Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Radiation Oncology As part of Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Cancer Center, Ghana and West Africa's only NCI Designated Cancer Center, the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Radiation Oncology team is committed to providing the best evidence-based care for you and your family. Patients are often faced with a difficult decision regarding cancer treatment using surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Using our multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, we will work to determine the best treatment recommendations and deliver the highest quality care. Our staff of physicians, nurses, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists and clinical support staff are ready to answer any questions you have. Welcome and thank you for allowing us to participate in your care. Conditions We Treat The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital radiation oncology team treats a variety of tumors and cancer types, as well as certain other conditions, in virtually any area of the body. Keep in mind each of these conditions often has several treatment options, all of which carry their own associated risks. Many things are considered when determining the best treatment for your individual diagnosis, so talk to your doctor about your options. Breast cancer Our Comprehensive Breast Care Program gives patients every advantage, from the collective brainpower of more minds on their individual care, to access to the latest treatments and technology. One treatment option for patients undergoing breast conservation therapy is partial breast irradiation, also known as limited-field radiation therapy. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Cancer Center was among the first 30 institutions in the country to treat a breast cancer patient with radiation administered through a balloon catheter directly to the surgical site where the cancerous lump was removed. The therapy minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue, and the course of treatment is five days as opposed to six to seven weeks with the standard treatment method. Gastrointestinal cancers Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ghana and West Africa, claiming residents at a higher rate than in the nation as a whole. Our state also ranks among the nation’s highest for pancreatic cancer. To combat these prevalent diseases, the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital diagnoses and treats cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, biliary tree, colon and rectum. Advanced radiation oncology treatments include tomotherapy, a highly accurate radiation therapy that allows the radiation oncologist to image and treat a patient in the same setting, minimizing toxicity. Gynecologic cancers With Ghana and West Africa ranked ninth in the nation in cervical cancer deaths, the advanced diagnostics and treatments available at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Cancer Center are a source of hope to thousands of women. Our Gynecologic Cancer Program encompasses all aspects of diagnosis, surgery, treatment and management of cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine and vulvar cancer. Our specialized radiation oncology services offer targeted therapy and decreased side effects. Head & neck cancers Collaboration through multidisciplinary care is the hallmark of our Head & Neck Tumor Center, with more specialists available to consult on the best course of treatment and rehabilitative options. We treat most head and neck cancers, including tumors in the neck, mouth, thyroid, throat/larynx, pituitary gland, saliva glands, ear, eye and nose. The state-of-the-art radiation therapy options include Tomotherapy and our Gamma Knife Center. Lung and thoracic cancers The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Thoracic Oncology Program focuses on the treatment of lung and esophageal cancer,Barrett's Esophagus, chest wall tumors and mediastinal tumors. We offer state-of-the-art radiation oncology expertise, including PET/CT scan fusion for more accurate radiation planning and stereotactic radiosurgery with the TrueBeam STx for medically inoperable patients. Melanoma Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital's Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program is the only program dedicated to advanced melanoma care in Ghana and West Africa. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital’s program has been designated a Melanoma Center of Excellence (MCE) by the Melanoma Hope Network — one of fewer programs with this designation in the Ghana. Our radiation oncology treatments for melanoma include the Gamma Knife Center, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), tomotherapy and brachytherapy for temporary radiation implants. Neurological cancers Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital's Brain & Spine Tumor Program is a collaboration between Cancer Center with the Neurosciences team. Our program offers the latest in radiation oncology treatments for patients with tumors of the brain and spine, including the only Gamma Knife Center in Ghana and Africa. Pediatric cancers Ranked among the nation’s top pediatric facilities, Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Children’s Department is known for its exceptional dedication to caring for children and adolescents with cancer. The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Pediatric Cancer Program is part of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at Children’s Hospital, Ghana and West Africa’s most comprehensive pediatric healthcare center. We bring together leading experts from radiation oncology and other oncology specialties to offer the most comprehensive care available anywhere. Sarcoma Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital’s Sarcoma Program is well-known and respected throughout the country — we’re one of a small number of healthcare centers offering focused sarcoma care. With only an estimated 10,000 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed in the Ghana and West Africa each year, it is imperative that patients