BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Overlake Medical Center and Proliance surgeon Dr. Helen Kim are offering a unique and complex procedure to repair hernias and severely damaged abdominal muscles resulting from pregnancy. The procedure requires a unique and expert skillset that only a handful of surgeons in Washington and Oregon have mastered.
“We see many women whose abdominal muscles are literally destroyed carrying multiple babies – twins and triplets,” said Kim. “This is not only seriously disfiguring, but can give rise to dangerous hernias and painful, life-long health and back issues.
“Many of our patients have Asian heritage, with especially petite frames.”
In the past, it has taken two surgeons – an abdominal specialist and a plastic surgeon – to fix the hernia, restore the abdominal wall, and remove excess skin. Dr. Kim has pioneered techniques to tackle both at once. Using biologic mesh (usually made from pig skin) to repair the hernia, the material allows the patient’s own body to re-grow new skin and fiber and eventually dissolve. An additional benefit of porcine mesh, aside from its strength and durability, is its resistance to infection.
The next phase – abdominoplasty – aka a ‘tummy tuck’ – has traditionally been done by a plastic surgeon. Kim mastered this procedure, which in severe cases involves stitching the abdominal recti muscles back together.
Newcastle resident Nicole Balram’s story is typical, “My abdominal muscles were severely damaged from pregnancy, and I developed a potentially dangerous hernia that was the size of a grapefruit. My back and core muscles constantly ached. Dr. Kim was able to reconstruct my abdominal wall, and then preform the tummy tuck.
“I am finally out of pain, and can actively participate in my daughter’s active lives once again,” she said.
The surgery takes several hours, but having only one surgeon considerably lowers costs, and simplifies scheduling and follow-up care. Surgery requires a three-to-four day hospital stay, and six-to-eight month healing period that includes wearing a compression vest.
Dr. Kim and her colleagues use the porcine mesh for non-post-partum patients too, including older men and women who have had multiple hernia or abdominal surgeries. “The porcine mesh is very effective, even in the most challenging cases,” said Kim. “We can go in, remove the older mesh from previous procedures, reconstruct with biologic material and give our patients a stronger set of muscles.
“My colleagues and I love this work. Working with new techniques and technologies is very intellectually satisfying, but it’s our patients who motivate us the most: These patients are so grateful and happy. They have their bodies back and are out of pain. It is so gratifying to make this happen for them.”
Reporters interested in interviewing Dr. Kim should contact Lee Keller or Carol Lucas at the Keller Group at 425.898.2700, lee@thekellergroup.com or carol@thekellergroup.com.
About Overlake Medical Center
Overlake Medical Center is the only non-profit, non-tax-supported, regional medical center with a network of medical clinics throughout the Eastside. The hospital is licensed for 349 beds and offers a comprehensive range of services including cardiac care, cancer care, general and specialty surgery, women’s programs, senior care and psychiatric services. It was the first Level III trauma service on the Eastside. For more information, visit www.overlakehospital.org.
