Incidence of CRC Increasing in Younger Patients

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If you are 45 or older, get screened for colorectal cancer (CRC).

In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals younger than 50, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

When CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.

An increase in early-onset colorectal cancer prompted leading health organizations to recommend CRC screening starting at age 45 for all average-risk individuals.

A study published Jan. 7 in “Gastroenterology” supports the lowered CRC screening age. The study was conducted by AMSURG and researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“We have known for many years that rates of colorectal cancer are rising in individuals younger than 50, prompting several medical organizations to recommend lowering the screening age from 50 to 45. What has been missing until now is confirmatory data of the prevalence of precancerous polyps in younger individuals,” said lead author Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in Medical Xpress. “Our study provides an important piece of the puzzle and supports the recommendation changing the screening age to 45.”

Study Results Show Early-Onset CRC

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Since the mid-1990s, the number of colorectal cases has been increasing in adults ages 40-54. These cases are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in the course of the disease.

In this first large-scale study to look at precancerous polyps in this age group, researchers analyzed data collected between Jan. 1, 2014, and Feb. 5, 2021. The study focused on approximately 131,000 patients aged 40-49 from 123 AMSURG (a division of Envision Healthcare) ambulatory endoscopy centers across 29 states that report their results in the GI Quality Improvement Consortium (GIQuIC) Registry.

Several factors were associated with higher odds of advanced premalignant lesions (APLs) and colorectal cancer, including age, family history of CRC, sex (male), race (white) and examinations for bleeding or screening.

This study, entitled “Prevalence and Predictors of Young-Onset Colorectal Neoplasia: Insights From a Nationally Representative Colonoscopy Registry,” revealed data showing that among patients aged 45-49:

  • 32 percent had neoplasia (precancerous or cancerous lesions considered forerunners to colorectal cancer)
  • Nearly 8 percent had APLs
  • 0.58 percent had CRC
  • Prevalence of neoplasia and APLs were almost as high as those of 50-54-year-olds, and the rates of CRC were even higher.

Additionally, among 40-44 year olds, rates of APLs were almost as high as for those aged 45-49, and colorectal cancer rates were comparably high, according to the study.

Colonoscopy Is Gold Standard for CRC Screening

According to the ACS, about 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 years or older would choose to be screened for colon cancer.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but colonoscopy is the gold standard procedure because it allows your doctor to see the entire length of the colon to examine for polyps, lesions and abnormalities. Precancerous polyps can be removed at the time of the procedure, thereby preventing the development of cancer. A quality colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

If you have a positive stool-based test, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical. In fact, if you delay a colonoscopy for nine months or more after a positive stool-based test, you are much more likely to have an advanced cancer.

In the past, most patients were required to pay part of the cost for a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Stool-based tests include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool-DNA test (Cologuard). A new law changes the requirement for patients to share in the cost. Health insurance plans within the Affordable Care Act will be required to provide this follow-up procedure with no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. This coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022.

To avoid confusion, contact your healthcare provider first and then schedule an appointment.

Data Shows ‘45 is New 50’

Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio that the data confirm that “45 is now the new 50” for CRC.

“Colon cancer used to be considered a disease of old age and that is no longer true,” Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio. “Our data also suggest that clinically important lesions occur about five years earlier in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer compared to those without a family history. That is why it is very important to take a good family history.”

Study co-author, Jay Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG, a leading provider of colonoscopies, told Medical XPress that “the team’s findings reiterate the importance of colorectal cancer awareness — both among patients and clinicians.”

Call your gastroenterologist today to schedule a preventive screening.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is one of the most preventable cancers,” Dr. Popp said. “The more patients know about their bodies and risk for colorectal cancer and the more clinicians can do to help patients receive routine and timely screenings, the more lives we can save. Everyone can play a role in helping a loved one or neighbor prevent colorectal cancer.“

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Facts and Figures About Colorectal Cancer

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Since next month is colon cancer awareness month, Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates wishes to provide colon and rectal cancer facts that could help you protect your health and wellness. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among adults. However, it is also one of the most detectable and, in a number of instances, preventable cancers through routine evaluations.

Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates offers specialized care for gastrointestinal (GI) health. Our dedicated team provides support for individuals and their families as they go through the process of diagnosis and treatment for colon or rectal cancer. If you would like to learn more about our physician-led network of gastroenterologists or find a colonoscopy doctor near you, please contact our GI office in New Orleans, LA today.

