Archive for the ‘surgery’ Category

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Another patient exclaims how happy she was with her surgical experience

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Upon Susan’s post operative visit at our office last week, she exclaimed how surprised she was that her surgery went as smoothly and quickly as it did.  Our patient, Susan, explained that people had warned her that having a hysterectomy would be traumatic and would subsequently, keep her out of work for six weeks or longer.  However, after she underwent a Laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy performed by Dr. Anthony Quartell, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., less than two weeks ago, she stated that those people were wrong.  Delighted that she was up and about so quickly and feeling wonderful, Susan indicated that she would highly recommend having a hysterectomy done laparoscopically  by Dr. Anthony Quartell.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Essex County, Morris County, Passaic County, Hudson County and surrounding areas.

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Follow up is an important step toward good health.

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Although many patients are good about making preventive care appointments and problem appointments when they have concerns or issues to address, they often fall short on the follow up step for further testing or evaluation as per their healthcare provider’s instructions.  For example, if a patient comes to the physician complaining of chronic pelvic pain and the physician orders a gynecological ultrasound as part of the diagnostic process and after discussing those results the patient is instructed to return in 3 months for a follow up scan, it is expected that the patient will make that appointment.  However, many times upon reviewing patient files, our nurses will find that the patient has yet to be re-tested and consequently, the nurses will call the patient several times or even as a last effort to remind the patient of her duty to take care of herself first- which is a difficult thing to do for many women who are mothers, wives, daughters, sisters first, our nurses will even send out letters to urge the patient to follow up on her own health care.  Our providers and nurses  do not stop until they have exhausted every effort to get the patient to follow up on her own health needs.  In this busy day and age when many women are stretched thin already, it seems harder to find time to follow up on their own health needs but putting it off can only have negative consequences for everyone close to them.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves the areas of Morris, Essex, Passaic, Hudson counties and surrounding areas.

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Sometimes surgery is a last resort

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Our patient Robyn who is in her forties came to see Dr. Anthony Quartell to discuss her options in dealing with the  fibroid uterus that has been becoming increasingly larger and more uncomfortable over a period of  about 5 years.  Tired of the chronic problems with pain and bleeding, she explains that it is hard for her to even leave the house lately because she does not know what kind of a day it will be.   The pain, along with increased urinary tract infections and increased bleeding have taken a toll on her ability to work, perform much of her regular daily activities and on her sex life.  Consequently, Robyn was ready for a thorough evaluation and subsequent recommendation for alleviating these ailments.

After a thorough exam in our office and subsequent ultrasound testing, Dr. Quartell explained to the patient her options which included performing a laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy.  Prior to undergoing this surgery, Robyn could start Lupron Injection therapy for three months to attempt to decrease the size of the fibroids.  If this is successful, she could opt out of undergoing surgery altogether while her condition is monitored closely by her referring gynecologist, or it would at the very least, decrease the size of the fibroid enough to ensure a less difficult surgery if that is ultimately the path the patient choses to take.

After evaluating and comparing  the risks and side effects of lupron to  the last resort option of surgery, the patient chose to try the lupron therapy prior to surgery.  She is currently mid way through the therapy and is doing well so far.  After the three month period passes she will be re-examined and depending on the outcome she will decide if she would still like to pursue surgery as a final option.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves the tri state areas which include Northern New Jersey and surrounding areas.

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Patient insisted that she did not want to be “cut open”..

Monday, February 6th, 2012

At the time of her post operative appointment, seven business days from the time of her laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (lsh) performed by Dr. Anthony Quartell at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, our patient Priscilla indicated that she was delighted by how well the entire surgical experience went.  As happy as she was with Dr. Quartell’s “bedside manners” and surgical expertise, Priscilla added that she was very happy with our entire staff, most specifically with Marion (RN) and Helga (Benefits Coordinator)  for all of the help they gave her.

