HEALTHY LIVING IN Hutchinson and Litchfield

Ted of Hutchinson and Kimberly of Litchfi eld tell their stories about

minimally invasive surgeries.

The next time you renew your driver’s license, consider checking “yes” to organ and tissue donation. Registration can also be done online, at www.donatelifemidwest.org. It’s easy to do, and the decision could save up to 60 lives.It’s important to note that, as a donor, your life always comes fi rst. Being a donor doesn’t change the medical care a person receives, and donor status is not taken into account until after a person dies. Anyone is a potential candidate for organ and tissue donation, and there are no health or age requirements to sign up. Also, there is no cost

to the donor or the donor’s family The identities of both the recipient and the donor family are kept confi dential. Nearly 120,000 people in the U.S. are currently in need of a transplant. Every day, about 18 people die while waiting. People who register as organ and tissue donors have the opportunity to make a life-saving diff erence for many families. To learn more, visit www.life-source.org.

Donate Life

Let life bloom. Register Toda

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orga

n, eye and tissue donation

Spring 2014

Did you know that April is Foot Health Awareness Month?

If you haven’t given your feet much thought recently, now is the perfect time to take that extra step. Here are a few common summertime foot woes and ways to prevent them:

• Dryness – Moisturize feet with coconut oil or foot cream.

• Sunburn – Apply sunscreen to the tops of feet, or keep them covered. • Blisters – Keep feet dry and cool. Avoid shoes that are too tight.• Swelling – Soak feet in a tub of ice water for about 15 minutes.• Sweating – Choose footwear made of mesh fabrics.Untreated pain in your feet or ankles can

lead to unnecessary damage, and it’s best to take care of small problems before they become major issues.

For help with hurting feet, schedule an appointment with Hutchinson Health podiatrist David Maher, DPM, at (320) 234-3290.

We’re looking forward to serving you!

Treat your feet!

www.hutchhealth.com

Serving Hutchinson and Litchfi eld

with 67 Physicians, 627 Clinical and Support Staff ,

and 74 Services off ered.

April was Donate Life and Foot Health Month

Dr. Thomas Nelson & Dr. Christina Moses

1095 Highway 15 SouthHutchinson, MN 55350

Questions or comments?Please Contact

Rosann Maher at rmaher@HutchHealth.com

Clinic (320) 234-3290Hospital 1-800-454-3903

Smallis betterBigger isn’t always better. When it comes to surgery, small has a lot of perks.

Smallis better

Bigger isn’t always better. When it comes to surgery, small has a lot of perks.

With minimally invasive surgery, we use:• teeny-tiny incisions (often less than one quarter of an inch),• thin, fl exible instruments, and• miniature cameras, narrower than a pinky fi nger.

At Hutchinson Health, we believe less is more. Minimally invasive surgical procedures mean our patients experience less pain, less scarring, and less recovery time.

Medical problems shouldn’t take up a big chunk of your life. Let Hutchinson Health’s skilled surgical team help you experience the benefi ts of minimally invasive surgery today.

Chronic nasal congestion is no fun. It can feel like pressure in your

face, and suff erers often experience headaches, dental pain, fatigue, and bad

breath. Other symptoms include a loss of smell or taste, a plugged or runny nose, and discolored post-nasal discharge.

If this describes what you’re dealing with, you’re not alone. Sinusitis (infl ammation of the sinuses) is one of the most common medical conditions, aff ecting about 37 million Americans each year.

Fortunately, a state-of-the-art procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty can alleviate this painful problem.

Unlike older technologies, this minimally invasive procedure does not remove bone or tissue. Patients typically have minimal pain and bleeding, and can resume their normal routine two days after the procedure.

How does it work? Just like it sounds, Balloon Sinuplasty uses a tiny balloon to gently open the obstructed nasal passageway.

First, a thin, fl exible guide catheter is inserted through the nostril, into the blocked sinus area. Then, a balloon catheter is slid over the guide. Once it’s in the correct position, the balloon is gradually infl ated to open and remodel the blocked passageway.

After the balloon is defl ated and removed, the sinuses are able to drain normally.

Dr. William Avery, who specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, has performed numerous Balloon Sinuplasty procedures at Hutchinson Health. Dr. Avery is a physician with the Paparella Ear, Head, and Neck Institute, and is certifi ed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

If you’ve been suff ering from chronic sinus pain, you might be a candidate for this minimally invasive procedure. Contact Hutchinson Health today at (320) 234-3290 to have your condition evaluated by one of our health care professionals.

Feeling congested?Balloon Sinuplasty is a gentle, safe way to open nasal passages.