About colon and rectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that originates in either the rectum or large intestine (colon). It is also called colon cancer or bowel cancer. Colon cancer is common, as 1 in 25 women and 1 in 23 men will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis at some point during their lifetime. Nearly 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2021, as reported by the American Cancer Society.

What are some symptoms of colon and rectal cancer?

Throughout the initial stages, colon or rectal cancer is unlikely to show any obvious warning signs or symptoms. It can take around ten years for a premalignant polyp (growth) in the colon or rectum to transition into cancer. If a person is showing indications of colon or rectal cancer, they will likely experience:

  • An unexplained loss of weight
  • Pain in the abdominal area
  • Bloody stools
  • A change in bowel habits
  • Chronic diarrhea

Should you or a family member experience any of these colorectal cancer symptoms, reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in New Orleans, LA as soon as possible.

Know the risk factors for colorectal cancer

While the exact cause of colon cancer is unclear, there are a number of factors that seem to put certain individuals at a higher risk than others. Such risk factors include:

  • Age: While colon cancer can occur in younger individuals, around 88% of new cases occur in persons over 50, but during recent years, there has been a tendency in the direction of earlier diagnosis. As a result, this has altered the age recommendation for routine colon cancer screening to 45 years old.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS): People who have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis have a higher chance of getting colorectal cancer.
  • Family history of colon or rectal cancer: About 25 – 30% of individuals diagnosed with colon cancer have a relative who also has been diagnosed with the disease.

How is colon cancer identified?

Colon and rectal cancer is often identified and diagnosed in the course of a cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy. Though colorectal cancer is often highly treatable if discovered early, roughly a third of adults in the United States are not current on their colorectal cancer exams. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention approximates that about 68% of deaths resulting from colorectal cancer could be prevented if all eligible patients remained up to date on their colonoscopy exams.

If you have an average risk for colorectal cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force urges you to undergo your first colorectal cancer screening at age 45. To set up a colorectal cancer screening in New Orleans, LA, please reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

Find out more about colorectal cancer screenings in New Orleans, LA

If diagnosed early, the prognosis for colon or rectal cancer is quite good. Colorectal cancer that has not grown farther than the colon or rectum may be successfully treated with a five-year rate of survival of about 90%. To learn more about colorectal cancer screenings in New Orleans, LA, please reach out to us today. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates look forward to helping you protect your digestive health.

What Are Common Signs, Symptoms, and Risk Factors of Colon Cancer?

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Being told you have cancer is something no patient wants to hear. Regardless of whether the news concerns you, a friend, or a member of your family, this type of diagnosis can be frightening. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we believe that being mindful of your risks can enable you to better manner a cancer diagnosis. Knowing the symptoms, indications, and your family’s history of colon and rectal cancer can help to detect it as early as possible and provide you with greater treatment options.

How is colon cancer detected?

Colon and rectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. At times referred to as “bowel cancer” or “colorectal cancer,” this condition causes the cells in the large intestine or rectum to multiply out of control. Colorectal cancer can generally be treated, so we recommend that adults who are age 45 or older receive a regular colon cancer screening in New Orleans, LA to minimize their risk of this disease going undiagnosed. Furthermore, if you have a close relative with colorectal cancer or if you have been diagnosed with a bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it is important to undergo screening for colorectal cancer once you turn age 45.

Know the signs and symptoms for increased colon cancer awareness

Apart from encouraging you to get colon cancer screenings periodically, we also recommend that you become familiar with colon cancer signs and symptoms. Although the indications may not be evident initially, understanding these signs and symptoms could help to diagnose the cancer as early as possible.

Common signs and symptoms of colon cancer can include:

  • Changes in bowel habits or bowel movements
  • Blood in your stool
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Persistent aches, pains, or abdominal cramps
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Incomplete bowel movements

While these indications may seem generalized, if recurrent, it is a good idea to arrange for a consultation at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates so a GI specialist can evaluate your concerns. Our New Orleans, LA gastroenterologists prefer to be proactive when it comes to the health of our patients.

Can I get colon or rectal cancer if a family member has it?

If you have a relative or family member who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, you might have a greater chance of developing the disease. You can use this information to your benefit and make wise decisions when it comes to your health.

