Dr. Amir Saffarian, MD, performed new laparoscopic procedure

Gilroy, California, March 12, 2010 – Dr. Amir Saffarian, M.D. performed the first laparoscopic radical nephrectomy procedure at Saint Louise Regional Hospital Monday morning.

“It is very wonderful to see physicians like Dr. Saffarian take the lead with minimally invasive techniques such as a laparoscopic nephrectomy for our hospital and our community,” shared Joanne Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We continually encourage our physicians to keep current with the latest advanced techniques and technology, while providing compassionate care for our community.”

Dr. Saffarian performed a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy on a female patient suffering with a cancerous kidney. The duration of the procedure lasted about two hours, which is half the amount of time for usual procedures. The patient went home Wednesday morning, with a day and a half of total hospital stay.

“Being that this was the first of this procedure performed here, I felt like I was truly making a difference in the community. I came here with the intent of providing the latest advances in medical technology and here’s the first step,” said Dr. Saffarian.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure which removes a non-functioning or cancerous kidney and provides patients with significantly less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stay and a more favorable cosmetic result than that of open surgery. A laparoscopic camera is inserted through a small umbilical opening and instruments are placed through tiny openings along the abdominal wall. The kidney is removed through the umbilical opening, avoiding a large, visible scar.

Dr. Saffarian and Patty Sebald, Director of Surgical Services, both agreed that the success and efficiency of this surgical procedure was due to the teamwork displayed between Dr. Saffarian and the Operating Room (OR) staff. Dr. Jude Roussere, M.D. also assisted in the case.

“It was clearly a very collaborative effort,” said Patty. “Dr. Saffarian communicated exactly what he needed well in advance and the staff was there to support and assist. Everyone was very thrilled to be performing the first of this procedure at the hospital.”

Dr. Saffarian is an expert in the field of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. His services consist of general urological services, which include female urology. “I am proud to be working with a hospital that is committed to the health and well being of the local community,” Dr. Saffarian said proudly. “I really believe being up-to-date on the latest technology and equipment is vital. As physicians, we all should strive to do this.”

A Bay Area native, Dr. Saffarian is Board-Certified in Urology. He completed his residency at the University of California at Davis and completed medical school at Ohio State University, College of Medicine in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Saffarian completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California at Berkeley.