Recently, a bariatric surgical procedure reportedly designed to minimize external scars and reduce medical complications was successfully performed at a Dallas, Texas clinic. Todd McCarty, MD, FACS, (pictured right) of the Lakewood Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic performed the procedure, which is called “natural orifice” surgery.

Rather than conventional bariatric procedures that utilize direct incisions through the abdominal wall, the “natural orifice” procedure utilizes the natural openings to the abdominal cavity. McCarty explains that, “This technique has been used successfully for pelvic operations such as appendectomies and colon resections with excellent results, so it seems only natural to extend this benefit to the bariatric population."

McCarty articulates a need to depart from older techniques in bartiatric surgery and place more emphasis on enhancing patient comfort and care: “If we don’t have to make five or six incisions in our patients to perform a safe and successful surgery, we owe it to them not to,” he says. According to a news release, the surgery took place on November 17 and the patient was able to return home the following day. 

The Lakewood Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic is owned and operated by McCarty. The clinic offers scar-free, same day, and outpatient bariatic operations. McCarty adds that he takes pride in implementing patient-friendly, non-invasive procedures and adds that such procedures may become a “gold standard” for the field.

Source: Lakewood Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic