Physician Profile
Alan L. Schuricht, MD, FACS, is a general surgeon
specializing in laparoscopic surgery at Pennsylvania
Hospital. He is also part of the team of physicians
within the Center for Bloodless Medicine & Surgery
(CBMS) at Pennsylvania Hospital who treats patients
opting for bloodless surgical care.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive
method of examining, detecting and treating abdominal
disorders. It is often used to treat common problems
such as hernias or appendicitis, and can also
be used to treat severely obese patients considering
gastric bypass surgery or other weight
loss surgical procedures.
Dr. Schuricht has performed gastric bypass surgery
on over 200 patients in the past two years. He
anticipates treating over 200 patients in 2004.
“The decision to perform an operation
laparoscopically depends on a patient’s
height, weight, body weight distribution and
prior abdominal surgical history,” Dr.
Schuricht said. Most candidates for the surgery
have over 100 pounds of excess body weight, usually
cannot lose weight permanently through traditional
means, or may suffer with serious weight-related
health problems. Patients considering this surgery
can anticipate a weight loss of between 65 to
70 percent of excess body weight.
Although many more patients are considering
gastric bypass surgery, they must undergo extensive
counseling prior to the procedure. “All
patients participate in a rigorous education
process, including a lecture and consultation
with me,” Dr. Schuricht said. “They
must also complete consultations and evaluations
with a cardiologist and a psychiatrist/psychologist,” he
said.
In addition, patients must attend lectures and
consultations with the hospital’s dieticians
and participate in at least one of the hospital-sponsored
support-group meetings.
Laparoscopic techniques for gastric bypass surgery
are beneficial to both the surgeon and the patient.
For the surgeon, the laparoscopic technique improves
visualization of the body’s organs, requires
shorter operative time and improves patient satisfaction.
Patients benefit because their hospital stays
are shorter, less blood is lost, and there are
fewer wound complications or the need for remedial
surgery. The small incisions also account for
improved patient appearance. Patients also experience
less pain and are able to return to their normal
activities more quickly.
As a member of the Center for Bloodless Medicine & Surgery’s
team of physicians, Dr. Schuricht has given presentations
on laparoscopic surgery to Jehovah’s Witness
patients at patient education seminars held by
the Center. However, he said that bloodless surgical
applications could be applied to anyone opting
for any type of surgery.
“We limit the potential need for blood
by using sound surgical techniques,” he
said. “If a patient prefers to refuse blood
(or blood products) due to religious, moral or
medical convictions, it correlates with my own
philosophical view on blood,” Dr. Schuricht
said.
The surgical team always gives careful consideration
to blood transfusions. “Blood transfusions
are held to a minimum, regardless of a patient’s
beliefs,” he said. “I tell my patients
that I don’t like to see blood.”
Dr. Schuricht is a clinical assistant professor
of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania
Health System. After receiving his medical degree
from the University of South Carolina School
of Medicine, he completed his internship and
residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Dr. Schuricht was a surgeon on Jefferson’s
staff for several years prior to coming to Pennsylvania
Hospital. He was recognized in Philadelphia
Magazine’s
May 2002 “Top Docs” issue.
Dr. Schuricht is board-certified in surgery
and a fellow in the American College of Surgeons.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Schuricht,
call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or schedule
an appointment online.
|
