“I’ve been involved in team sports my whole life and always enjoyed being part of a team,” explains Dr. Boxberger.

The team aspect is one of the things that drew Dr. Boxberger to become a General Surgeon. “Performing surgery is very much a team effort,” he says. “Being in the Operating Room and working together with the Scrub Tech, Anesthesia, and the nurses. It all appealed to me.”

Dr. Boxberger admits he took a “different path” to his eventual career in medicine. Originally planning to pursue a career in environmental economics, Dr. Boxberger spent time after graduating college reconnecting with family and working for a non-profit cancer research company in California. He moved to Kansas and worked in hospital administration. Dr. Boxberger respected the care and empathy he witnessed in the physicians.

“It was very inspiring to watch how the physicians connected with their patients when they were fragile and going through a difficult time. I appreciated their dedication and  how much they wanted to help people,” recalls Dr. Boxberger. “It inspired me to go to medical school.”

Dr. Boxberger earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Long School of Medicine in San Antonio. He was drawn surgical care and completed his Residency in General Surgery at Brookwood Baptist Health in Birmingham, Alabama.

“With surgery, I like the instant impact you can have on someone’s life and the disease process,” he explains. “Especially with minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, patients have less pain and an earlier recovery, and that’s important.”

Dr. Boxberger recently joined Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland, TN. He says he and his fiancé Neurologist Laura “Lizzy” Snider, MD, chose East Tennessee. “We wanted a place where we could set down roots and start a family,” smiles Dr. Boxberger. “We love that there are four seasons and the area is growing so fast!”

Dr. Boxberger is eager to start meeting patients and get involved in the community. “There are really good people here. Our surgeons, Drs. Dunn, Wenger, and Worthington are great guys! I’m excited to be part of the Premier Surgical team!”

He looks forward to meeting and caring for surgery patients in East Tennessee.

“I want them to know that my whole reason for being here is for them. I want to take as much time as needed to make sure they’re comfortable with their procedure. When someone is literally putting their life in your hands, it’s important to connect with them and help them understand the process completely.”

Dr. Boxberger is accepting new general surgery patients. To request an appointment with him, call Premier Surgical Cleveland at (423) 472-5423 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/premier-cleveland-appointment-request/.

The post Meet Dr. John Boxberger of Premier Surgical Cleveland first appeared on Premier Surgical.

SRC is an independent, nonprofit patient safety organization that has accredited top healthcare providers worldwide including hospitals, freestanding outpatient facilities, surgeons and medical professionals since 2003. SRC accreditations are unique as they acknowledge both the facility and physicians who deliver exceptional patient care. This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to our patients.

Kenneth Cutshall, MD

John (Trey) Roebertson, III, MD

This accomplishment is a testament to Dr. Cutshall and Dr. Robertson’s steadfast commitment to not only ensuring optimal outcomes and safety, but also delivering an unrivaled patient experience.

What are the requirements of accreditation?

Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery is evaluated based on rigorous and proven standards set by SRC. Accreditation requirements encompass physicians’ surgical expertise and experience, the standardization of clinical pathways, consultative services, equipment and instruments, and patient education.

What should patients know about this accreditation?

Patients can take comfort in knowing that Dr. Cutshall and Dr. Robertson have has received third-party verification for their patient care efforts. SRC’s strict evaluation guidelines prioritize patient safety and continuous quality improvement.

Why would patients prefer an accredited provider over one without accreditation?

SRC accreditation is a clear indicator to patients that Dr. Cutshall and Dr. Robertson are is committed to a higher standard of care. Studies have shown that SRC-accredited providers achieve reduced risk of complications, faster recovery times and better outcomes.

Dr. Kenneth Cutshall and Dr. John (Trey) Robertson, III, are with Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City, TN. They perform procedures at Franklin Woods Hospital, a SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. They also do surgeries at East Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center and Johnson City Medical Center.  

The post Drs. Cutshall and Robertson Earn SRC’s Master Surgeons in Robotic Surgery Accreditation first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Tell us about your hernia and how it came about.

I worked as a Patient Transporter at Parkwest Medical Center for many years, and whenever a nurse or someone had a heavy patient that they needed help with or to lift, I always tried to help. I think what happened was, over those years, I had developed this hernia and didn’t even realize it at first. It wasn’t until I finally retired that, all of a sudden, I noticed it was just hanging out there. And, one day it raised and started to move or open up bigger. When I touched my stomach, it was like somebody had literally stabbed me. I thought, ‘I got to do something about this. I’ve got to make a phone call here and get this taken care of.’

