Immediate Release

Innovative procedure performed, taught at Parkland

DALLAS- Parkland is one of only three hospitals in the nation performing and teaching an innovative laparoscopic gallbladder removal procedure. The procedure, performed by Dr. Homero Rivas at Parkland's Simmons Ambulatory Surgery Center, removes the gallbladder using a single incision in the patient's navel, lasts only 45 minutes and leaves no visible scar. "The fairly new procedure marks a significant advance in minimally invasive techniques. Doctors have been working for the past 20 years to develop procedures that are less risky and more cost effective. The gallbladder procedure achieves both," said Dr. Rivas.       In addition to the cosmetic value of leaving no visible scar, this outpatient procedure also results in potentially less pain for the patient. This means faster healing, allowing the patient to get back to their day-to-day life sooner. While there are a handful of facilities that perform the procedure, Parkland is one of only three hospitals in the U.S. teaching other physicians how to perform it. In the past 18 months, more than 50 surgeons from across the country traveled to Parkland to train under Dr. Rivas. He has traveled as far as Europe and Asia to teach others this innovative procedure. On May 15, a gallbladder removal was broadcast from the Simmons Ambulatory Surgery Center to Rome, Italy, via satellite to educate surgeons in Europe.

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For Further Information Contact: Robert Behrens 214.590.8054