Surgical Services at Parkridge Medical Center

Parkridge Medical Center’s interdisciplinary surgical team provides comprehensive and compassionate expertise in a variety of specialties. Parkridge’s 12 operating rooms house some of the latest technologies for handling many different types of surgery including coronary bypass (open heart), oncology, orthopedic, cosmetic/reconstructive, spine, pain management, general, urological and gynecological procedures.

 In 2008, Parkridge reached its 20th year of providing open heart surgeries to the community. Advances in open heart surgery at Parkridge include minimally invasive harvesting of the bypass vein, eliminating the need for a long incision on the patient’s leg in most cases.

Parkridge’s minimally invasive surgical options include endoscopic grafting and stenting procedures performed in our state-of-the-art endovascular suite. Robotic surgeries are performed with the next-generation da Vinci S-series robotic system. Parkridge has the region’s first and most experienced team for robotic procedures, with over 800 cases performed. Whether the procedure is general or specialized, the Parkridge surgical team is dedicated to providing patients with the best possible care experience.

The Pelvic Floor Center at Parkridge Medical Center

Many men and women in the Chattanooga area suffer in silence from uncomfortable or embarrassing bladder or bowel conditions. Parkridge Medical Center’s Pelvic Floor Center is here to provide relief with a comprehensive array of services for bowel and bladder issues. The Pelvic Floor Center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for men and women suffering from incontinence, constipation, or other concerns.

Injury, childbirth, surgery or aging can all interfere with the operation of the nerves, muscles, and tissues that work together to control bowel and bladder function. Those afflicted with a fecal or urinary incontinence problem may find themselves afraid to be far from a restroom because of a fear of sudden “need-to-go-right-now!” urges. Others may refrain from laughing, picking up a child, or engaging in exercise for fear of leakage.  Problems such as incontinence prevent many people from enjoying outings or social gatherings because of a fear of accidents. What many don’t realize is that bladder or bowel problems are surprisingly common, and today’s treatments are more varied and more effective than ever before.

“Bowel and bladder control issues are often seen as a painful and embarrassing but unavoidable byproduct of aging or childbirth,” notes Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, Parkridge colorectal surgeon and member of the Pelvic Floor Center team. “In fact, many of these conditions, as well as other pelvic floor issues, can be resolved relatively easily, and in some cases without the use of surgery. “

The Pelvic Floor Center offers the services of specialists in colorectal surgery, gynecology and urology who provide surgical and non-surgical options for the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Non-invasive therapeutic techniques may involve dietary recommendations, drug therapy, or physical therapy such as biofeedback. Biofeedback is a treatment option that retrains the muscles of the pelvic floor to control the release of waste. While these non-surgical options work for many people, everyone is different and surgical repairs may still be necessary.

“The Parkridge Pelvic Floor Center offers patients suffering from incontinence or other bowel or bladder problems a chance for improved quality of life,” says Parkridge Pelvic Floor Center gynecologist Dr. Rena Azar.

Patients who require surgical intervention for a bowel or bladder condition can be confident in the advanced care available through the Pelvic Floor Center specialists. Procedures at the center include the revolutionary STARR (staple transanorectal resection) for patients experiencing difficulty with controlling the release of stool.

Patients can be referred to the program through their physician, by one of the participating specialists, or Parkridge Central Scheduling at 423-493-1271. For more information, call TriStar MedLine at 800-242-5662.