What made you choose Dr. Gibson?

I’ve known Dr. Gibson for probably 15 years. I was very familiar with the Premier Surgical group. I saw how he dealt with his patients. Overall, he really cared for his patients. So, when this came up, there was no doubt in my mind who I was going to call to take care of this for me.

How was your experience with Premier Surgical Surgery Center?

It was a dream. Dr. Gibson told me that instead of doing the procedure at the hospital, they were going to do it at the Premier surgery center. Having worked at the hospital for so long, I knew some of the nurses and staff at the surgery center. Things could not have gone better. That group is so organized. When a patient comes in, you’ve got one nurse checking vials, you’ve got another nurse starting an IV, you have another nurse checking data, things about my background, medicine I might have been, and things like that. They were on top of it the whole way.

What was your recovery like?

Before Dr. Gibson did the procedure, he came over to me and explained everything. He told me that we were going to have to just give it a couple of weeks. Then, I would do a follow-up with him. I followed his advice during that two-week period. I didn’t lift anything heavy. I tried to be careful with moving and things like that, and it just went like clockwork for the healing process. It was just unbelievable. After that two-week period, when I went in to see him for the check-up, I had no pain at all. No issues whatsoever. I like to play golf, and I asked, ‘Can I go out and play golf?’ He said, ‘Yep. You’re doing fine.’

What would you tell people about your care with Dr. Gibson and Premier Surgical Center?

The doctors I’m familiar with there really listen to what the patients are telling them. They make you feel very confident and comfortable knowing that from beginning to end, going in for the procedure and then coming out, everything will be fine. I highly recommend them.

Michael Dunning’s experience with Premier Surgical Center in Knoxville, TN and Dr. William C. Gibson highlights the dedication and expertise our team brings to patient care. Our goal is to ensure that every patient feels confident and well-cared for throughout their treatment journey. If you or a loved one are facing a similar situation, we’re here to help.

For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation with a Premier Surgical surgeon, request a consultation online. 

The post Patient Shares Premier Surgery Center Hernia Surgery Experience first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Meet Dr. C. Schilling Nechtman – a general surgeon with the Premier Surgical at Parkwest Medical Center office in Knoxville, TN

We are thrilled to welcome the newest member to our team of general surgery experts at Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, TN. Dr. C. Schilling Nechtman is a skilled general surgeon specializing in robotic, laparoscopic, and traditional surgical methods. His expertise includes gallbladder removal, hernia repair, colon resection, as well as the treatment of lipomas, soft tissue tumors, and other acute care surgeries. In the following interview, Dr. Nechtman shares insights about his areas of specialization, what drew him to general surgery, and his patient care philosophy.

As a General Surgeon, what types of diseases do you typically treat?

As a general surgeon, I am trained to treat a wide variety of diseases across different areas of the body. My typical procedures would include gallbladder removals, removal of appendices, hernia repairs, whether from a previous abdominal surgery or groin hernias, colon resections, foregut procedures, colorectal procedures including hemorrhoids, as well as thyroid and parathyroid procedures. I also deal with a lot of lumps and bumps, meaning the removal of skin lesions, skin tags, lipomas, and skin cancer.

In which areas do you have a special focus?

I’m broad based in the areas I mentioned. I will say that, as a general surgeon, the vast majority of my referrals are for gallbladders, hernias, and colons with the other procedures I mentioned interspersed.

Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up?  

I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. My family is from north Alabama. We grew up diehard Alabama fans. Pretty much all of my family went to the University of Alabama. I grew up in a very close family. It was my mom, uncles, and cousins. My grandmother and granddad were the matriarch and patriarch of the family, keeping us all together on family vacations, whether that was going to the lake or the beach in Alabama or going on international trips. My grandmother planned and organized a lot of that.

How did you decide to go into medicine?

I grew up in a family of surgeons. My granddad and both my uncles on my mom’s side are surgeons. My dad and granddad on the other side are surgeons. My mom is an anesthesiologist. So, I grew up around medicine. I was kind of raised by it, and I think that obviously influenced me a lot. My brother and I both went into medicine. He’s a neurosurgeon in Birmingham, and I’m a general surgeon here in Knoxville. 

