Advanced Surgical Associates

Choosing a Breast Surgeon

Advanced Surgical Associates — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:03:48 +0000

Choosing a surgeon can be a daunting task for those looking to undergo breast surgery for a malignancy. Lumpectomies and mastectomies vary in their invasiveness; however they all cause some degree of physical change to the breast tissue. This makes it all the more important to choose a surgeon that can save as much of the breast tissue as is possible, but also remove any and all malignancy to ensure that the cancerous tissue does not spread to the rest of the breast.

Those considering breast surgery should spend plenty of time evaluating their surgeon’s qualifications and looking into their backgrounds. But it doesn’t end there – the following are just a few tips to help prospective patients in their research:

First and foremost, a surgeon should be experienced in the procedure that you will undergo. Having a surgeon that has performed dozens, if not hundreds, of these procedures may mean greater success and often yields a lower probability of complications. When interviewing surgeons, you should ask them how many procedures they have performed — and don’t be afraid to find out more about their outcomes.
We all know that a trusted referral is very important when making a potentially life-changing decision such as choosing a surgeon. That’s why we also suggest that you ask to be introduced to former patients who may be able to shed some light on the practice and the surgeon. You will get knowledge of their unique experiences undergoing the procedure while also learning about the process and the ins and outs of the practice.
Evaluate level of care that the surgeon, surgical practice and surgery center or hospital will offer you before and after surgery. Some patients do not need bedside manner, while others find it extremely important. Some patients are not concerned with a surgical center versus a hospital, while others may have a definite preference. No matter your preferences, it is worth knowing who will be performing your surgery, where they will be performing it and getting an idea of how you will be treated both before and after surgery.

These are some of the pointers that will allow you to make the right decision in choosing a breast surgeon. Use the people around you including your primary physician, friends and family, and remember that the best surgeon is the surgeon that’s right for you. Use your intuition, follow your gut, and make a decision based on plenty of research employing a pragmatic approach to a very difficult situation.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Advanced Surgical Associates — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:03:42 +0000

Minimally invasive surgery has become the standard by which surgical procedures are measured. With advances in surgical technology and techniques, large incisions once needed for major and minor surgical procedures have been replaced by smaller and smaller cuts. Procedures once considered complex and invasive can now often be performed on an outpatient basis. The six-to-twelve-inch incisions of old have been replaced by several tiny half-inch incisions through which medical devices, including a high definition camera, are passed. These medical devices, controlled by the surgeon and/or surgical team, allow for an excellent view of the surgical field and act as an extension of the surgeon’s hands.

Bariatric surgery, hernia surgery, and gallbladder removal, to name a few, can all be performed laparoscopically. This means a lower chance of infection, shorter recovery time, less potential blood loss and often less pain. Not all procedures can nor should be performed laparoscopically, however. In certain cases, and depending on a patient’s general health or previous surgeries, the procedure may be more suited to an open surgery. Age and body mass will also determine whether or not laparoscopic surgery is the best course of action.

Only a consultation with your surgeon, along with a thorough physical examination, can determine which form of surgery is best for the patient’s particular situation.

Welcome to Advanced Surgical Associates

Advanced Surgical Associates — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:42:56 +0000

Welcome to the official general surgery blog of Advanced Surgical Associates. We hope this blog provides you with the information you need and answers any questions you may have before making the decision about general surgery. ASA is here to help make the surgical process as easy and painless as possible for you. We want each of our patients to walk out of our office with a positive outlook and a better sense of what to expect.

ASA was one of the first exclusively surgical groups practicing in Union County, New Jersey. Our dedicated surgeons and experienced staff are committed to spending time with our patients, answering their questions and putting them at ease during a time that can often feel overwhelming. We treat our patients with the utmost in compassionate care, ensuring that any of their needs are addressed promptly. Our surgical services include:

Breast Surgery
Hernia Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Gall Bladder Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
And Many More…

We encourage you to spend time on our website learning more about the different services we offer. In addition, we strongly suggest that your family and friends learn more about the procedures so they can help you every step of the way.

Good luck and we look forward to speaking with you in the near future!