced great innovation – now we can fix many heart valve problems through minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures. For aortic stenosis, we have a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, where we insert a catheter [a small,
flexible tube] through a blood vessel to access the heart and implant a new heart valve. All of our patients prefer these catheter-based procedures compared to open-heart surgery. It’s truly a revolution in treatment. Ten years ago, we wouldn’t have dreamt of fixing heart valves without open-heart surgery, and now catheter-based procedures are the standard of care. And there are many new procedures in clinical trials, so the next five to ten years are going to be big in these kinds of valve repairs. DR. MARK FREEDMAN
EYE CARE SPECIALISTS Q: How can I help ensure that I have good vision as I grow older?
A: Good vision is key to maintaining a healthy, independent lifestyle. Will you see a bright,
clear future or a retirement clouded by an eye disease? The picture is often up to you, since 80% of vision loss is preventable or curable with prompt diagnosis and treatment. My partners and I regularly utilize OCT laser scans of the retina and optic nerve to detect sight-threatening conditions. We implement laser and minimally invasive surgery procedures to reduce the need for glaucoma drops. We remove and replace cloudy cataracts with lens implants that restore vision to levels not seen in years. And we perform sight-saving injection treatment for diabetic and macular degeneration patients. But these revolutionary advances are of no benefit if you don’t take action. Many people downplay, deny or are unaware of any vision threat. That’s why it’s vital to schedule comprehensive, dilated eye exams – usually every two to
A: Each year, more than 230,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States. Understanding certain risk factors for lung cancer may help you take measures to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. About two out of three lung cancer cases are diagnosed in people over age 65, and most people are older than 45. The average age at diagnosis is 71. Individuals with an immediate family member who has or had lung cancer may be more prone to developing the disease. Smoking is widely considered the leading cause of lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20% to 30%. Radon is a scentless gas found in some houses and is a cause of lung cancer. Knowing the risk factors for lung cancer is key to taking steps to help prevent the disease. March 2020 63
“My heart stopped 78 times. This is where my team worked together to save my life.” – Nicole Patient, Nurse at Froedtert Hospital
Dr. Peter Rossi & Dr. David Del Toro
Seamless Care. When a health network ... networks. When Nicole collapsed from a rare and undetected genetic heart condition, our team of specialists rallied around her. To save her life, surgeons had to amputate her legs because of her compromised blood flow. Nicole’s team guided her through recovery until, with the help of prosthetics, she walked again. Inspired by the care she received, Nicole graduated from nursing school and now cares for patients at Froedtert Hospital. For any medical concern, you want expert teams like Nicole’s working together for you.
What Is Possible Learn more about Nicole’s journey Wha from patient to nurse at froedtert.com/possible
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FROEDTERT & THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN Q: Why should you ask your doctor about joining a clinical trial?
A: Every medical treatment began as a clinical trial, and tests proved it better than the existing standard of care. Clinical trials test new drugs, therapies, surgical procedures and medical devices to find more effective ways to treat diseases like cancer, heart and neurological disease. On average, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network offers 500 clinical trials each year, including 250 active cancer clinical trials – more than any other facility in Wisconsin. Joining a clinical trial means you may benefit from treatment before it is FDA-approved and commercially available. You also may be part of research that leads to a medical breakthrough. You will never receive less than standard treatment and may receive more care: Participants are monitored closely with extra physician check-ins and tests. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial would benefit you. Your physician can answer questions and help you make the right choice.
of contractions per session with high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology. Just one short session can produce 11,000 contractions, which is equivalent to accomplishing 11,000 Kegel exercises. The amazing results are instantaneous and continuous. Because this treatment is noninvasive and nonsurgical, there is no downtime afterward. Emsella is great for anyone experiencing mild to moderate incontinence. If you experience those moments when you least expect a bit of leakage with exercise, laughing or sneezing, Emsella will improve your quality of life. Our expert team will provide a detailed consultation and schedule your treatments, typically the same day.
DR. ALEX COLQUE
SKIIN ANTI-AGING LOUNGE
DR. THOMAS PARISI
MIDWEST ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL Q: What is the hottest treatment right now in the nonsurgical category?
A: Emsella, otherwise known as the “Kegel throne” for mild to moderate incontinence and sexual wellness for sure is on the rise. This is a nonsurgical treatment that only takes 28 minutes and is very comfortable. You stay fully clothed for the entire time. Emsella treats the entire pelvic floor, by delivering thousands 66 milwaukeemag.com
to conventional surgery, this increased level of precision and customization yields some exciting benefits for patients. We have seen that the decrease in soft tissue damage has resulted in less pain for our patients. This has resulted in less narcotic use, greater early range of motion, overall quicker recovery and an earlier return-to-work date for many patients. Not every hospital offers robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, because the cost of the equipment is very high and the surgical team using the robots must be properly trained and certified. At MOSH, we have seven certified surgical experts who possess deep knowledge and experience with robotic-assisted joint replacement. We use leading-edge Mako brand robotic technology. DR. JESSE BAUWENS
MIDWEST ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL Q: What is robotic-assisted joint surgery, and how is it beneficial?