Priscilla explained that over a three year period, her own gynecologist encouraged her to have a traditional hysterectomy to eliminate her chronic bleeding and pelvic/ lower back pain caused by an enlarged fibroid uterus, however; she insisted on holding out because she did not want to be cut open after having three previous cesarean sections.  She also explained that she could not afford to take the required amount of time off from her job that comes with the traditional open hysterectomy.  Therefore, her gynecologist ordered an ultrasound every six months to watch the growth of her uterine fibroid followed by a failed uteriro artery embolization.

However, once the embolization failed, her gynecologist referred her to Dr. Anthony Quartell for a laparoscopic hysterectomy.  Priscilla indicated that although she wanted the surgery to be performed by laparoscope, Dr. Quartell did warn her that there would be a chance it could not be done laparoscopically depending on what he would find at the time of surgery.  Subsequently, Priscilla relayed that she was delighted to find out when she woke after the surgery that Dr. Quartell was able to perform the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy without any complications.  Priscilla was elated to discover that her cervix, tubes and ovaries all remained in tact, she was released from the hospital in less than 24 hours and was out and about almost immediately.

As a young, vivacious and energetic single mom of three who works full time, Priscilla was grateful to Dr. Quartell and her own gynecologist for taking her needs into consideration and providing her with the best outcome possible.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves the areas of Livingston, N.J., Short Hills, N.J., Maplewood, N.J., West Orange, N.J, E. Hanover, N.J., West Caldwell, N.J. and surrounding areas.

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Patient with a 19 week size uterus feels great after 4 hours of surgery

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

One week after Linda’s surgery, she boasted at her post operative visit  how great she felt and was still amazed how well the surgery went.  This patient had been experiencing chronic bleeding and pelvic pain  for months before her regular gynecologist referred her to see Dr. Anthony Quartell for an evaluation.  Upon examining the patient, Dr. Quartell found a large fibroid and ovarian cyst that comprised her 19 week size uterus.  Dr. Quartell recommended a Laparoscopic Supra cervical hysterectomy with the possibility of laparotomy depending on the outcome of Laparoscopic exam.  Subsequent to this, upon inspection through the  laparoscope, it was decided that she should undergo a subtotal abdominal hysterectomy instead.  The patient gave consent and underwent an extensive surgery that included secondary surgical treatment during the same operative session without incident.   Although most hysterectomy cases can be performed laparoscopically, Dr. Quartell does not take chances when it is not the absolute clearest path to take.  His surgical skills are vast and competent enough to adapt to any situation and treat it most beneficial to the patient.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves the Tri state area, including Essex, Morris, Hudson, Passaic, Bergen counties in New Jersey to South Jersey and even New York.

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Patient thanks Dr. Quartell for making her quality of living better!

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Seen in our office for a post operative visit, Dr. Quartell’s patient Linda reflected on the discomfort and pain she had experienced during the last year because of a large fibroid and perpetual bleeding ” It was awful.  I bled all the time, had no energy and was uncomfortable to the point of actually feeling pain”.  She explained that she has felt 100% better since her surgery performed earlier in the month.  Dr. Quartell had removed her uterus which contained a large fibroid through laparoscopic surgery, leaving her cervix in tact (laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy).  At her recent visit, she relayed that she had gone back to work already and would even be returning to the gym this week.  Most patients react similar to Linda once they have had the surgery and in fact, we have not heard of any negative responses from our patients to this surgery at all.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston, Millburn, West Orange and surrounding areas.

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Patient was amazed at her quick recovery from her Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Monday, December 5th, 2011

On Friday of this past week, a patient seen for her post operative appointment revealed to the staff of Dr. Anthony C. Quartell that she was amazed at her quick recovery from the Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Dr. Quartell performed on her the week before.  “I don’t even feel as though I had surgery.  I plan on going back to work Monday and I have already gone shopping.  Dr. Quartell is the best!” 