Why did you choose General Surgery as a specialty? 

General surgery was a decision that I made in med school. I had a very big interest in biology and sciences, which, along with my family influence, led me to want to do medicine. I went into med school knowing I wanted to do some kind of surgery, but I wasn’t sure which. As I went through med school, and I started working with the residents day to day, it really kind of snapped in place for me. General surgery has a unique, broad, surgical scope, but also, in residency, training, and practice for general surgery, you get to use a lot of your medical knowledge. So, it provided me with a good balance of being a broad surgical physician and a broad medicine physician. 

Where did you receive your medical training?

I went to University of Alabama for undergrad. My medical school training was at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. After that, I came to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for my surgical residency. 

What is your personal philosophy of patient care? 

I like treating my patients before, during, and after surgery, helping patients with what to expect and keeping them informed through the process. For many patients, it’s their first time ever undergoing a surgical procedure. It can be a daunting situation. I try to let patients know what they’ll go through, what they’ll experience the morning of surgery, and throughout the surgical process including what to expect in the hospital and at home afterwards, because that can be a scary transition in and of itself. I also try to help make sure that patients are in the optimal condition for surgery, whether that means losing weight or getting diabetes under control or whatever else it may be. We want to maximize good outcomes for our patients.

Why did you decide to practice at Premier Surgical in Knoxville?

As I mentioned, I grew up with a family of surgeons in North Alabama. I was familiar with the practice model that Premier has, and that really piqued my interest. It was the combination of a great practice and the ability to be close to my wife’s family in North Knoxville was the driving force in the decision. 

When you’re not at the hospital, what do you like to do?  Hobbies? Special interests? Family time?

I’m married, and I have a two-year-old son. We’ve got a series of animals that we have to take care of. We’ve got two dogs, a cat, an aquarium, a gecko, and three snakes. So, we spend a lot of time taking care of them. In addition to that, we do a lot of gardening in our backyard, growing ornamental plants, herbs, and vegetables. And, of course, we spend a lot of time with our two-year-old. 

We are very excited to have Dr. Nechtman aboard. If you have a concern involving Acid Reflux, General & Laparoscopic Surgery, Hernia Repair, Hemorrhoid, Gallbladder Removal, Melanoma & other Skin Cancers, or Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery, 

Dr. Nechtman is accepting new patients. Call the Premier Surgical office at Parkwest Associates in Knoxville at (865) 690-5263 or request an appointment online.

The post Meet Dr. C. Schilling Nechtman – a general surgeon with the Premier Surgical at Parkwest Medical Center office in Knoxville, TN first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Mike and Amy visited Kenneth Reese, MD, an internal medicine specialist in Knoxville. Dr. Reese ordered ultrasounds and made Mike an appointment with a vascular surgeon for consultation. The couple went to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in downtown Knoxville for the ultrasounds and were told to head straight to the emergency room to wait for the results.

The Danger of Blood Clots

It was more serious than they originally thought – the ultrasounds revealed multiple blood clots in Mike’s right leg. The blockages were preventing blood flow to the leg and foot. At Fort Sanders Regional Premier Surgical Vascular Surgeon Maksim Gusev, MD, immediately performed emergency surgery to prevent the blood clots from moving to his brain or heart and to establish blood flow to the right foot.

Dr. Gusev says, “Mr. Campbell presented with excruciating pain and motor weakness in his right foot, which had mild sensory weakness and no pulse. His left foot and the rest of his vasculature was normal.”

Because Mike is a smoker, he is predisposed to forming blood clots, which in his case occurred behind the knee. Dr. Gusev explains that the clots were blocking blood flow to the lower extremity and his right foot, causing numbness, pain and a gray color.

“The patient had profound neuro motor deficits, meaning the nerves and muscles were affected by the lack of oxygen. I performed an emergent revascularization to reestablish blood flow to his foot.” Dr. Gusev used an endovascular approach, which means he accessed the clots from within the blood vessels. The surgery allowed Dr. Gusev to remove the clots and clear out Mike’s arteries, opening up the narrowed areas to reestablish blood flow.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Helps Patient Avoid Amputation

“The nurse called me every hour with an update,” says Amy. “Finally, after the surgery was done, Dr. Gusev called me himself to give me the report that everything went well, but my husband needed to stay overnight for observation and healing.”

