Home > Media Relations > Mercy News Archive

Media Relations: Mercy News Archive

(Left to Right) Drs. Kelly Alexander and Thomas J. Swope of The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mercy.

Dr. Thomas J. Swope, Director, The Center For Minimally Invasive Surgery At Mercy, Addresses Issue of Single Incision Surgery

Recently, The Baltimore Sun explored the topic of laparoscopic surgery, in particular, SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery). Dr. Thomas J. Swope, the first in Maryland to perform SILS cholecystectomy, is now providing instruction at Mercy to physicians throughout the mid-Atlantic region in this technique. Dr. Swope recently responded to The Sun’s article with this letter, detailing the rise of laparoscopic surgery nationwide and its importance to patients who are seeking surgical options that are less invasive, result in a faster recovery and superior cosmetic result:

From Thomas J. Swope, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Director
The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mercy

Dear Editor:

Stephanie Desmon’s recent feature [Jan. 25, 2009], “Minimal Surgery Becomes More Common” did an exemplary job in examining the multiple facets of what has become a national issue—advances in minimally invasive surgery.

As Director of The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery At Mercy Medical Center, I deal daily with patients who are unaware of the surgical options available to them, such as open surgery, multiple incision laparoscopic surgery, and now single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), the fastest growing minimally invasive surgical technique in the U.S.

For gallbladder removal, I tell my patients I will start with one nearly scarless incision in the belly button. If needed, occasionally I will add extra incisions to finish the operation, but still do it laparoscopically. Rarely, I may need to convert to traditional surgery with a 6-inch incision. SILS is the newest laparoscopic techniques and adds an extra level of minimally invasive surgery to traditional 4-incision laparoscopic surgery, essentially rendering it scarless. It is a nice starting point for most elective gallbladder surgeries and can be successfully performed 95% of the time in experienced hands.

I will ask patients, “Would you want a six-inch incision, as in traditional surgery, four very small incisions, or just one incision hidden in the belly button?” The answer is always the same—SILS. As Ms. Desmon’s article noted, laparoscopic patients experience less pain, a faster recovery and a superior cosmetic result.

The biggest challenge for patients is to find physicians who are properly trained and experienced in this field of surgery. Currently there are only four major centers offering such training—Boston, North Carolina, Tampa, and Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. As first in the state to perform SILS cholecystectomy, I am actively involved in training surgeons in this new technique.

There are now many clinical studies that reveal the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery. There are a number of trials and studies underway regarding SILS which we expect will verify what minimally invasive surgeons nationwide are experiencing on a daily basis—SILS is another tool we can use, another option for patients who want pain, a nearly scarless incision, and a swift return to their daily lives.

Many thanks to the Baltimore Sun for helping raise this issue, as education remains an important weapon for health care professionals in the fight against disease.

Sincerely,
Thomas J. Swope, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Director
The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Mercy Medical Center
Baltimore, MD

About Thomas Swope, M.D., Director, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Thomas Swope, M.D., Director of The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mercy, performs advanced laparoscopic procedures, including single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). Dr. Swope received his medical degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He completed his post-graduate training in General Surgery at the St. Louis University Health Sciences Center with an emphasis on Laparoscopic Surgery. Board Certified in General Surgery from the National Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Swope is a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Committed to clinical education, Dr. Swope is an instructor in the Department of General Surgery at the University of Maryland. He has authored numerous publications and has lectured on minimally invasive procedures.Dr. Swope is a member of the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Maryland State Medical Society. Dr. Swope consistently is voted one of the “Top Doctors in America” as featured in Guide to Top Doctors from 2003 - 2008.

Link to Baltimore Sun story:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.surgery25jan25,0,5530468.story