By Jeff W. Allen, M.D. Weight loss surgery is moving toward nonsurgical interventions, particularly endoscopy. Already, Norton Healthcare bariatric surgeons are using intragastric balloon procedures. A silicone balloon is put into the stomach endoscopically. The balloon is then blown up with saline, giving the patient a feeling of fullness all the time. Monthly follow-ups are…
The primary care provider is the first line of defense against colon cancer, yet for every two patients who are referred by their physician to get colonoscopies, only one of them will end up completing the important cancer screening. The reasons why people don’t get colonoscopies A common reason for not scheduling a colonoscopy: Patients…
The Norton Cancer Institute Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Program was formed in 2018 with the chief objective to provide faster, easier access to evidence-based, compassionate care and novel treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. These include cancers of the liver, pancreas, biliary tract, stomach and esophagus. The cornerstone of the program is the closer alignment of specialists…
The number of patients seeking stroke treatment at Norton Healthcare has been falling sharply since the COVID-19 outbreak began its sweep across the United States in March. In May, 36% fewer patients sought stroke care at Norton Healthcare than in the same month a year earlier. “People may be sitting at home with minor strokes…
Projects to renovate Norton Cancer Institute – Downtown and create the nearby Women’s Cancer Center have been completed and the facilities are open. Norton Cancer Institute – Downtown (676 S. Floyd St.) This site houses our Prompt Care Clinics for patients with urgent care needs related to cancer, hepatitis C and sickle cell disease. Infusion…
By Jennifer Kyser, R.D., CSOWM, L.D. Patients receive extensive counseling on diet and behavioral issues at Norton Weight Management Services before and after bariatric surgery to maximize their chance for a successful outcome. Prior to surgery, all patients undergo a detailed readiness assessment. They see a nurse, a licensed clinical social worker and a dietitian,…
By Misty D. Ellis, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Nurse practitioners in the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit are trained and certified in pediatric acute care. They are dedicated to caring for and managing critically ill pediatric heart patients. This specialized training is now the gold standard for children’s hospitals. By adopting this standard, Norton Children’s…
More than 30 critically ill COVID-19 patients at Norton Healthcare have received convalescent plasma, an experimental treatment that began in mid-April. Some are still recovering, while many patients have been able to go home. Norton Healthcare physicians have been testing the treatment for COVID-19 that has shown promise in smaller studies around the world. The…
Turning 18 comes with a lot of milestones and new beginnings for young adults. One milestone young women should consider after turning 18 is transitioning from pediatric gynecologic care to an OB/GYN provider who works with adults. Providers can help with that transition by starting conversations with patients before these young adults start managing their…
Despite earlier detection efforts and improved treatment options, lung cancer remains the top cancer killer in the United States. According to Adam D. Lye, M.D., medical oncologist/hematologist with Norton Cancer Institute, the majority of lung cancer clinical trials there focus on non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of lung cancer. “We’re working with…
Patient safety is our top priority. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have revised policies as needed to help stop the spread of infection. There have been policy changes that affect labor and delivery for pregnant patients. If you have patients who will deliver in the next month, please let them know of the changes…
Norton Healthcare pulmonologists have developed a protocol for treating COVID-19 patients with prone positioning before they need to be intubated. Using the prone position is common with intubated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The new protocol extends the treatment to those who are struggling for oxygen, but aren’t ready for a ventilator. For…