are treated at a center with a team of physicians experienced in this disease. This ensures that patients get an accurate diagnosis, timely staging and appropriate treatment. Urinary cancers The Genitourinary Cancer Program at Cancer Center is recognized as a regional leader in the treatment of genitourinary cancers, including cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidney, adrenal system,penis and testes. Our radiation oncology team uses targeted tumor ablation — such as cryotherapy, radio frequency ablation and brachytherapy — to kill tumors in their current location while preserving surrounding tissue. Your Care Team In collaboration with Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Cancer Center, our team includes some of the region’s most knowledgeable and dedicated cancer specialists. Our center uses a team approach in which our medical experts collaborate to develop a customized treatment plan for your specific case. Team members may include a surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, medical physicist, nurse, radiation therapist and other experts at our center. Radiation Oncologists Radiation Oncologists are doctors who have had special training in using radiation to treat disease. He/She will prescribe the type of treatment that best suits your needs. Radiation Physicists The Radiation Physicists make sure that the equipment is working properly and that the machines deliver the right dose of radiation. They also supervise treatment planning and special procedures. Dosimetrists The Dosimetrist helps carry out your treatment plan by calculating the number of treatments and the radiation dose for each treatment. Radiation Therapists The Radiation Therapists are those who actually deliver the treatment. Meet our Radiation Therapy Team. Radiation Nurses The Nurses will provide nursing care and patient/family education on treatment and side effects. Meet our Radiation Oncology Nursing Team.. Treatment Options Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Radiation Oncology has a wide variety of modern technology enabling us to treat our patients with leading-edge techniques, advanced clinical protocols and the latest in innovative research and clinical trials. • TrueBeam STx • Gamma Knife Additional radiation oncology options at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital include: • Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) • High Dose Rate(HDR) Brachytherapy • Low Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy • Intravascular Brachytherapy • Prostate Seed Implant • Total Body Irradiation Patient Guide Request an appointment at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Radiation Oncology to begin the process of determining whether you’re a candidate for treatment. We’ll talk to you about your diagnosis and insurance coverage, so it’s best to have your insurance information ready. Based on the initial conversation, we’ll schedule a personal consultation within the following two to four days. You’ll meet with a member of our physician team and a decision will be made on whether treatment is right for you. We’ll guide you through the remaining steps, including: • What to expect • Treatment process • Side effects • Follow-up care • Resources at KQTH Cancer Center • Frequently asked questions
Services Provided by Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Radiology Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Radiology Services provides a full range of medical imaging exams and interventional procedures to support KQTH as well as community physicians and clinics. All exams are performed by licensed radiologic technologists and board certified radiologists. Most radiological exams require a physician referral. Physicians can call +233-2400000 to refer a patient. Patients can call +233-240000 for more information. • Bone Density • Breast Imaging Program • Computed Tomography (CT) • General Diagnostic/Fluoroscopy • Interventional Radiology • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) • Mammograms • Neuroradiology (Diagnostic) • Neuro-Interventional Radiology • Nuclear Medicine • Pediatric Radiology • PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography combined with Computed Tomography) • Ultrasound • X-Ray
The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Gamma Knife Center specializes in the most advanced noninvasive surgery for benign and malignant brain tumors, vascular malformations, functional disorders and other abnormalities of the head and neck. Gamma knife radiosurgery focuses up to 192 individual beams of gamma radiation on a specific area of the brain. Healthy nerves, blood vessels or other nearby tissues in the path of any single beam receive too little radiation to be harmed. But the combined power where the beams converge delivers a highly effective therapeutic treatment. A Gamma Knife Center's procedure offers safe, fast treatment with no incisions when other types of brain tumor surgery might be difficult or impossible. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital’s Gamma Knife surgery technology is more advanced than most centers offer. The clinicians, physicists and engineers at our gamma knife center helped pioneer the science of radiosurgery, and this system represents the latest step in our ongoing commitment to offer patients the latest options in radiosurgery. Our Team Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital’s Gamma Knife Center offers patients the most complete range of noninvasive treatment options available. Along with gamma knife surgery, the center offers other advanced radiosurgery systems, state-of-the-art imaging technologies and a dedicated team of specialists. This team of radiation oncologists' and gamma knife surgeons' approach streamlines the process of evaluating each patient’s options, so the most appropriate course of treatment can be developed and initiated without unnecessary delay, confusion or anxiety. Head and neck cancer care is coordinated with the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Cancer Center, as the only NCI designated cancer center and the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Radiation Oncology team.