We recommend that when visiting your gastrointestinal doctor, you discuss as much of your family health history as possible. During your consultation, you should provide details about the health history of your mother, father, brothers, and sisters, and your mother and father’s sides of the family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and more). If possible, discuss the form of cancer your family member had, the time of diagnosis, and whether the cancer resulted in death. Having this information on hand can help our physicians establish the best possible preventive treatment plan for your health needs.

The doctors at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates may recommend that if an immediate member of your family has a history of colon cancer, you undergo a colonoscopy exam around 30 years of age. If the relative is not an immediate family member, we recommend colon cancer screenings around age 45.

Get screened for colon cancer in New Orleans, LA

Though facing cancer is always daunting, knowing the signs, symptoms, and risk factors can help you understand your chances of experiencing the disease and receive a diagnosis as early as possible. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our team is ready to help you screen for and detect colorectal cancer. To partner with a colonoscopy doctor in New Orleans, LA, contact our facility today.

Alcohol and Your Gut: 3 Ways You Could be Damaging Your Gut When You Drink

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You’ve heard along the way how alcohol can damage the liver – but do you know how alcohol affects your gut (and why it matters)?

1. Can damage GI tract

Your gut (also known as your intestines, colon, gastrointestinal tract, GI tract, and digestive tract) is the first place anything ingested comes into lasting contact within your body. Consuming alcohol – especially chronically and in large amounts – can damage your gut, and in turn spill over into the rest of your body.

Alcohol Irritates the gut and causes inflammation in your intestines. If your gut is inflamed it’s harder for it to absorb nutrients.

If nutrients aren’t absorbed, they’re just passing through and being eliminated as waste – which means your organs (and your body) aren’t getting the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. (And you could be “wasting” your healthy diet.)

Keeping your colon healthy is a big key in maintaining your overall health.

2. Can cause polyps – and increase risk of colon cancer

When alcohol is metabolized, it turns into a carcinogen in your body – and that can damage the cells in your colon, potentially causing mutations in those cells that can increase your risk for developing polyps.

While polyps themselves are benign at the beginning, that can turn into cancer – which is why it’s so important to have a colonoscopy, so the polyps can be detected and removed BEFORE they turn cancerous. Since polyps often present zero symptoms, a colonoscopy is the only way to know they’re present.

And that’s the best way for you to prevent colon cancer!

Ever gone out for a drink – or a night of drinks – and your time in the bathroom ends up a little different than normal?

On one hand, alcohol can speed up digestion, which can lead to diarrhea. However, on the other hand, it can delay digestion and lead to the opposite issue: Constipation.

You may have encountered one or both of these scenarios and didn’t give it a passing thought. However, repeated alcohol consumption – and the repeated diarrhea and constipation – can lead to more uncomfortable gut issues and concerns down the road than just an inconvenient bathroom trip or two.

Keep an eye on things with a colonoscopy

There are quite a few reasons for why you need a colonoscopy. And if you drink alcohol, there’s a simple way to check on how things are looking in your gut: With a colonoscopy. It will send a camera throughout your GI tract, and we’ll be able to see if there’s any inflammation – and how much – and if you have any polyps or other areas of concern. We can remove those polyps and actually PREVENT cancer by catching them before they become cancerous.

Schedule your colonoscopy now

If you’re 45 or older – or have personal or family history risk factors – it’s time for a colonoscopy. Call us today at (248) 273-9930 to schedule (or click here to make an appointment online). Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan has a team of knowledgeable doctors – at our own surgical center and not a hospital – to make your colonoscopy as quick, simple, and painless as possible.

Is a Colonoscopy the Gold Standard for Detecting Colorectal Cancer?

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About 50,000 people in the United States pass away from colorectal cancer each year. Colon and rectal cancer is the second-most cause of cancer deaths for both men and women. Luckily, it is often highly treatable and, when diagnosed early, the prognosis can be quite good.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has provided approval for three kinds of home analysis tests for colon and rectal cancer. Such tests function by detecting abnormal deviations in the fecal matter, like blood or DNA markers for colorectal cancer. Though the relative simplicity of these tests might make them seem like a beneficial alternative, it is crucial to understand that colonoscopies remain the best option for identifying and preventing colon and rectal cancer. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our experienced gastroenterologists routinely provide colonoscopy screenings for New Orleans, LA patients.

