BRIDGEPORT, CT (March 3, 2017) – The Yale Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at Bridgeport Hospital has earned three-year national accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The program recognizes comprehensive bariatric surgery programs that meet the highest standards for patient safety and quality.
“This designation is a testament to the dedication of a team that includes board-certified bariatric surgeons, specially trained nurses, dietitians and others,” said Andrew Duffy, MD, bariatric surgery program director. “Patients seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity have access to a nationally accredited program at Bridgeport Hospital that provides the highest level of individualized and compassionate care before, during and after weight-loss surgery.”
Bridgeport Hospital’s bariatric surgery program offers both preoperative and postoperative care to patients, as well as monthly support groups for individuals who undergo weight-loss surgery. Surgical options include laparoscopic gastric bypass (which bypasses a portion of the stomach by re-routing food to the intestines), sleeve gastrectomy (in which a portion of the stomach is surgically removed) and revision of previous bariatric procedures.
“Accreditation is a testament to the quality and scope of our bariatric surgery program, including our bariatric surgeons and clinical support staff,” said Bridgeport Hospital Chairman of Surgery Nabil Atweh, MD. “This program fills a very important need on our community for patients who require highly specialized, complex care.”
“Bridgeport Hospital continually strives to provide the best and most comprehensive care to all the patients in our community,” added Bridgeport Hospital Senior Vice President of Operations Marc Brunetti. “This accreditation validates the hard work and dedication of the doctors, nurses, dieticians and clinicians who constitute this great program.”
The Yale Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program was established at Bridgeport Hospital in 2015. In addition to Dr. Duffy, the surgical team includes Saber Ghiassi, MD. Patients are seen pre- and post-operatively at satellite offices, including one at 2000 Post Road in Fairfield.
Candidates for bariatric surgery include individuals who are 60 pounds or more overweight and are concerned about developing or have obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, gastric reflux and more. An estimated 15.5 million Americans suffer from severe obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the numbers are expected to increase.
To receive the national accreditation, bariatric centers must offer both surgical procedures as well as a multidisciplinary program for severely obese patients designed to improve outcomes and long-term success. After submitting an application, centers undergo an extensive review and site visit. An assessment is made by an experienced bariatric surgeon based on number of patients served annually, types of procedures provided, staff qualifications, facility and equipment specifications, and outcomes of the program. MBSAQIP is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org