Mike spent one night in the intensive care unit at Fort Sanders Regional for observation. Dr. Gusev confirms immediate surgical intervention saved Mike’s foot from being amputated.

“My husband is a mechanic and works 10 to 12-hour days,” Amy says. “An amputation would have taken him out of work.”

“At Fort Sanders Regional, we have cutting-edge technology that is always changing and allowing us to treat the patient with minimally invasive intervention. This reduces complications and shortens recovery time and reduces pain during recovery,” says Dr. Gusev.

Dr. Gusev made an incision for one needle access point in the groin and then two incisions in the calf muscle to “let it breathe.” The two skin fascia incisions along Mike’s calf allowed for temporary swelling after injury. Dr. Gusev says, “The muscles in his foot were starved of oxygen for several days. When fresh blood and oxygen flood back in, the area swells up. We had to make room for this temporary swelling or else the nerves can suffocate and die afterward.”

The Campbells are from Florida and are fans of the University of Florida and its mascot, the Gator. Mike has a gator tattoo on his leg, right in the place where the incisions were made. Dr. Gusev ended up having to make an incision between the gator’s eyes and teeth, and later told his patient, “I did my best to keep the head intact, but your alligator now has crooked teeth!”

Mike was discharged to go home and instructed to rest for several days before returning to work. He had two follow-up appointments and is feeling great.

An Important First Step for Preventing Blood Clots

Dr. Gusev’s advice for preventing blood clots in adults? Quit smoking. He says, “People who smoke are predisposed to forming these clots, so my first recommendation is smoking cessation. If you cannot quit, then reducing tobacco use is advised. It’s also important to have frequent checkups and to know what to do if symptoms of blood vessel abnormality arise, like not being able to find your pulse in your foot.”

The Campbells are so thankful for the expert care they received at the hospital and would recommend it to any of their friends. “Dr. Gusev was amazing,” Amy says. “He was on top of things He has a great bedside manner and was very knowledgeable about everything that was happening. He saved Mike’s foot.”

Dr. Maksim Gusev is a Vascular Surgeon with Premier Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville, TN. To request an appointment with Dr. Gusev call (865) 588-8229 or visit https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/book-online/

The post Quick Vascular Intervention Saves Knox Man’s Foot first appeared on Premier Surgical.

She went to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and was eventually admitted to the hospital with an infection in her abdomen tissue caused by an abscess that perforated and leaked. The infection was life-threatening, as it could have led to sepsis. Parlon needed emergency surgery and additional testing. After surgery, she qualified for a new program called Advanced Care at Home that allows patients with certain conditions to receive hospital-level care at home instead of at a facility.

Surgery at Fort Sanders Regional

Parlon’s surgery was performed by Premier Surgical colorectal surgeon Sung Lee, MD, at Fort Sanders Regional. He says his patient suffered from several comorbidities and needed a drain for her abscess. After further testing, Parlon was also diagnosed with diverticulitis.

Dr. Lee performed dual procedures called a colectomy and a colostomy. A colectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a diseased or damaged part of the colon. A colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings the side of the colon up to an opening in the abdomen so that a patient can use an ostomy bag.

Parlon stayed in the hospital for several days after surgery. Dr. Lee says, “Soon after the operation, Parlon was eating, drinking and walking. She was eligible to receive the rest of her care in her home.”

Parlon qualified for a program called Advanced Care at Home which allows patients with certain conditions to receive hospital-level care at home instead of at a facility. Thanks to this innovative program, she continued her IV medications, received 24/7 virtual monitoring and had visits several times a day from in-home practitioners.

Advanced Care at Home

With Advanced Care at Home, Covenant Health physicians and nurses can monitor patients in their homes from a virtual care command center that operates 24 hours a day. Before a patient enters the program, the virtual care team determines whether there are adequate home resources such as a stable residence, water and electricity, and an overall support system.

A team of healthcare professionals then sets up an at-home technology kit along with any medical supplies needed. This is arranged with the patient’s caregiver and completed before the patient arrives home from the hospital. While the patient is receiving care and monitoring by nurses and doctors, couriers will deliver medications and pick up bloodwork.

Dr. Lee says, “After a major surgery, we wanted to make sure she felt good. She was a good candidate for this program since she needed a few more days on IV antibiotics. By healing at home, her loved ones could come visit her where it was more comfortable and convenient.”

