As part of its efforts to serve an even greater segment of the Southern California community, Keck Medicine of USC is expanding its surgical offerings at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Patients in the area previously had been able to undergo surgery with Keck Medicine physicians at USC-VHH, but had to commute roughly 13 miles to Keck Medical Center for clinical visits and consultations. The added convenience of the new clinical location continues Keck Medicine’s mission of delivering patient-centered care.

The new space offers state-of-the art technology to ensure that surgeons and staff can deliver the high-quality service.

“Exceptional care is about more than top-notch skills and cutting-edge technology,” explained Vaughn Starnes, MD, Distinguished Professor and chair of surgery, and H. Russell Smith Foundation Chair for Stem Cell and Cardiovascular Thoracic Research. “We’re pleased to be offering our patients in the Verdugo Hills area a welcoming environment that’s close to home.”

Surgical options now available at USC-VHH include bariatrics, colorectal, upper GI and general (including breast cancer surgery), plastics and reconstruction, and vascular surgery and endovascular therapy.

• The plastics and reconstruction physicians will be coordinating with the general surgery team to create a satellite of Keck Medicine’s multidisciplinary Harold E. and Henrietta C. Lee Breast Center, allowing patients to work seamlessly with breast oncology surgeons and breast reconstruction surgeons. In addition, the plastics and reconstruction team will focus on wound healing and aesthetic surgeries.
• The bariatrics team members are available to consult on both surgical and non-surgical weight management options. They also are highly skilled in bariatric revision surgeries, including revisions of failed lap band surgeries.
• Each member of the colorectal team has been nationally recognized for expertise in minimally invasive treatments. The team performs 90 percent of surgeries laparoscopically, compared with dramatically lower rates nationwide, and are among a few programs in the nation that perform combined endolaparoscopic surgery to remove difficult colon polyps and avoid colon restrictions.
• The vascular surgery and endovascular therapy team offers the latest noninvasive diagnostic imaging technology and dedication to using minimally invasive treatments. The vascular team integrates with other divisions to provide individualized care and is committed to using advanced endovascular techniques to allow for smoother, shorter recoveries.

Physicians have already started seeing patients at the new space. Call (800) USC-CARE to make an appointment.

— Lex Davis