Dr. William Avery

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MINIMALLY I N VA S I V E S U R G E R Y

Specializing in minimally invasive hip and knee replacements and orthopaedic oncology, Dr. Thomas Nelson is looking forward to sharing

his expertise with patients in Hutchinson and the surrounding

area.“I have always wanted to work in a smaller community,” noted Dr. Nelson, whose special interests

include joint replacement revisions, knee surgery, hip surgery, hip resurfacing, and arthritis care.

Dr. Nelson’s fi rst day at Hutchinson Health was April 1. Previously, he served as an orthopaedic surgeon in the Twin Cities. In the Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, Dr. Nelson was voted a “Top Doctor” by his peers.

“Doing the right thing and putting patients fi rst has always been my philosophy of care,” says Dr. Nelson. “I enjoy interacting with patients and helping them continue to enjoy an active life.”

Dr. Nelson is board-certifi ed and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and completed an orthopaedic oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School, where he also completed his residency, and currently serves as an assistant professor.

When he’s not working, Dr. Nelson enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathryn Pyzdrowski, MD, and their three adult children, Molly, Thomas Jr., and Andrew. Call the Orthopaedic & Rehab Clinic at (320) 484-4400 for an appointment, no referral necessary.

Top orthopaedic surgeon joins Hutchinson Health

Dr. Thomas Nelson

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Hutchinson Health is one of the largest independent health care providers in Minnesota. Services include primary and specialty care clinics, emergency services, and specialty programs. To learn more, go to www.hutchhealth.com.

ALLERGYBarry Alpers, MDAmy Ellingson, MD

ATHLETIC TRAININGMarne Reiner, MS, PT

AUDIOLOGYJessica Church, Au.D.Bridget Miskowiec, Au.D.

CARDIOLOGYThom Dahle, MDJacob Dutcher, MDBernard Erickson, MDRobert Hauser, MDDavid Hurrell, MD, FACCThomas Knickelbine, MD, FACC, FSCAITerrence Longe, MD, FACCMark Martone, MDMarc Newell, MDJamie Pelzel, MDWade Schmidt, MDDaniel Tiede, MDJay Traverse, MD

COUNSELORS/THERAPISTSMENTAL HEALTHMegan Appleton, LADCBrenda Erickson, M.A., L.P.Mary Hall, M.S., L.P.Laurie Klawitter, L.I.C.S.W.Rochelle Blair, LADCDiane Pagel, M.A., L.P.Jennifer Plath, LICSWJacqueline Rebstock, LADCDennis Schrader, LICSWJane Sears, M.A., RN, C.N.S.Jodi Swaja, LICSWPeter Westre, CNP

DASSEL CLINICMichael Long, P.A.-C.Ann Riewer, FNPMary Maier, FNP

DIABETES EDUCATIONLynn Marcus, RD, LD, CDEHolly Oestreich, RN, CDEColleen Bonniwell, RN

EAR, NOSE & THROAT (ENT)William Avery, D.O.

EMERGENCY MEDICINELuis Martinez, MDJames Mona, MDJohn Mowlem, MDDavis Sand, MD

FAMILY MEDICINEJames Allen, MDBrian Bonte, D.O.David Byron, MDPamela Fisher, MDJulie Krenik, MDAlbert Lira, MDCatherine McGinnis, MDLawrence Mottl, MDDennis Murphy, D.O.Dean Nissen, MDSmita Ojha, MDBrian Pollmann, D.O.Timothy Remple, MDLeah Schrupp, MDSara Shorter, MDScott Staples, MD, FAAFPNicole VandenBerg, MD

HOSPITALISTBrian Pollmann, D.O.Brenda Simon, D.O.

INTERNAL MEDICINENoel Collis, MDAshok Ojha, MD, MRCPJoslyn Reyes, P.A.-C.

LOW BACK & NECKErik Ekstrom, MDDavid Strothman, MD

NEPHROLOGY (KIDNEYS)John Gray, MDMichael Legris, MD

NEUROLOGYSteven Stein, MD

NUTRITION SERVICESKaren Gensmer, RD, LDElizabeth VanOverbeke, RD, LD

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGYEmily Zoulek, D.O.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYDanille, King, OTRTrisha Lenarz, OTR/LStacy Messner, OTRLisa Neppl, MS, OTR/LSandy Otto, OTR/LToni Peterson, OTR/L CFCEKim Sobiech, OTR/L, CIMIAndrea Verhey, OTR/L

ONCOLOGYKhalid Kambal, MB, BCh

ORTHOPAEDICSPaul Coleman, P.A.-C.Edmund Markey, M.D.Thomas Nelson, MDApril Quigley, P.A.-C.Tate Reyes, P.A.-CGordon Walker, MD

PEDIATRICSCorina Gonzalez, M.D.Erin Knudtson, MDLeah Willson, MD, F.A.A.P.