Healing at Home

“I just so appreciate what a good team they are,” Parlon says about Advanced Care at home. “They have some really good people who are extremely qualified, and the nurse was on-call 24/7.”

She says, “Anyone who visited me, they explained everything and how it would work. When they first told me about the program, I didn’t quite understand, but once they got me home, I saw the set-up. You really are getting the same type of care, but have the privilege of wearing your own clothes and getting in your own bed.

“All the paramedics are well-educated and trained. I did a video conference daily with my doctor and the nurses. Morning or night, I could call anytime,” she says,, noting that the paramedics were on time for their appointments and treated her with compassion. “I did have to go back and forth to the hospital for tests and scans; they picked me up and brought me home each time and got me situated.”

Compassionate Care

Parlon would have spent many more days in the hospital if not for Advanced Care at Home. “I have a beautiful home that looks out over the lake. It was nice to be home and move around, and visit with family,” she says. Parlon calls the program “a godsend” and hopes to use it again if she ever needs additional care.

 For more information about Advanced Care at Home, visit CovenantHealth.com/ACH.

The post Care at Home Program Helps Knox Woman After Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Sung Lee fell in love with school after moving to the United States from South Korea. He taught himself English and immersed himself in education. Twenty-two years later, he’s helping patients with colon and rectal cancer overcome their illnesses. He went into the field to increase the number of rectal cancer physicians. As a result, he’s treating patients and has helped create a premier rectal cancer program at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?

The achievement that stands out the most is completing residency and fellowship training, and now I have a dream job providing surgical care to colon and rectal cancer patients. The best part is getting to cure people of cancer.

What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?

The greatest professional obstacle at this point is work-life balance, it is easy to keep working. I try to remember what is most important in my life and it continues to be a work in progress.

What will you focus on in 2024?

In 2024, I will continue to improve my skills as a surgeon to better serve patients.

What is your biggest professional dream?

My biggest professional dream is to be a surgeon, and now that I am doing that, my biggest dream now is to continue to shape myself to be the best surgeon I can be, to provide the best care possible.

What mistake did you learn the most from?

My biggest mistake is thinking that I can always do more. I am learning that I need to have a boundary to provide the optimal care to my patients, family and myself.

What motivates you?

I approach every patient I meet as though they are a family member, to care for them as well as I would want my family member to be treated. That perspective motivates me to provide the best care, carefully consider the best recommendations for them and carry out the care to the best of my ability, always bettering my skills and knowledge.

What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?

As a general surgery resident, they tell you if you’re not on-call 24/7, then you’re missing half of your cases. But, obviously, without work-life balance I am not able to provide good care or be a balanced person. Don’t get me wrong, we worked a lot in residency — it’s called residency for a reason.

What trait do you most want in a co-worker?

A reliable, hard-working person who takes responsibility to care for the patient and gets the job done well.

What about Knoxville would you like to improve?

I love Knoxville, except the allergies, but I don’t think we can improve that, unless you’re God. Also, we love to travel, so more direct flight options would be nice.

What don’t people know about you?

I wasn’t a good student when I was young, I wasn’t planning to go to college. I was especially not good at English in Korea. My reasoning behind not learning English was that I would not use it in the future. Little did I know, I am now married to Cameron (a Southern, American, English speaking girl) and settled in Knoxville, Tennessee. When I moved to the States from South Korea at 16 years of age, things changed — I actually started to enjoy studying. Starting from (English as a second language) classes, I stayed in school and eventually finished 26th grade two years ago (four years undergrad, four years medical school, five years residency, one year fellowship).

• Family: Wife Cameron Lee; son Isaiah Lee; father Hyun Sik Lee; mother Jung Hye Lee
• Years worked at Premier Surgical Associates: Two
• Degrees and certifications: Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular science genetics from the University of Georgia; M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia; Board Certified General Surgeon; Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Community involvement: Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Rectal Cancer Tumor Board; part of National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer

Dr. Sung Lee is a Colorectal Surgeon with Premier Surgical Associates at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. To request an appointment with Dr. Lee, call (865) 524-3695 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-an-appointment/

The post KnoxBiz.com 40 Under 40 Class of 2023: Dr. Sung Lee Fulfills His Dream of Treating Cancer Patients first appeared on Premier Surgical.

For Caitlin Peterson of Knoxville, 32, eating had become nearly impossible last year. She suffered from severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and threw up every day.

Caitlin can now eat normally after Dr. Michael Antiporda treated her with robotic-assisted GERD surgery.