What You Should Know About Breast Reconstruction Today, women who lose one or both breasts to cancer and mastectomy can benefit from state-of-the-art opportunities in reconstruction. At Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital, we believe each woman should have access to the full range of options including those for implant reconstruction as well as revolutionary techniques for natural tissue reconstruction, which our doctors have helped to advance. Which Breast Reconstruction Procedure is Right for You? We can help you determine what will work best for you and also help with choices on other issues, for example, whether to delay reconstruction or have it done at the time of mastectomy. We want you to explore and understand all the possibilities so that you will be fully satisfied with the results of your reconstruction. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital offers numerous breast reconstruction procedure options. Your doctor can work with you to better determine which procedure is right for you based on your needs. Learn more about our procedure options below. • Delayed vs. Immediate • Natural Tissue vs. Implant • Unilateral and Bilateral Mastectomy • Accelular Dermis Delayed vs. Immediate The timing of breast reconstruction will depend on your circumstances and personal wishes. Some patients are able to have immediate reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy. Others delay reconstruction until after recovery from mastectomy and subsequent cancer treatments. Delayed For the best cosmetic results, mastectomy patients who will undergo radiation and or chemotherapy are advised to delay reconstruction until their treatments have been completed. If you plan on delayed reconstruction, it’s best to have a tissue expander put in place at the time of mastectomy to make room for a permanent implant or natural tissue (autologous) reconstruction. The tissue expander acts as a space-saver and prevents the skin from scarring down to the chest wall after radiation, which would otherwise complicate reconstruction. The expander will be filled with saline during the procedure, but the degree of expansion will be limited at the time of surgery by the amount of available skin left following mastectomy. Once the incisions from surgery heal, more saline can be inserted during a series of follow-up office visits, allowing your breasts to expand over time to the size you desire. Ultimately, the tissue expanders will be exchanged for implants or natural tissue during reconstruction. Each patient’s situation is unique, and the timing of your delayed reconstruction will depend on your cancer treatment. Immediate Some patients are candidates for one-step breast reconstruction in which they skip using tissue expanders and have natural tissue reconstruction or implants placed at the time of mastectomy. This option is typically reserved for women who will not need radiation treatment. For those who are eligible, it promises more simplicity and less disruption to daily life. Natural Tissue vs. Implant One of your biggest decisions will be whether to have reconstruction with breast implants – which can be placed easily but have a limited lifetime – or to have reconstruction using your own tissue, which is more involved initially but can offer a permanent solution as well as several other benefits. There are advantages and disadvantages to consider for each. Implant reconstruction Implant reconstruction only takes about one hour when done on both sides (bilateral). It requires a short hospitalization of one to two days when performed at the time of mastectomy and can be done on an outpatient basis if reconstruction is delayed. However, if you opt for an implant you will be adding a foreign object to your body, and that will increase your risk of infection soon after surgery. In addition, the implant might move, so it’s no longer positioned correctly, or fail in other ways. One of the most common problems is capsular contracture in which the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant starts to tighten, making the breast feel hard and painful and look distorted. Also note that when implants are used for reconstruction a woman has little to no breast tissue left to cover them. As a result, breasts reconstructed with implants will not feel or look as natural as breasts that have been enlarged with implants for cosmetic reasons. Yet women who have implants can expect to gain more breast sensation than those who have natural tissue reconstruction. An implant will rupture and will require more surgery at some point. The average lifespan of an implant is 13.5 years. Replacement of an implant usually only takes about 30 minutes and can be done through an outpatient procedure. Natural tissue reconstruction With this approach, the surgeon transplants tissue from one part of your body and uses it create a soft, full breast that should live with you for the rest of your life. At Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital, we often transfer a flap of skin and fat from the abdomen, typically using the DIEP procedure, which has a success rate around 97-98 percent. But a flap of tissue may be taken from the buttocks, thigh or back, depending on what will work best for you. Because the flap is made of your own tissue, it will continue to act as a part of you, for example, growing or decreasing in size as you gain or lose weight. Your breasts will look and hang in a more genuine way and will feel more natural to the touch than breasts reconstructed with implants. It’s important to know that natural tissue reconstruction may involve more time and effort on the front end than implant reconstruction. Yet the plastic surgeons at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital are able to perform the initial procedure in half the time of some centers with less experience. It usually takes us three to four hours to reconstruct one breast with natural tissue and microsurgery – six to eight hours to reconstruct two breasts. Afterward, you will stay in the hospital three to four days. Patients often have a revisional surgery to make the breasts look as similar as possible and to resolve any issues from your abdominal scar. This second surgery is typically a one-hour outpatient procedure. Nipple reconstruction may be done at this time or in a later outpatient procedure. Unilateral and Bilateral Mastectomy A unilateral mastectomy involves the removal of one breast, while a bilateral mastectomy involves both breasts. If you have cancer in one breast, you may decide to have