First non-invasive bariatric procedure performed in Eastern United States

Bariatric Surgeon Performs the First StomaphyX Procedure in the Eastern U.S. at Munroe Regional

Ocala, FL – On June 13, Dr. Todd Overcash of the Florida Bariatric Center performed the first NOTES (Natural Orifice Transesophageal Surgery) procedure at Munroe Regional Medical Center, a Bariatric Center of Excellence.  This procedure featured an endoluminal gastric pouch reduction and an endoluminal gastric sleeve procedure.  

"The StomaphyX™ procedure represents a step forward in providing, less invasive solutions to the complex issue of weight management and control," said Michael Wesolowski, Vice President of Operations at Munroe Regional Medical Center.  "It offers patients another alternative to consider in the array of options before them.  Munroe Regional Medical Center is proud to be the only hospital in the Southeast providing this service to our community."

Dr. Overcash is one of the original four surgeons in the United States trained to perform this state-of-the-art procedure and the first in the Eastern United States.  The procedure uses the StomaphyX™ device, which allows the surgeon to perform the procedure without any external or internal incisions.  It is available for individuals who have had previous gastric bypass surgery and who are regaining weight and those who want an alternative to invasive weight loss surgery.  In most cases, the StomaphyX™ procedure is performed as outpatient surgery. 

The benefits of this procedure include: 

• Less clinical risk because there is no need for surgical incisions.
• Enables the surgeon to reduce the size of the stomach.
• Preserves future treatment options.
• Essentially no pain for the patients.
• Faster recovery than with open/laparoscopic procedures.

"The StomaphyX™ allows me, as a surgeon, to offer patients the most comprehensive weight loss options in the country," said Dr. Todd Overcash.  "This is the most affordable weight loss surgery available, the least invasive, and has the lowest risk of complications.  There is essentially limited recovery time for the patient, which allows the patient to return to their daily activities and work environment, typically on the same day." 

For further information on the StomaphyX™ procedure please contact Munroe Regional Medical Center’s Health Resource Line at 352-867-8181 or visit www.MunroeRegional.com and click on the StomaphyX™ banner.

Munroe Regional Medical Center, a Bariatric Center of Excellence, is located in the heart of North Central Florida.  Munroe Regional is a 421-bed not-for-profit acute care hospital whose mission is to continually meet the changing health needs of the community through caring, patient-centered services of the highest quality.  

Munroe is located at 1500 SW 1^st Ave, Ocala, Florida.  

-www.MunroeRegional.com-