“I lost almost 90 pounds,” she said. “I was vomiting multiple times a day and my body was rejecting meat. I was pretty much eating pizza and ice cream and that was it,” said Peterson. “It was not an eating disorder. People could see I was physically trying to eat, and it would come back up.”

Peterson’s GERD was caused by a severe hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the opening (called the hiatus) in the diaphragm, a large muscle that separates the abdomen and chest cavities.

A small hiatal hernia isn’t usually a problem, but a large one can let food flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn, reflux, vomiting and chest pain.

“I had the hernia and a lot of reflux for over 10 years, but it had always been smaller,” said Peterson. With time and the usual strains of life from coughing, having a bowel movement or vomiting, it had enlarged. “Also, I have always thrown up a lot. I learned at a young age how to deal with it. I always know where the bathrooms are,” she said.

Anxious for relief, in March 2023 Peterson went to see Premier Surgical general surgeon Michael Antiporda,  MD, who is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive esophageal and stomach surgery. He conducted several tests to confirm her diagnosis of hiatal hernia and GERD, and evaluate the overall function of her esophagus and stomach. The tests also helped him determine the best anti-reflux operation for her particular case.

Dr. Michael Antiporda, Foregut Surgeon

“I’m glad I went through the testing because it led to a different type of surgery,” Peterson said. “I had the TIF procedure. I’m an IT manager, so I love the idea of having a type of surgery that’s the latest and greatest in technology.”

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a reconstruction of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus using an endoscope and without extra incisions. The procedure is done through the mouth and esophagus. The top tissues of the stomach (the fundus) are used to re-create a valve by folding the tissue over and essentially wrapping it around the esophagus in a uniform and ideal fashion.

At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Dr. Antiporda used a state-of the-art robotic surgical suite to perform Peterson’s surgery.

While viewing 3D, high-resolution images on a computer screen, Dr. Antiporda used micro-surgical instruments powered by robotic arm technology. “For Caitlin, we took advantage of the most technologically advanced procedures available,” he said. “We were able to conduct a minimally invasive procedure to construct an anti-reflux valve for her that is more uniform and better able to consistently stop her reflux.”

Peterson spent one night at the hospital and went back to her work-from home job as an IT project manager after just one day off work.

“My experience at Fort Sanders Regional was great,” she said. “Everyone was very nice. They want you to feel comfortable. My dad took me to the hospital, and he couldn’t believe how fast it all was.”

Recovery involved a month of liquid foods before Peterson could swallow well again. She also had a follow-up noninvasive procedure in July to adjust the tightness of her new valve, a step that is occasionally performed after definitive anti-reflux surgery.

“Ever since then everything’s been perfect,” she said. “I’ve gained 15 pounds back. I feel like I have more energy, and I’ve got a good sleep schedule now. It definitely has affected my life! I’m not afraid to go out to eat because I might get sick. I’m not afraid to do a long road trip.”

Dr. Antiporda stressed that persistent GERD should always be evaluated thoroughly. “The most important thing is to meet with a specialist with extensive experience treating conditions of the esophagus or stomach, either a gastroenterologist or a foregut surgeon, because treatment can be complex,” he said. (A foregut surgeon specializes in the anterior part of the digestive tract.)

“There are options besides pills that are extremely effective for treating GERD. If we don’t treat it, reflux can increase the chances of esophageal cancer. There are many options for such treatments at Fort Sanders Regional.”

Peterson said she would recommend Fort Sanders Regional and Dr. Antiporda to anyone who needs a similar surgery. “He spends time with you. He truly cares for his patients.

“I’m very “I’m very happy with everything Dr. Antiporda did for me, and everyone at Fort Sanders Regional was super nice. It was great care. Now I’m able to eat anything I want, as often as I want!”

For more information about surgical options for treating GERD, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/specialties/acid-reflux-relief/ Dr. Michael Antiporda specializes in GERD and fore-gut surgery. He is located at the Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional office in Knoxville.To request an appointment with Dr. Antiporda call (865) 524-3695 or visit: https://www.premiersurgical.com/fort-sanders-appointment-request/

The post No More Reflux: Knox Woman’s GERD Relieved by Robotic-assisted Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

“The first time I ever scrubbed in with him was the most nervous I’ve ever been while operating. My hands were shaking,” Michael remembers. ”I wanted Dad to be proud.”