PHYSICAL THERAPY22 therapists including:Physical therapy, Speech therapy,Occupational therapy, Cardiac rehab& Respiratory therapySusan Ellenson, PT, CWS, CLTDana Hamilton, PT, CIMIKaley Ireland, DPTAnn (Annie) Kosel, PTA, CLTDana Mandelkow, PTAMarisa Provencher, PTMarne Reiner, MS, PTAmy Sauck, DPTErin Sauter, PT, DPTTheresa Skrove, MPTCarla Weikle, PTA

PODIATRYDavid Maher, D.P.M.

PSYCHIATRYGlenn Lewis, MDSteven Meek, MDNavin Natarajan, MDStacy Nichols, MDSteven Sonnek, MDJasbir Virk, MD

PSYCHOLOGYJames Matthew, Ph.D., L.P.Morfi tt Russell, Ph.D., L.P.Jean Rusinak, Ph.D., L.P.Scott Wichterman, Psy.D., L.P.

RADIOLOGYCurtis Binder, MDThomas Ibach, MDTrudi Parker, MDRobert Pollock, MDDamon Shearer, DO

REHABILITATIONJanet Mraz, RN, BSN

SLEEP MEDICINESnigdha Sagar, MBBS

SURGERYJoshua Knudtson, MDChristina Moses, MDMichael Remucal, MD

URGENT CAREDanielson, Emily, PA-CDoyscher, Cynthia, F.N.P.Fly, Eric, P.A.-C., M.P.A.S.Scharmer, Janet, RN, NP-C, CCRN, CFRNWaldera, Lori, FNP, CNMWalsh, Nancy, DNP, RN, CNP

UROLOGYJohn Matsuura, MDKeegan Maxwell, MDGregory Parries, MD

WOMEN’S HEALTHDiane Muckenhirn, MSN, CNP

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Less pain, more gain!Three Hutchinson Health general surgeons answer patients’ questions about minimally invasive procedures:

Dr. Michael Remucal“Patients often say that one of the best parts of minimally invasive surgery is the quick recovery time. Because we typically don’t need to cut into muscle, signifi cantly less tissue is damaged. As a result, patients are able to leave the hospital sooner, with less pain and scarring. Comfort levels after a minimally invasive procedure are generally higher than with open surgery, and patients are able to take less pain medication.”

Dr. Josh Knudtson“Just like it sounds, a minimally invasive procedure (also called a laparoscopic procedure) is less ‘invasive’ than traditional open surgery. Instead of a larger incision with directly exposed organs, minimally invasive procedures typically involve multiple small incisions. Depending on the type of surgery, we insert one or more tubes to help us see inside the body with a tiny camera. Then, with a clear, magnifi ed view of the area, we use specialized instruments to perform the procedure. Minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly common, and is a safe and eff ective way to treat a variety of medical conditions.”

Dr. Christina Moses“With today’s technology, many procedures can be performed with minimallyinvasive methods, including hip and knee replacements, heart valve repairs, spine surgeries, and more. Recently, I performed Hutchinson Health’s fi rst laparoscopic nephrectomy – a minimally invasive way to remove a diseased or damaged kidney. A few other examples of conditions we commonly treat with minimally invasive procedures include vein disease, hernias, gallstones, GERD/refl ux disease, carpal tunnel, and skin lesions. Every situation is unique, and when you make an appointment at Hutchinson Health, your doctor will assess your specifi c needs and recommend the best course of action for you.”

“With today’s technology, many procedures can be performed with minimallyinvasive surgeries, and more. Recently, I performed Hutchinson Health’s fi rst laparoscopic nephrectomy – a minimally invasive way to remove a diseased or damaged kidney. A few other examples of conditions we commonly treat with minimally invasive procedures include vein disease, hernias, gallstones, GERD/refl ux disease, carpal tunnel, and skin lesions. Every situation is unique, and when you make an appointment at Hutchinson Health, your doctor will assess your specifi c needs and recommend the best course of action for you.”

What are the benefits?

Can my condition be treated with a minimally invasive procedure?

What is minimally invasive procedure?Since Dr. Christina Moses joined Hutchinson Health in September 2013, her

broad-spectrum surgery skills have been put to good use. Recently, she performed Hutchinson’s fi rst laparoscopic nephrectomy, a

minimally invasive surgery to remove a diseased or damaged kidney. “With laparoscopic procedures, we use long instruments and a camera,” Dr.