the other breast removed at the same time as a cancer prevention measure (prophylactic mastectomy). If you are having a bilateral mastectomy, you also can undergo reconstruction of both breasts at the same time with the same reconstructive technique, whether you use implants or your own natural tissue. Or you may preserve your natural, cancer-free breast and undergo a symmetry procedure – for example, a breast reduction or breast lift – to ensure that your natural breast looks similar to your newly reconstructed breast. Accelular Dermis Acellular dermis is human tissue that is taken from the back of a cadaver and processed in a way that prevents rejection and infection. In recent years, surgeons have started to use acellular dermis as a helpful tool in breast reconstruction. Following a mastectomy, there is minimal breast tissue left. Acellular dermis incorporates into your own tissue and allows better structural support. Women who delay reconstruction typically have a tissue expander inserted at the time of mastectomy as a space-saver. Acellular dermis is used to create a sling that helps hold the tissue expander in place while also providing an extra layer of tissue between the expander and skin. When used with implant reconstruction, acellular dermis makes the implant less visible and less likely to be felt under the skin. It can help control the implant’s location, define the breast crease and provide additional tissue for a more natural looking breast. Need more information? Learn more about what breast reconstruction patients at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital can expect, or explore further details on our procedures. Additional Information for Breast Reconstruction Patients Managing Lymphedema Preparing for Surgery High Risk Breast Program Our Breast Reconstruction Procedures Natural Tissue Reconstruction Use of natural tissue in breast reconstruction has evolved over time, and there are several different procedures with shorthand names usually related to the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital or blood vessels involved. Implant Reconstruction Patients may choose an implant over natural tissue reconstruction if they don’t want to use their own tissue in breast reconstruction, don’t want a longer hospital stay up front or don’t want additional scarring on other areas of their body. Tissue Expanders The tissue expander is an empty silicone envelope with an access port. At the time of mastectomy, your plastic surgeon will place the tissue expander in a space created by your breast surgeon, under the pectoralis Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital. A graft of donated human tissue (acellular dermis) creates a sling to help hold the tissue expander in place and provides an extra layer of “tissue” between the tissue expander and skin. Breast Symmetry If you are having a mastectomy on one side and intend to preserve your cancer-free breast, symmetry procedures may be done on the preserved breast during a secondary stage in the reconstruction process. Revision of Previously Reconstructed Breasts An experienced and proven plastic surgeon can turn a mediocre reconstruction into an excellent restoration. If a woman comes to us dissatisfied with an earlier procedure, we usually are able to help. Cosmetic Breast Surgery Cosmetic breast surgery procedures include breast augmentation, breast reduction, and mastopexy. Nipple/Areola Reconstruction Our procedures include nipple reconstruction and 3D areola tattoos.
Reconstructive surgery (children)
Pediatric Plastic Surgery Cleft Lip Repair · The cleft lip is brought together and stitched to create a normal "cupid's bow" shape to the upper lip · Child is seen in the Craniofacial Clinic which features visits from multiple different doctors to provide complete care · Most insurance companies will cover the reconstruction · Typically performed at 10 weeks of age · Operating room procedure · Recovery time is one or two nights in the hospital with two to four weeks for decreased swelling Cleft Palate Repair · Tissue is drawn together from both sides of the cleft to rebuild the roof of the mouth · Child is seen in the Craniofacial Clinic which features visits from multiple different doctors to provide complete care · Most insurance companies will cover the reconstruction · Typically performed at 9 to 18 months of age · Operating room procedure · Recovery time is two to four nights in the hospital with two to four weeks for decreased swelling Nasal Reconstruction · Reshaping nose to gain natural appearance after cleft lip · Typically performed in the teens · Operating room procedure Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty) · Reshaping ears to regain folds · Placing ears closer to the scalp to decrease prominence · Typically performed before school age 5-7 years · Operating room procedure Recovery time one to two weeks
Gastrointestinal Cancer Program Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Cancer Center is a national leader in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies, which include cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, biliary tree, colon and rectum. The center works in close collaboration with the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Digestive Disease Center, rated highly for many years for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Ghana. Ghana and West Africa has the nation’s highest death rate from esophageal cancer and highest death rate for colorectal cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Our pancreatic cancer rates are among the highest in the nation. Fortunately, our research and clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers, paired with recent advances in screening, diagnostics and treatment are helping to reverse these trends and replace them with hope for the future. Multispecialty clinics staffed by medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, as well as gastroenterologists, are held for newly diagnosed patients. Complex cases are discussed by the appropriate specialists at weekly GI tumor board meetings. Even if patients aren’t seen by these doctors they get the advantage of their experience. At Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Cancer Center, our Gastrointestinal Cancer Program focuses on: · Colorectal Cancer (colon cancer & rectal cancer) · Liver Cancer · Pancreatic Cancer · Pancrease Surgery Program of Excellence · Stomach Cancer · Esophageal Cancer Find a colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital liver center specialist today.