That simple hernia repair marked the first time Michael and his father Kenneth shared an operating room together. It was the culmination of the young Dr. Cutshall’s dream.

General Surgeons Dr. Ken and Dr. Michael Cutshall

“When I decided to become a general surgeon, my dream was to move back home and work with my father.”

Dr. Michael Cutshall recently returned to his hometown of Johnson City, TN, to join  Premier Surgical Lawson Group, his father, Dr. Ken Cutshall’s medical practice.

While the senior Cutshall is delighted to have Michael follow in his footsteps, he didn’t want him to feel obligated to become a surgeon.

“When he said he was going into surgery, I said ‘Are you sure?”, explains Ken. “I told him, make sure you pick something that makes it fun going to work every day. Don’t pick a career for any other reason than you enjoy doing it.”

Michael says seeing his father’s love of medicine influenced his own decision to go into medicine.  “It was definitely a driving factor. I would visit my dad’s office as a kid and remember him genuinely enjoying his work.”

The father and son’s personal and professional lives share several parallels.

Dr. Michael and Dr. Ken Custshall scrub in together on a case.

“We’ve had a similar path,” says Michael. “I went to the same medical school as my father, my wife is a nurse and worked at the same children’s hospital that my mother did while I was in medical school, and our two sons were born while I was in residency like my brother and I were when Dad was a resident.”

The pair has enjoyed teaming up on cases and sharing surgical techniques. Michael says he’s also learned some important life skills from his dad.  “He raised me to treat everyone with respect, and now I’m seeing firsthand how he works with the OR team and how much they enjoy working with him.”

The senior Dr. Cutshall says he’s also learning new surgery methods from Michael. The  first time operating with his son was an exciting milestone. “It was awesome! It was the first time I’ve ever had anyone in the OR say, ‘Hey, Dad!’ That was pretty cool.”

Drs. Ken and Michael Cutshall are general surgeons with Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City, TN. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Cutshall or one of their partners, please call (423) 975-5650.

The post A Cutshall Family Affair: General Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids – a term that can evoke a sense of discomfort just by its mere mention. They’re a common health issue that millions of people deal with at some point in their lives. However, due to the stigma and embarrassment associated with this condition, many individuals lack the necessary knowledge about hemorrhoids. This lack of awareness can sometimes lead to a delay in treatment, thereby complicating the condition. In this article, the team at Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Knoxville, TN, aims to help you understand hemorrhoids, their causes, symptoms, and various treatment options.

What are Hemorrhoids? 

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. They can either be internal, occurring inside the rectum, or external, developing under the skin around the anus.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids:

• Straining during bowel movements: This is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. Continuous straining puts pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to swelling.
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea: These conditions can result in increased straining during bowel movements, promoting the development of hemorrhoids.
• Age: Hemorrhoids are more common in individuals who are aged 45 and older due to the weakening of the tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids due to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the rectal veins.
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle: These factors increase the risk of hemorrhoids due to the additional pressure on the pelvic veins.

 Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can manifest a range of symptoms. These can include: 

• Itching or irritation in your anal region
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling around your anus
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• A lump near your anus, which may be sensitive or painful

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

Thankfully, hemorrhoids are generally not serious and are treatable. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. For milder cases, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and over-the-counter remedies can effectively treat hemorrhoids. This can include high-fiber diets, increased water intake, regular exercise, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. 

However, for persistent or more severe cases medical treatment such as Infrared Coagulation may be recommended for long term relief. 

Infrared Coagulation (IRC): This non-invasive procedure uses infrared light to cause small, bleeding, internal hemorrhoids to harden and shrivel. The Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center specializes in IRC. It is effective in eliminating more than 90 percent of troublesome hemorrhoids. IRC is covered by most insurance plans.

We are the only dedicated hemorrhoid treatment center in the southeastern region.  Our skilled and compassionate professionals prioritize your comfort and privacy, offering top-notch treatment options, including the minimally invasive IRC method. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, don’t let discomfort or embarrassment hold you back from seeking help. Contact our Confidential Hemorrhoid Hotline at (865) 588-9952 or submit our PREMIER HEMORRHOID CENTER APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards eliminating your hemorrhoids for good.

With our help, you can regain your comfort and peace of mind. Remember, there’s no shame in having hemorrhoids, but there’s a great deal of victory in overcoming them!

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