Bariatric Surgery Expands to LVH–Dickson City

As a part of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s ongoing efforts to provide leading-edge care and services throughout the region, robotic bariatric surgery became available to the Dickson City/Scranton community in January.

Individuals are seen at LVPG General and Bariatric Surgery–Scranton (300 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton), and surgeries take place at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Dickson City.

“Obesity is a huge epidemic in just about every community, and bariatric surgery remains one of the best treatments and cures for diseases that affect a lot of people, such as diabetes and hypertension,” says Michael Mahoney, DO, a general surgeon and bariatric surgery specialist who leads the bariatric surgery program at Scranton. Mahoney has performed general and bariatric surgery for more than seven years at LVH–Hazleton and sees patients at the Health & Wellness Center at Hazleton.

“Bariatric surgery can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. However, there were limited options available to individuals living in this community that didn’t require travel,” he continues.

“We set out to bring our expertise to this area and provide much-needed services.”

As the most established bariatric surgery program in the area, LVHN performs more than 1,000 successful procedures each year. These include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and revision surgeries.

“Our dedicated bariatric surgery team has extensive experience with these procedures,” says Mahoney, who notes there is an emphasis on robotic surgery.

“We provide the highest level of care to our patients, and this includes access to the latest technology.” 

Using minimally invasive techniques to perform bariatric surgery typically results in patients having a shorter and easier recovery, according to Mahoney.

“This newer and more advanced approach not only reduces pain, but it also helps prevent complications postoperatively,” he says.

Every individual in the bariatric program will receive comprehensive, one-on-one support from a team of multidisciplinary experts, including dietitians, behavioral health specialists, occupational therapists and surgeons.

“Patients do not have to go outside our network for any ancillary services,” Mahoney says. “Once they sign up for our program, we take care of everything, ensuring all of their needs are met pre- and postoperatively.”

Navigators work closely with patients throughout the process. They help with education and appointment scheduling while making sure that people understand all their options and the various steps leading up to surgery.

Patients continue to work with a navigator postoperatively as they adapt to their new eating habits and lifestyle. The LVHN team is dedicated to providing the necessary tools and resources to help individuals maintain their health following bariatric surgery.

“We have the full support of the entire health network while still providing local care and surgery,” Mahoney says. “Physicians who refer to our program can have confidence knowing that their patients will be completely cared for from start to finish.”