Why get a colonoscopy?

Early discovery is key to effectively battling colon and rectal cancer. If cancer is found in the large intestine (colon) or rectum before it has a chance to spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90%. Although additional approaches to testing for colorectal cancer are obtainable, nothing has proved as accurate and reliable as the colonoscopy. The best weapons in the battle against colon cancer are colorectal cancer awareness and regular colonoscopies.

How will a colonoscopy exam detect colon or rectal cancer?

Before your procedure, your GI specialist will provide you with some groundwork guidelines to ensure your colon is empty throughout the procedure. These instructions typically include:

  • Adjusting medications: If you use specific prescription drugs for blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, then you might need to modify the amount you take or temporarily discontinue consuming them.
  • Fasting: You could be asked to refrain from solid food and ingest solely transparent liquids for several hours prior to your exam.
  • Taking a laxative: Your gastroenterologist might give you a laxative or “bowel prep” to empty your colon either the night before or the morning of your colonoscopy.

Throughout the exam, you will likely be provided a mild type of sedation for your comfort and then instructed to lie on your side. A flexible, narrow tube fitted with a camera on the end will be placed through your rectum. This tube, or colonoscope, is long enough to run through your entire colon. Your gastroenterologist will evaluate the images from the camera on a special monitor and screen for any abnormalities. In the event a polyp (growth) or another irregularity is identified, instruments can be utilized through the scope to take tissue samples for biopsy.

When is the best time to have a colonoscopy exam?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) proposes that patients schedule their initial colonoscopy screening at 45 years of age followed by once every decade when there is an average risk for the disease. If you have an elevated chance of having colorectal cancer, then your gastroenterologist might advise having colonoscopies at 3 to 5-year intervals. The risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

  • Gastrointestinal diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn’s disease
  • Personal history of large polyps, multiple polyps, or colorectal cancer
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Family history of colon or rectal cancer

Your GI physician might also recommend a colonoscopy exam if you are noticing any of these signs or symptoms of colon and rectal cancer:

  • Chronic constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody stools
  • Queasiness and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

Patients in New Orleans, LA who are showing these symptoms should call Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to consult with a gastrointestinal physician promptly.

Why is a colonoscopy the gold standard for colorectal cancer screenings?

While a few home screening tests have received FDA approval, a colonoscopy remains the most effective way to detect colorectal cancer. In addition, large or potentially cancerous polyps can be excised during a colonoscopy which minimizes the need for further treatments. An individual who tests positive on an at-home screening test will still need to schedule a colonoscopy to confirm the results and have any polyps taken care of.

Is it time for a colon cancer screening in New Orleans, LA?

If you are age 45 or over, having periodic colon and rectal cancer screenings is an important part of safeguarding your health. A colonoscopy at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can help identify and prevent colon cancer, providing you a good fighting chance if the cancer is identified early on and a sense of comfort if you are cancer-free. To set up your colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA, or to learn more about protecting yourself against colorectal cancer, please reach out to our gastroenterology clinic today.

Get Active, Control Blood Pressure

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Regular aerobic exercise during midlife could mitigate chronic diseases and ailments as people age, according to scientists in a new study.

Physiologists in Texas and Japan offered strong indications in this study that improvements in blood pressure control and vascular elasticity may contribute to better cerebral blood flow regulation in middle-aged people.

“Our findings have an important clinical implication,” said co-researcher Takashi Tarumi, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Tsukuba, Japan. “Regular aerobic exercise during midlife may prevent these age-related chronic diseases and extend a healthy lifespan.”

Exercise Now, Reduce Chronic Diseases Later in Life

A higher risk of stroke and dementia later in life, along with a greater risk of age-related chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes, are linked to midlife arterial stiffness.

The study researched the potential health benefits of being active and improving age-related deteriorations of cerebral blood flow regulation, short-term blood pressure control and arterial elasticity (a noninvasive measure of cardiovascular risk).

The study was conducted in 20 middle-aged athletes (ages 45 to 64) with at least 10 years of aerobic training, 20 adults younger than 45 and 20 middle-aged sedentary adults.

Researchers defined regular aerobic exercise as running, cycling, swimming or multimodal training with moderate-to-vigorous intensity.