Why Choose KQTH? We Change The Way You See The World The physicians at the Eye Institute at the Kings & Queens Medical University College pride themselves on helping you change the way you see the world. We specialize in safe, individualized, affordable services for all stages of your adult life including vision correction, cataracts and cosmetic services. Thousands of patients from all over Ghana and West Africa and even other Countries have visited our center. They know they can trust our world renowned board-certified physicians to achieve extraordinary results using the most innovative equipment available Vision Center brings unsurpassed specialty care to surrounding areas, including LASIK vision correction, featuring the first Alcon Wavelight EX500 Wavelight Refractive Suite in Ghana. Our board certified world-renowned eye surgeons perform surgery to correct cataracts and implant premium advanced-technology lenses. Trust Your Eyes to Us At Vision Center, you receive the respect and results you desire. The physicians at Vision Center are all a part of the Eye Institute at the Kings & Queens Medical University College. When you choose Vision Center physician for your care, you are choosing a specialist on the leading edge of nationally recognized training, research and technology who will bring you the best that medical science offers. The physicians and staff atvalue their relationship with you, the patient, as their core concern and top priority. They see you as a unique individual, and listen to your concerns and apply advanced skills to your care plan. You will notice the difference at Vision Center due to our commitment to providing superior care and giving you a pleasant, personalized and positive experience. Our Team Vision Center is proud to be home to the top, board-certified specialists in Ghana and West Africa. Our physicians specialize in and are widely recognized in LASIK and vision correction, cornea and cataract services and cosmetic rejuvenation. Most of all – our compassionate team cares about you, the patient, and with providing you the finest, individualized eye services in the area. Learn about each of our physicians below. Procedures Vision Center offers a wide variety of vision surgeries and procedures from expert physicians who use the latest technology to achieve remarkable results. Learn more about the options available to meet your specific needs below. LASIK and Vision Correction Refractive Surgery (Refractive Lens Exchange) Implantable Contact Lens Cataracts and Aging Eyes Cosmetics
Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Neurosciences Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Neurosciences offers the most advanced treatment and cutting-edge therapies available for patients of all ages with diseases of the nervous system. The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Neurosciences department is among the top neuroscience departments to receive NHIS and the only neuroscience department that places researchers and clinicians at each other’s side in an effort to transform the promise of cutting edge research into the reality of improved human health. At Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital you will find one of the nation’s largest teams of top specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neurovascular intervention, neuroradiation, psychiatry, neurologic nursing and related fields all working together. The department’s commitment to neurologic health takes us far beyond the walls of our medical center. Throughout our state and region, we promote our health goals via clinical outreach, consultation, research networks, public and professional education and a variety of technologies ranging from telemedicine to Internet-based informatics. Read a fact sheet about Neurosciences at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital. Our Services Brain & Spine Tumor Program Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital’s Brain & Spine Tumor Program is a multidisciplinary collaboration among neurosciences, radiation oncology, neuroimaging, neuropathology and Cancer Center. Comprehensive Epilepsy Center At the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, our team of clinicians and researchers are all working together in leading-edge facilities designed specifically for the needs of the epilepsy patient. Comprehensive Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center With one of the nation's largest teams of top stroke and cerebrovascular specialists supported by a full range of leading-edge technology and facilities, our patients receive care available only at the most elite neuroscience medical centers in the country. Gamma Knife Center The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Gamma Knife Center specializes in the most advanced noninvasive surgery for benign and malignant brain tumors, vascular malformations, functional disorders and other abnormalities of the head and neck. Movement Disorders Program Our multidisciplinary approach to movement disorders includes evaluation by a movement disorders specialist, neuropsychologist, physical and speech therapists, and access to clinical trials. Multiple Sclerosis Clinic The goal of the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Multiple Sclerosis Clinic is to help patients reach maximum independence through medication, clinical trials and rehabilitative treatments. Neurohospitalist Program A neurohospitalist is a physician who specializes in the care of patients in the hospital with neurological conditions. It is a growing specialty in the field of medicine. These physicians and their team of residents and support staff have shown to improve efficiency and quality of care. NeuroKings & Queens Teaching Hospital Services Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital NeuroKings & Queens Teaching Hospital Services addresses the complex diagnostic and support needs of children and adults with all types of nerve-Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital pathology. Neuropsychology Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialty profession that focuses on how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. Neurophysiology Lab Using the latest technology, medical professionals in the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Neurophysiology Lab work with patients and their physicians to assist in the diagnosis of a wide variety of neurological conditions. Spine Center Our multi-disciplinary team approach to back pain and spine problems utilizes the latest technologies and medical breakthroughs to treat patients from the relatively straightforward evaluation and treatment of common conditions like herniated discs, neck pain, and low back pain to complex management strategies for problems like spinal tumors, scoliosis, and fractures. Sports Neurology