DR. ANSANELLI M.D. F.A.C.S, P.C.

DR. ANSANELLI'S MESSAGE

Dear Patients,

In 1981, I was asked by North Shore University Hospital, Long Island, New York, then Central General Hospital, to investigate the laser which was being used by the government in “star war” applications. It had recently been gaining popularity in eye and other forms of surgery.  Upon seeing amazing advantages in their use, I became curious to see if these great benefits could be applied to my work in breast surgery. The benefits to the surgeon of sealing lymphatics and blood vessels, and reducing the spread of local cells was very impressive, especially in my work.

I then began the task of educating myself in the  engineering sciences  of lasers in Tel Aviv, Israel where lasers were designed. The American Laser Society for Surgery & Medicine was extremely helpful in advancing the skills of the surgeon. Subsequently I attended laboratory and hands on courses in the United States and apprenticed laser surgeons with advanced skills.

I then proceeded to use lasers on all of my patients at North Shore University Hospital, Plainview and Manhasset, New York. Subsequently, my patients at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City also enjoyed these benefits.  It was at this time that I opened my own out-patient service. This enabled patients a private more breast oriented service which so many women want. Other benefits were the fact that we only operated on the sterile breast cases without introducing the bacteria associated with general surgery patients. Today we have limited all of our patients to the ambulatory unit due to the high incidence of death from MRSA (methylline resistant staphioccus aureus.)

The results of these surgeries have been very rewarding to me as a surgeon. Less mutilation of the breast with smaller incisions, the ability to include oncoplastic surgery at the time of the cancer surgery, sealing blood vessels and lymphatics, which reduces the chance of spread at the time of surgery and because of the sealing, there is much less drainage reducing the chance of infection. A great advantage is that  there is no need for general anesthesia because the laser reduces pain. We use a local anesthesia and IV sedation. After the procedure our patients are able to walk off the operating table and return to their room going out for lunch in most cases.

My goal has been to reduce the anguish of a breast cancer patient while treating their disease. This has been accomplished by a thorough dialogue of choices and the advantages that are available today. Knowledge affords the patient proper tools to make sound decisions  in their care. I believe that compassion through discussions and with the advances in breast laser surgery, patients will make a speedier recovery emotionally and physically.

  Dr. Ansanelli