According to the study, middle-aged endurance athletes have better control of blood pressure and higher arterial elasticity than sedentary adults in the same age group. These athletes also displayed comparable levels of these factors compared to young adults, thanks to regular aerobic exercise.

Stop Joint Pain Before it Stops Your Activities

Staying active is essential for your health. If you are experiencing chronic pain, sometimes you need the help of a professional before the pain interrupts your active lifestyle.

You don’t have to live with joint pain or back pain. Our orthopedists specialize in treating chronic pain, arthritis, and many bone and joint conditions. Click here to see a list of specialists located at centers across the country.

Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

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Research shows that eating a high intake of whole grains can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer.

Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Diet, physical activity and weight are risk factors for the disease, so lifestyle changes can significantly decrease colon cancer risk.

Eating red meat and processed meat can be highly inflammatory and are linked to a greater risk of colon cancer. A new study by Nordic researchers published in Nutrition Reviews reinforces that a plant-based diet is more globally sustainable and can help prevent chronic disease.

“Both scientists and the public seem to have missed the yet untapped potential that grains can contribute towards a more sustainable food system and a healthier population,” said Professor Rikard Landberg from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. “Even small changes in dietary patterns could make a large difference both to environment and health and grains could represent one of these possibilities” (Medical Xpress).

What is a Whole Grain?

A 2017 study found that eating approximately 90 grams, or three servings, of whole grains per day reduces the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent. But what is a whole grain?

All grains are either whole grains or refined grains. Refined grains have some or all of the bran layers removed during processing, which reduces the fiber and the micronutrients. Whole grains are made from intact seeds that include three parts:

  • Bran: the outer skin of the seed
  • Endosperm: provides nutrition to the germ
  • Germ: the embryo, which can germinate into a new plant

A high-fiber diet is essential for colon cancer prevention because fiber increases stool bulk, dilutes carcinogens in the stool and decreases the transit time of digested food in the intestines (NCBI).

How to Add More Whole Grains to Your Meals

You can make small, daily changes to your meals to add more whole grains to your diet.

Breakfast—Start your day with oatmeal, a high-fiber whole grain, and top it with almonds, chia seeds, ground flax seeds and dried fruit.

Lunch—Buy bread made with 100 percent whole wheat flour for making sandwiches.

Dinner—Choose brown rice instead of white rice, and try to eat different whole grains such as barley, quinoa, millet, buckwheat and bulger.

Schedule a Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

Eating more whole grains can help prevent colon cancer, but the best way to lower your risk is to get a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening because your doctor can view your entire colon and remove any polyps or abnormal tissue during the exam.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45 instead of 50. However, some individuals at high risk may need to get screened earlier. Call your gastroenterologist today and start your year off right with a preventive screening.

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Unexpected Benefit of Cataract Surgery: Lower Dementia Risk

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Surgeons perform 10 million cataract surgeries worldwide each year, making it one of the most common surgeries performed today. Usually, it only requires local anesthesia, and patients can resume their normal activities within days. The success rate of cataract surgery is high, and the risks are minimal. In addition, new research finds that cataract surgery could offer an unexpected benefit: a reduced risk of developing dementia.

Cataract Surgery Lowers Dementia Risk by 30 Percent

“The Adult Changes in Thought” study observed 5,000 patients over age 65. Based on data from 3,000 participants, the research team discovered that patients who had cataract surgery experienced a 30 percent lower risk of developing dementia than patients who did not have cataract surgery. Additionally, they found the reduced risk of dementia lasted at least a decade after surgery.

“This is really exciting because no other medical intervention has shown such a strong association with lessening dementia risk in older individuals,” said Cecilia S Lee, M.D., associate professor and Klorfine Family Endowed Chair in ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the lead researcher for the study.

The study did not provide specific reasons why cataract surgery would lower the risk for dementia. However, the research team surmises patients may receive “higher quality sensory input” following cataract removal, which could delay, prevent or slow the development of dementia (UW Medicine).

Other Health Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can offer many other health benefits besides a lower risk for dementia.

  1. Higher quality of life. After cataract surgery, you can resume the activities you enjoy like reading, gardening, cooking and driving a car. One study found that cataract surgery improves the quality of life by 36 percent.
  2. Fewer injuries. Improved vision reduces the risk of falls and fractures, a significant cause of injury in older adults. Cataract surgery also improves night driving and reduces the risk of car accidents.
  3. Increased independence. Seeing clearly can allow older adults to maintain their freedom of living safely at home. You can preserve your independence when you can read medicine bottles, recipes and street signs.