This patient had a large fibroid that had caused her much discomfort and bleeding and consequently, she was referred to Dr. Quartell by her regular gynecologist to discuss the benefits of undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy as opposed to the traditional open method.  Prior to her exam, the patient was not sure whether she wanted the surgery despite her gynecologist’s advice, however; at her appointment last Friday she claimed she could not believe she hesitated at all.  “If I had known the surgery would go so well and I would recover so quickly, I never would have hesitated. I knew that most women who had hysterectomies spent several days in the hospital and were not supposed to drive or return to work for weeks and I knew I could not do that.  I have two young kids and a job so I could not risk being out so long, but after having the laparoscopic hysterectomy I was able to do everything pretty much right away.”

Anthony C. Quartell, MD serves the Northern New Jersey areas comprised of Essex, Morris, Union, Passaic, Hudson and Sussex Counties.

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Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Monday, November 28th, 2011

At the 11/5/11 Saint Barnabas Ob/gyn department seminar on Advanced Gynecologic Surgery; The Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, which was coordinated by Anthony C. Quartell, MD and the Ob/gyn department staff, Dr. Quartell’s objectives included the need to examine the rationale for the choice of laparoscopic hysterectomy, to compare the potential advantages of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (lsh), abdominal hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy, to identify the indications and contraindications for LSH and finally, to describe the surgical technique for performing laparoscopic hysterectomy.  The response to this topic was received extremely well by an audience comprised of more than 80 physicians from all over the state of New Jersey.  These highly skilled physicians and surgeons  showed great  interest in The Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and its many benefits to the female population they treat.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD serves the areas of Livingston, N.J., Florham Park, N.J, East Hanover, N.J., Whippany, N.J. and surrounding areas.

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Quality of Life is significantly better for LSH patients

Monday, November 21st, 2011

As part of the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Department of Ob/gyn and Dr. Anthony Quartell’s  Advanced Gynecologic Surgery symposium on November 5, 2011 at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, a comparative study of Laparascopic Supra Cervical Hysterectomies versus the Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy revealed that post op quality of life for the Laparoscopic supra cervical approach is significantly higher than that of the total  approach.  The quality of life indexes include physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional and mental health. (Einarsson, et.al. 2011, AJOG).  This study included 122 women undergoing LSH (comprised of 71 TLH and 51 LSH patients) for benign disease during the period of February 2008- January 2010).  Anthony C. Quartell, MD was the Course Director and described to an audience consisting of more than 80 physicians the benefits of the laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy compared to  the other types of hysterectomies currently being performed.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD serves the essex county, morris county , union county, passaic county, hudson county and surrounding areas.

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The Laparoscopic Approach

Monday, November 14th, 2011

When comparing laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy outcomes, physicians and patients applaud the advantages of the laparoscopic approach over the abdominal approach.  Some reasons for this include a shorter hospital stay, reduced post-operative pain and a decreased need for narcotics, a quicker return to work and to normal physical activities, an improved cosmesis and reduced wound complications associated with large scars, a signicantly lower wound infection rate and finally, the magnification of anatomy and pathology.  In addition, there is a cost benefit to this approach as well.  The shorter hospital stay and decreased nosocomial infections rate contributes to the hospital cost savings and the decreased need for disability and sick leave lend to the employer cost savings.  Compared to the 6 week recovery period for the total abdominal hysterectomy, the laparoscopic approach typically enables the patient to return to work within one week of surgery thereby, forgoing the need for extended time off.  Finally,  the shorter recovery period requires minimal replacement of child care and/or household services during recovery than the six week period of required recovery for the abdominal hysterectomy.

These are some benefits to this approach, which is why Dr. Anthony Quartell started performing these surgeries more than 5 years ago, before most physicians even comtemplated performing this method of hysterectomy.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates is the Director of Minimally
Invasive Gynecological Surgery at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J and he  serves the tri state area including Livingston, N.J., Short Hills, N.J., West Orange, N.J., Millburn, N.J. and surrounding areas.

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