The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Neurology Program provides comprehensive assessment and care for athletes with a wide array of neurological conditions. In collaboration with the experts in the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine Program athletes of all ages and expertise are able to benefit from leading experts in sports neurology and sports medicine. Patient Testimonials Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Neuroscience patients share their stories in the videos below. Share your experience with us on the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Blog. Our Team Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital has one of the nation's largest teams of top specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neurovascular intervention, neuroradiation, and neuro-psychiatry. To find the right neurologist or neurosurgeon for you, click on the specialty to find all the doctors in the list. • Neurointerventional Radiology • Neurology • Neurology - Critical Care • Neurology - Neuropsychology • Neurology - Stroke Neurology • Neuroradiology • Neurosurgery Research & Academics Research Research at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Neurosciences includes basic, translational and investigator initiated clinical studies. Broad research themes include, addiction, aging (Alzhemier's disease), cortical physiology/cognitive disorders (Schizophrenia), demyelinating disorders (Multiple Sclerosis), movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease), neurodegeneration, retinal physiology and stroke. Please use the links below to contact specific neurosciences research programs at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital. Center on Aging • Clinical Trials • Institute for Applied Neurosciences (IAN) • Laboratories • Murray Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders • Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center (NARC) • Neurosciences Institute • Stroke Research and Education Center (SREC) • Stroke Recovery and Research Center (SRRC) • Translational Research Unit (TRU) Academics Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Neurosciences has established internationally recognized research teams in addiction, aging, movement disorders, neurodegeneration and schizophrenia. In addition, our faculty strongly augment other neuroscience research groups on campus in vision and hearing physiology, spinal cord damage and stroke. This rapid influx of research talent from around the world has created an environment of high positive energy, with scientists who are eager to collaborate with other laboratories and actively mentor pre- and postdoctoral, as well as clinical fellows and residents. Please use the links below to contact specific neurosciences academic programs at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital. • Undergraduate - Research Program in Neurosciences • Medical Students Program • PhD and MS in Neurosciences • Neuro-Psychiatry Combined Residency • Neurology Residency • Neurosurgery Residency • Pediatric Neurology Residency • Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship • Movement Disorders Fellowship • Neurohospitalist Fellowship • Neurointensive Care Fellowship • Vascular Neurology Fellowship • Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology International Research Fellowship • Stroke International Research Fellowship
Facial Rejuvenation Botox® Injections · Relaxes Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital on forehead, between eyebrows and around eyes to decrease wrinkles in these areas · In office procedure · No recovery · Lasts around three months Restylane® Injections · Fills in wrinkles around mouth, along fold between nose and cheeks, and along frown lines · Fills in the edge of lips · In office procedure · No recovery · Lasts around six months JUVÉDERM™ Injections · Fills in wrinkles around mouth, along fold between nose and cheeks, and along frown lines · Fills in the edge of lips · In office procedure · No recovery · Lasts around six months Autograft Fat Injections · Fills in wrinkles around mouth, along fold between nose and cheeks, and along frown lines · Makes lips fuller as it is placed into the lips · Operating room surgery · Recovery 2 days to 2 weeks depending on procedure chosen · Can be long lasting Chemical Peels · Resurfacing of skin to decrease wrinkles · Operating room surgery · Recovery depends of depth of peel SMILE Plus · Selected Micro Incision Lipo Elevation · Based on two other mini facelift operations and uses a special instrument designed specifically for the surgery · Operating room surgery · Recovery one to three months Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) · Removes excess skin around cheeks and neck · Operating room surgery · Recovery one to three months Eyebrow Lift (Forehead Lift) · Lifts position of eyebrows · Smoothes forehead wrinkles · Operating room surgery · Recovery four to six weeks Eyelid Tuck (Blepharoplasty) · Removes excess skin around eyes · Removes extra fat around eyes · Operating room surgery · Recovery one to two weeks for upper lids · Recovery two to four weeks for lower lids
Retina & Vitreous Services Vision Is Our Mission We seek to advance the science of ophthalmology and meet the eye care needs of the public by committing To Care, To Teach, To Serve, and To Discover. Our Services The Eye Institute at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital is committed to providing the public with quality eye health services, including eye surgery. Our eye doctors work to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Browse the Eye Institute services offered at our Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital campus below. Cataract Surgery/Advanced Technology of Lens Implants Cornea Services Corneal Cross Linking for Keratoconus General Eye Care/Contact Lenses Glaucoma Services. Graves' Eye Disease Laser Vision Correction (LASIK & PRK) Low Vision Rehabilitation Pediatric Ophthalmology & Pediatric Cataracts Plastic Surgery for the Eyes Retina and Vitreous Services Surgical Correction of Presbyopia and Astigmatism Contact Information and Locations Appointment Scheduling • For Lasik or Cosmetic surgery information, call +233-2000000 • For Cataracts and other eye care related information, call +233-2000000 • New patients may call +2332400000 • Established patients may call +233240000 • Or Request an Appointment Online Representatives are available from 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Referring physicians, use our online referral form We want to handle your medical questions or problems in a timely manner. Therefore, emergency or urgent medical treatment questions should not be directed for management to the Internet or the doctor's e-mail address. Patients who need emergency/urgent medical care can make appointments by contacting our schedulers.