A: Joint replacement, whether partial or complete, can now be aided by the help of specialized, highly accurate surgical robots. In robotic-assisted surgery, the machine conducts nano-level movements, allowing us to b e more precis e with our surgical resections. Compared
Q: Does the robot replace the surgeon?
A: A common misconception about robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery is that the robot performs the surgery. The robot is a sophisticated tool operated by a physician, as part of a surgical team. Using robotics, we are able to plan for surgery with more accuracy than
ever before, and we can execute this plan reliably. More than 100,000 Mako procedures have been performed to date. Mako is also backed by more than 50 peer-reviewed clinical publications. With conventional manual total joint replacement, internal and external landmarks are used to orient the components or implants. Using this technique, studies show that the surgeon misses the target 19 percent of the time. Sometimes this can lead to persistent pain, instability and limb deformity, which requires additional revision surgery. The robotic platform solves this problem. It reduces variables and provides a more controlled environment, helping us to hit our mark with increased accuracy. As a surgeon, when you compare manual surgery to robotic-assisted technology, you can feel the improved quality of the joint replacement. DR. ARVIND AHUJA
NEUROSURGERY AND ENDOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES Q: What are some of the latest technologies you use to treat brain aneurysms?
A: A brain aneurysm is a weakening of a blood vessel. If the blood vessel ruptures, there is a significant chance of death or disability after a rupture. The best option for patients is to treat the aneurysm prior to the rupture. Conventional treatment is a craniotomy or brain surgery, where a clip is placed over the neck of the aneurysm. This surgery remains the standard treatment against which all other treatments are evaluated. However, recently endovascular treatments – through the blood vessels rather than through the skull – are being used on aneurysms. These are innovative options which secure the aneurysm against the
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
DR. BEN GEORGE
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chance of rupture. Endovascular treatments are being refined and improved on an ongoing basis and may offer different options for patients. Coils, stents and flow diversion techniques can all be used, depending upon the situation. A physician trained in both open surgical and endovascular techniques is best suited to determine the best treatment. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that the chance for a good outcome depends on the experience of the physician. DR. CHRISTOPHER HUSSUSSIAN
ILLUME COSMETIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA Q. Does it matter where you have surgery performed?
A. While most settings are safe,
you want to be sure to verify that your surgery center is both accredited and specialized. Illume Cosmetic Surgery and Medspa features two nationally accredited surgery centers in Bluemound Cosmetic Surgery Center and Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery. The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and the Accreditation on Association for Ambulatory Health Care both certify our centers according to rigorous national requirements on safety, emergency preparedness, staff credentials and more. Bluemound Cosmetic Surgery Center and Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery specialize in reconstructive plastic and cosmetic surgery, with over 500 cases performed each year. Our facilities feature anesthesiologists, registered
nurses and surgical technologists who have performed thousands of these cases. Both our surgical centers also offer ultimate privacy and comfort. DR. JOHN YOUSIF
DR. JOHN YOUSIF AND SIÈR MEDI-SPA Q. When should a patient consider having a facelift?
A. Some patients want to be more proactive and keep up with the signs of aging, while other patients want to wait until aging of the face is more visible. Many times, things like Botox or fillers can mitigate those signs prior to taking the more serious step of surgery. It is important to know when one procedure is indicated and when it is better to do another to keep looking natural and avoid wasting costs
when another would work better. That requires an objective clinician. Although Botox and filler can sometimes seem less expensive, they may not always achieve the results the patient is looking for. Although surgery may have a greater cost upfront, it may also have longer-lasting and more natural outcomes. That is why it is important to seek a consultation from someone who is knowledgeable in both surgical and nonsurgical options. Keeping in mind that later operations make a bigger change, early interventions may look more natural over a period of time. My suggestion is to see someone that you trust who has an in-depth experience in facial aging and can give an honest opinion regardless of personal profit.
See the best you can see, when you see Wisconsin’s leaders in ophthalmology.
T EYE
CARE SPECIALISTS World-Class Care. Local Convenience.
Are you putting your vision at risk?
Most people aren’t motivated to schedule an eye exam unless they notice a problem—and often not even then. However, many sight-threatening conditions have no warning signs. We can help. Call 414-321-7035 for free booklets on the risks, symptoms, tests and treatment options for common eye concerns, like cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetes. Read. Learn. Then, ask yourself: When was your last eye exam? If it was more than a year ago, call today to protect your vision for tomorrow.
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Mark Freedman, MD
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2323 N. Mayfair Rd.
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68 milwaukeemag.com
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At Illume Cosmetic Surgery and MedSpa, our team of Surgeons, Nurses and Aestheticians will help you reach your goals to enhance your natural beauty.
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