Moses said. Incisions are much smaller than traditional open surgery, and patients are

able to recover quicker, with less pain and scarring. “Normally with a laparoscopic procedure, patients are up and moving the

next day, if not the same day,” said Dr. Moses, who previously practiced at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Hennepin County Medical Center.

Laparoscopy is just one of Dr. Moses’ many areas of surgical expertise; she also performs endoscopy, soft tissue, endocrine, and open procedures. A few examples of conditions Dr. Moses often treats include carpal tunnel, hernias, gallstones, colon/bowel problems, cancer, thyroid issues, skin lesions, and varicose veins.

Dr. Moses’ aspirations to become a surgeon started at a young age. “When I was 4 years old, I already had an interest in anatomy and physiology,

even though I didn’t know what it was called,” she said.That passion never wavered, and today, Dr. Moses is living out her dream at

Hutchinson Health.“I enjoy identifying a problem and being able to fi x it,” she said. “I like making

people feel better.”

First laparoscopic kidney removal performed in Hutchinson

Minimally invasive expert Dr. Christina Mosesuse advanced surgical procedures to treat conditions like vein disease, hernias, gallstones, and GERD/refl ux disease.Visit www.hutchhealth.com to learn more

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MINIMALLY I N VA S I V E S U R G E R Y

“I wish I would have gone in sooner,” says 40-year-old Tricia Elke of Dassel, who underwent a total hysterectomy at Hutchinson Health the end of February. Previously, Tricia had been visiting a diff erent clinic, where she opted for a permanent birth control method called Essure. The procedure prevents pregnancy with soft, fl exible inserts in the fallopian tubes. Unfortunately, one of Tricia’s inserts fell out, and ended up lodging in her cervix. “I knew something wasn’t right,” she recalls. Her physician at the time told her not to worry about it, but Tricia continued to have pain in that area. “It hurt all the time, and every once in a while, I’d get this feeling like someone stabbing me from the inside, and then twisting,” she says.After more than a year, Tricia decided to get a second opinion, this time from Dr. David Byron at Hutchinson Health. The fi rst time she visited Dr. Byron was 23 years ago, and

he was familiar with her medical history. “He knew I was in pain, and that I wasn’t making it up,” Tricia says. “Hutchinson Health is more personal than other places I’ve gone, and that’s why I went back there.”

Dr. Byron recommended surgery, and referred Tricia to Dr. Emily Zoulek, who specializes in women’s health.

“My experience at the hospital was wonderful,” Tricia says. “The anesthetist really discussed things with me.”

The entire procedure – a total hysterectomy and uterosacral ligament suspension – was performed

laparoscopically (with lighted camera and long, thin surgical instruments). Three tiny incisions were made – two on each side of Tricia’s abdomen, and one in the center.

After one night in the hospital, Tricia was able to go home to her family. Tricia was grateful for the

exceptional care she received at Hutchinson Health.

Dassel woman fi nds healing after a minimally invasive hysterectomy

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MINIMALLY I N VA S I V E S U R G E R Y

In fall 2013, when 71-year-old Ted Beatty of Hutchinson began experiencing pain in his left hand, he quickly suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.

Years earlier, his wife had also been aff ected by the condition – which is known for symptoms like aching in the wrist (sometimes extending to the hand and forearm), tingling and numbness, and a sense of weakness in the hands. As the problem progresses, people can fi nd themselves unable to hold onto objects in the aff ected hand.

“It got to the point that unless I had a brace on – and even sometimes with a brace – the pain and numbness would wake me up at all hours of the night,” Ted recalls.

Normally, the carpal tunnel (a narrow passageway in the wrist) has enough space for tendons and the median nerve to comfortably fi t inside. With carpal tunnel syndrome, however, the median nerve becomes compressed, either due to the tunnel being too narrow, or a tendon swelling or degenerating from a process such as tendonitis.

In Ted’s case, tests at Hutchinson Health confi rmed that compression on his median nerve was, in fact, the cause of his pain.

“I chose to have the surgery, and I knew I wanted it to be the minimally invasive procedure,” Ted says.

Ted also knew which surgeon he wanted: Dr. Michael Remucal.

“I’ve known Michael Remucal since he was an infant,” Ted says, explaining that he lived in the same neighborhood as the Remucal family for nearly two

decades.Through the years, Ted and Michael’s

father, Cris, were fi shing and golfi ng buddies, too.

When it came time for Ted’s procedure at the end of January, he felt confi dent he was in good hands. He was able to stay awake during the surgery, and was given a regional anesthetic to numb his left arm. Dr. Remucal then made a tiny incision in his wrist, and released the tight ligament over Ted’s median nerve.