Make an Appointment with Your Ophthalmologist

Cataract surgery offers so many benefits for your vision and overall health. Make clear vision a top priority this year by making an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Call today to make an appointment.

Free-Standing Surgery Center in Allentown to Perform their First Robotics Total Joint Replacement

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Outpatient Alternative Allows Patients to Heal in the Comfort of their Own Home

Allentown, PA – On December 15, 2021, Surgery Center of Allentown in Allentown, performed their first robotics total joint knee replacement surgery in their free-standing ambulatory surgery center. The outpatient environment allowed the knee replacement patient to return to their home later in the day and receive ongoing support from a dedicated team of home healthcare professionals and physical therapists.

The knee replacement procedure performed at Surgery Center of Allentown is virtually identical to those performed in a hospital. However, instead of the traditional several day hospital stay, patients recover in the comfort of their home.

“We are excited to offer our patients the chance for a ‘less disruptive’ recovery,” according to Cindy Moyer, Administrator of Surgery Center of Allentown. “Our personalized clinical pathways allow us to customize care to the unique needs of each patient. And our carefully vetted team of healthcare professionals provides the support patients need to recover comfortably in their home.”

Free-standing surgery centers provide patients the same quality care as hospitals, but offer significant cost savings. “Our charges are significantly lower than those of a hospital, which translates for most patients to a significantly lower co-payment and overall cost of care. In the era of high deductible healthcare, patients need high quality care at a more affordable price,” Moyer added.

Outpatient total joint replacements are performed regularly in many parts of the country, and data indicate that in addition to cost savings, patients also experience lower rates of infection and higher overall satisfaction.

Surgery Center of Allentown is dedicated to delivering a superior orthopedic surgery experience by providing compassionate, personalized care to each patient. Some of the most qualified and highly trained surgeons in Allentown choose to do their surgeries here.

If you’re ready to take the first step in treating your joint pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons.

Study: Diabetes Meds May Help Prevent Glaucoma

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A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology showed positive outcomes when linking a popular class of diabetes medications with glaucoma prevention.

The medications, called GLP-1R agonists (Trulicity and Rybelsus), may also protect against glaucoma in diabetic patients, according to the study.

The results were found by researchers in the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, according to a Medical XPress article. The study findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may decrease a diabetic patient’s risk of developing glaucoma by half.

Diabetes and Glaucoma

As January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, it is important to know more about this family of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, including 12 million seniors. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma.

Since there is no cure for glaucoma, scientists are researching new ways to prevent and treat the disease.

Study Focus on Diabetic Patients

In the study, researchers looked at retrospective data of 1,961 diabetic patients who were new users of this class of drugs. They then matched them to 4,371 unexposed control subjects, according to a Medical Xpress article. After 150 days on average, 10 patients in the medicated group were newly diagnosed with glaucoma (0.5 percent) compared to 58 patients (1.3 percent) in the control group.

“It was very encouraging to see that a popular diabetes medication could significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, and our study suggests that these medications warrant further study in this patient population,” said Qi N. Cui, MD, Ph.D., with Brian VanderBeek, MD, MPH, both assistant professors of Ophthalmology at Penn.

A Penn Medicine study from 2020 supports the findings, which found that GLP-1R agonists reduced neuroinflammation and prevented retinal ganglion cell death in mice.

Additionally, this class of drugs has shown similarly protective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in animal models. Currently, clinical trials are underway to test the medications against neurodegenerative diseases, conditions in which cells of the human brain and spinal cord are lost.

Are You At Risk?

Glaucoma affects 3 million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is important to know if you are at risk. In addition to diabetes, risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • Age 45 or older
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • History of injury to the eye
  • African American
  • History of steroid use, either in the eye (drops) or systemically (orally or injected)
  • Nearsighted (myopic)
  • Farsighted (hyperopic)
  • History of elevated intraocular pressure

Visit an Ophthalmologist

There is no cure for glaucoma. Early detection is of primary importance because there are usually no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred.

It is recommended that you schedule a comprehensive eye exam and let your ophthalmologist know if you are at risk for glaucoma.