Pioneering Hospital Opens In New Orleans

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 25 Mar 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The American Cancer Society estimated 182,460 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed in 2008, equaling one diagnosis every 3 minutes. Today there are nearly 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. After 18 months of keen anticipation, Frank J. DellaCroce, MD, FACS and Scott K. Sullivan, MD, FACS, founders and principal surgeons of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans, are proud to announce the opening of St. Charles Surgical Hospital, the first and only hospital in the world dedicated to breast reconstruction for women facing breast cancer. The seventeen-bed hospital offers the full spectrum of breast reconstruction, including a groundbreaking nipple sparing procedure, Bilateral Simultaneous Gap Reconstruction, and the "StackedFlap" Reconstruction, which were pioneered by Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan. Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan are two of the most experienced reconstructive Plastic Surgeons in the world and have performed over 3000 breast reconstruction procedures for women who seek their expertise from every corner of the U.S. and abroad.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons more than 57,000 breast reconstructions were performed in 2007, up 2% from 2006. Standing at the forefront of breast reconstructive surgery, offering state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled medical professionals, St. Charles Surgical Hospital is poised to be internationally recognized as the leader in reconstructive surgery. Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan have paved a new road for breast cancer treatment as top-rated surgeons in the world to perform breast reconstruction simultaneous to mastectomy for immediate restoration of breast volume and shape; and are celebrated for their excellence in treatment and patient care.

After restoring the lives of women from all over the world for a decade, they have reinforced their commitment to the health and well-being of all women, as well as the recovery of a crippled healthcare system in New Orleans, with the construction of a new healthcare facility. With the investment of over $30 million Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan are demonstrating their dedication to playing an integral role in the financial recovery of a vital stretch of St. Charles Avenue, even in an environment of economic uncertainty. They continue to make groundbreaking medical advances, which are driving international attention to the region.

"The St. Charles Surgical Hospital allows us to focus and concentrate our services to our patients in one place, providing them a sanctuary for healing," states Dr. DellaCroce. "It is our mission to restore the lives of our patients, both physically and emotionally, as quickly and as gently as we can," adds Dr. Sullivan. "Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy helps a woman regain a semblance of her body and uplift her psychological peace of mind," continues Sullivan. One former patient's sums up her experience: "Not only did you treat my body, but you also comforted my heart and soul. It's your dedication and passion that makes you unique...there is no place better to go than The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery. I am proof. Thank you all..."

The 60,000 square foot facility, located on historic St. Charles Avenue, adjacent to the world-renowned Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, provides total, state-of-the-art care from initial consultation through recovery. The design incorporates a spa-like environment through the use of soothing colors, textures and lighting. Artwork and utilization of natural elements throughout the facility impart a sense of calmness and wellbeing. In addition to the exceptional design details, patients are offered a wide range of services prior to and during the recovery period -- from support groups and a resource center to spa-centric treatments -- to aid in the emotional and psychological healing.

The St. Charles Surgical Hospital is governed by a Board of Directors composed of a diverse and representative group of professionals dedicated to carrying out the mission of making women whole again. Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan donate their time and talent as members of the board.

Center for Restorative Breast Surgery SERVICE INFORMATION: Founded by Frank J. DellaCroce, M.D., FACS and Scott K. Sullivan, M.D., FACS, the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery was established to serve as a dedicated resource for women seeking the most advanced methods of breast reconstruction utilizing the body's own tissue. Drs. Sullivan and DellaCroce specialize exclusively in state-of-the-art techniques (DIEP, SIEA and GAP flap procedures) that allow for breast reconstruction without sacrifice of important functional muscles.

St. Charles Surgical Hospital SERVICE INFORMATION: St. Charles Surgical Hospital is a full-service, patient-centered hospital that provides a variety of highly specialized surgical services to its patients; and is the world leader in breast reconstructive surgery, developing and performing all revolutionary breast reconstruction techniques. The Hospital is located at 1717 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

St. Charles Surgical Hospital
http://www.scsh.com