“I was recovered within a week, and I haven’t had any problems since,” Ted says, adding that he only took two pain reliever pills during his recovery.

A few days after his surgery, Ted was feeling good enough for a lower body workout at Anytime Fitness in Hutchinson. This summer, he’s looking

forward to plenty of golfi ng and fi shing, too. “I have nothing but praise for the surgical staff at

Hutchinson Health,” Ted says. “I would recommend Dr. Remucal highly.”

Ted also knew which surgeon he

“I’ve known Michael Remucal Dr. Michael Remucal

In good handsS m a l l i sB E T T E R i n

MINIMALLY I N VA S I V E S U R G E R Y

Open SurgeryAn incision is made from the wrist to the center of the palm, through layers of skin, fat and connective tissue. The procedure is eff ective, but may not be the best option for many patients.

• Leaves a scar from the wrist to the center of the palm.• Recovery can take several weeks.

4For more information go to www.hutchhealth.com

Getting back on her feetKim Roiger of Litchfi eld fi nds help for heel pain

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MINIMALLY I N VA S I V E S U R G E R Y

Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary donates more than $147,000

Brandon Thiemann and Peter Ydstie from Hutchinson Health Hospital Anesthesia Staff ; and Cheryl Sanken, Marion Neisen, Nell Gehrke Peterson, and Sally Moehring from the Auxiliary.

After minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery, Ted Beatty’s hand has been ‘problem-free.’

Endoscopic Surgery (minimally invasive)An endoscope, a thin tube with a built in camera, gives the surgeon a suffi cient view to release pressure on the nerve. It involves a small incision at the base of the wrist in non-tensed tissue. Highly eff ective, endoscopic surgery results in:

• Less post-operative pain.• Minimal scar is concealed by wrist crease.• Decreased return-to-work time.

As a personal care attendant at an assisted living facility, Kimberly Roiger of Litchfi eld didn’t think much of spending her workdays on her feet – until about eight months ago.

That was the time she started experiencing throbbing, aching pain in the back of both her feet.

“It’s the little things you take for granted – like being able to walk and feel no pain,” Kim says.

Even with supportive shoes and inserts, each step became diffi cult for Kim.

“It was all day, constant,” she recalls. “By the time I’d get home from work, it would hurt so bad.”

By mid-February, the pain had started to extend into Kim’s thighs and back. She knew she needed help, and made an appointment with Dr. David Maher, who specializes in foot care at Hutchinson Health.

Dr. Maher diagnosed Kim with plantar fasciitis, which occurs when a ligament in the arch of the foot is too tight, and therefore begins to pull away from the heel. Conservative care for this condition involves orthotics, stretching, and injections.

“If all else fails, the last resort is a plantar fascial release,” Dr. Maher notes, explaining that the procedure involves surgically cutting the plantar fascia to allow it to lengthen.

Having tried other methods of care without success, Kim opted to have Dr. Maher perform the surgery.

“Today, we are able to do this endoscopically,” Dr. Maher says. “This means that it can all be done through a quarter-inch incision, allowing patients to be back in their shoes in three days.”

Kim is glad she chose Dr. Maher for her surgery, and describes him as her “angel.”

“He knew how much pain I was in, and he was there to help,” she says. “He’s awesome, and he has a sense of humor, too.”

Kim was already noticing positive changes a week after the endoscopic plantar fascial release, and was looking forward to heading back to work the end of March.

“Ever since my surgery, I don’t have the pain going up the back of my legs,” she says, adding that she’s excited to take walks outside this spring.

“I should be able to do back fl ips pretty soon,” she laughs.

The Hutchinson Health Hospital Auxiliary recently donated $147,588 to support the hospital’s growing surgical services. The donation will be used to purchase a new operating bed, and state-of-the-art anesthesia machines that feature additional ventilation modes.

Over the years, the auxiliary has donated more than $1.9 million to Hutchinson Health, contributing to the purchase of hospital equipment and technology, ranging from defi brillators and physical therapy equipment to new ambulances and electronic ICU equipment.

Auxiliary members volunteer

countless hours each year at Hutchinson Health. They work in the hospital coff ee shop, gift shop, and downtown thrift shop; they serve as hospital greeters and mail messengers; and they knit caps for newborn babies.

“Our members enjoy volunteering and seeing the reward of new equipment being purchased to enhance patient care,” said Sally Moehring, current auxiliary president.

Anyone interested in becoming a member (or just volunteering a few hours) can contact Anna Harvala at (320) 484-4513.

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