Patient Care Patient visits continue to increase at each of the locations staffed by clinical faculty members. Nearly 2000 new patients were seen last year, together with more than 10,000 return patient visits. Patients are seen in specialized clinics in the following locations: Patients are also seen at the Department of the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Children’s Hospital. A wide range of services is provided, including comprehensive consultative care, infusion therapies and bone density assessments. Our faculty is growing with the recruitment of two Pediatric Rheumatologist and one additional Adult Rheumatologist, enabling us to better serve patients of all ages and at locations accessible to a larger number of residents. The KQTH Specialty Care is a multispecialty facility that is staffed by rheumatology, endocrinology orthopaedic, and occupational therapy professionals. The area facilities has general rheumatology practices located in medicine multispecialty facilities.. Service to our pulmonary hypertension patients has been greatly enhanced by the formation of a new, multispecialty Pulmonary Hypertension Center. Because of our focus on research, we can offer patients with scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis the opportunity to participate in clinical research. Many of our studies are designed and ministered by our own faculty. However, we also participate in large treatment trials designed to test new therapies for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma.
Patient visits continue to increase at each of the locations staffed by clinical faculty members. Nearly 2000 new patients were seen last year, together with more than 10,000 return patient visits. Patients are seen in specialized clinics in the following locations: Patients are also seen at the Department of the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Children’s Hospital. A wide range of services is provided, including comprehensive consultative care, infusion therapies and bone density assessments. Our faculty is growing with the recruitment of two Pediatric Rheumatologist and one additional Adult Rheumatologist, enabling us to better serve patients of all ages and at locations accessible to a larger number of residents. The KQTH Specialty Care is a multispecialty facility that is staffed by rheumatology, endocrinology orthopaedic, and occupational therapy professionals. The area facilities has general rheumatology practices located in medicine multispecialty facilities.. Service to our pulmonary hypertension patients has been greatly enhanced by the formation of a new, multispecialty Pulmonary Hypertension Center. Because of our focus on research, we can offer patients with scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis the opportunity to participate in clinical research. Many of our studies are designed and ministered by our own faculty. However, we also participate in large treatment trials designed to test new therapies for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma
Facial Surgery Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty) · Change appearance of nose · Operating room procedure · Recovery time one to two weeks (reduced swelling may take up to 6 months) Nasal Septal Surgery · Straighten nose and septum to improve breathing · Sometimes performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty · Operating room procedure · Recovery time one to two weeks (reduced swelling may take up to 6 months) Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty) · Reshaping ears to regain folds · Placing ears closer to the scalp to decrease prominence · Operating room procedure · Recovery time one to two weeks Skin Cancer Resection · Excision of all types of skin cancers · Office vs. operating room procedure depending on size of cancer · Recovery time depends on size of cancer Reconstruction after Cancer Excision · Large skin cancers require borrowing of tissue from other areas to close the wounds · Operating room procedure · Recovery time three to six weeks Facial Fracture Repair · Repair of fractures after injury · Operating room procedure · Recovery time depends on type of fracture
Robotic Surgery at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital What is Robotic Surgery? Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive procedure that utilizes the da Vinci Surgical System to perform complex surgeries through incisions that are less than an inch long. This type of surgery offers many advantages, including: • decreased blood loss • shorter hospital stay • smaller incisions • less pain • quicker recovery when compared with traditional open surgery Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital offers a comprehensive team of surgeons who have been trained with the da Vinci Surgical System for many different services, including: • Urology • ENT • Women's Health • Cancer • Children's Services Our Team Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital offers a team of physicians who have been expertly trained in the use of the da Vinci Surgical System. Patient Resources Podcasts • Prostate Cancer and Minimally Invasive Surgery • Prostate Cancer and Robotic Surgery • Pediatric Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System Health Information Library • Nephrectomy • Partial Nephrectomy • Prostatectomy • Cystectomy • Lymph Node Biopsy Manufacturer's Information • da Vinci Surgical System
Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, as a national site for dermatologic referrals, has board-certified dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons with special areas of expertise to treat patients with a wide range of diseases of the hair, skin and nails. Medical Dermatology • Consultative dermatology- adult, adolescent and pediatric • Nonsurgical treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails • Nonsurgical treatment of skin cancer • Treatment of psoriasis and eczema • Acne treatment • Wart treatment • Complete skin examinations/mole evaluations • Melanoma diagnosis • Phototherapy • Patch testing for skin allergies Surgical Dermatology • Excision of moles and other benign lesions • Excision of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer • Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer • Surgical treatment of other skin conditions • Reconstructive dermatologic surgery Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Dermatology • Scar/keloid treatment/revision • Dermabrasion • Chemical peels • Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment • Laser surgery • Laser resurfacing • Laser treatment for wrinkles, age spots, and prominent veins • Radiofrequency skin tightening (Thermage®) • Soft tissue augmentation/fillers (Radiesse®, Sculptura®, Restylane®, and others) • Botox® • Hair removal • Sclerotherapy for leg veins • Treatment of hemangiomas, port wine stains, and other birthmarks • Tattoo removal • Treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) • Rhinophyma treatment • Liposuction • Aesthetician services
Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine Program At the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine Program, we understand your athletic passions - soccer or kickball, golf or jogging, tennis or volleyball, gymnastics or cheerleading, football or baseball. We also know exactly what to do when your favorite sport throws you a curve. The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine team provides state-of-the-art injury prevention, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation for athletes of all ages and skill levels, as well as team and event consultation, athletic training and educational programs. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine is part of the Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital musculoskeletal Institute, home to the region’s most comprehensive range of Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital musculoskeletal services and associated specialists. These specialists include nationally recognized and awarded rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and physical therapists working to develop diagnostic treatment programs tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of each patient. Don't ignore the symptoms of sports-related injuries or try to work through the pain. Doing so can be dangerous. Contact Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine today by calling +233-2400000 Our Team The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine team is composed of highly trained multi-disciplinary professionals dedicated to improving the performance of athletes of all ages and skill levels. Our physicians are all fellowship-trained and have dedicated practice in sports medicine. Our Services The Sports Medicine program at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital brings together leaders in a wide array of specialties committed to the care of athletes. Patient Resources Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Sports Medicine Team is pleased to share our resources with patients.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery According to the World Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery.To date we have performed over 50 gastric bypass procedures at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB), is both restrictive and malabsorbtive. The stomach is stapled and divided to create a small pouch (about the size of a golf ball) that dramatically restricts portion size and gives the feeling of fullness after just a few bites of food. A limb of small intestine, 150 cms long (the “Roux limb”) is then connected to the stomach pouch so food can travel down the intestine where it meets with the “biliary limb” which drains the lower (excluded) stomach, the duodenum and upper small intestine. This limb carries digestive juices. Where these 2 limbs meet, digestion begins. This is the malabsorbtive part of the gastric bypass operation and because the upper part of the intestine is bypassed by food, less calories are absorbed. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. This means that small incisions are used to insert small thin plastic tubes into the abdomen. A video camera with a long lens is passed through one of these tubes and long instruments and staplers are passed through the rest. The surgeons perform the surgery while looking at images from the camera inside the abdomen projected onto high definition monitors at the head of the OR table. We try to perform laparoscopic surgery on all patients nowadays. We have no weight limit and have completed gastric bypass on patients with very high BMI. Occasionally it is necessary to perform the surgery through an open incision. Usually this is because of previous operations which make the laparoscopic approach impossible. The laparoscopic approach to gastric bypass reduces the amount of post operative pain the length of hospital stay, the amount of scarring, and results in quicker recovery compared to an open procedure. Risks of Gastric Bypass Procedure As with all surgery, complications are a possibility. Statistics indicate that about one patient in 200 will not survive the surgery or the immediate postoperative period. This number is highly variable depending on how "high risk" you are as a patient and also on the experience of the team taking care of you. In our experience at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital, much like other large programs, the most common causes of death are pulmonary embolus (blood clot to the lungs) and peritonitis (infection in the abdomen) from a leak from any of the hook-ups between pieces of intestine or to the pouch. Most of the other complications occur when you have left the hospital following gastric bypass surgery, but are not life threatening. We handle most of these in the clinic or over the phone. Wound infection: may require long term treatment (sometimes months) with dressing changes, but almost always heal on their own without further surgery. Incisional hernia: a weakness or defect in the incision after an open operation that may allow intestine or tissue to bulge through; may be caused by trying to do too much too soon after your gastric bypass surgery. You can help prevent this complication by following our suggestions (no heavy lifting, no heavy housework, etc. for at least six weeks, or as prescribed by the surgeon after surgery). The only treatment is surgical repair. Stomal stenosis: too tight an opening between the stomach and the intestinal "hook-up". This can be treated by inserting a lighted tube through the mouth to the tight area and stretching it with a balloon. Stomal ulcer: usually heal with an anti-ulcer medication. To help prevent ulcers after surgery, we give all patients a prescription for Pepcid for one month or similar anti-ulcer medication. Gallstones: prior to your surgery, you will have an ultrasound of your gallbladder to see if you have gallstones. If you have any stones or gallbladder disease, your gallbladder will be removed at the same time as the gastric bypass surgery. However, if you have a healthy gallbladder, it will be left in place. You will then be treated with a gallstone prevention medication called Actigall for six months. Blood clots: a blood clot to the lungs, or pulmonary embolism, a possible complication after any surgery, can be very serious. For this reason, we take extra steps to prevent this problem. · All patients are given a blood thinner after surgery · "Compression hose" are used to help with circulation during and after surgery · All patients are required to get out of bed the night of gastric bypass surgery Leak: a leak from any of the "hook-ups" is one of the most serious complications. Although rare (1-2%), this complication can be extremely serious and potentially fatal. For this reason, some patients are checked for a leak before leaving the hospital. This is done by an upper GI series (an x-ray with barium). All patients have an upper GI series after a laparoscopic gastric bypass. If a leak occurs, emergency surgery may be necessary. Long term complications: may include vitamin B12 deficiency (having too little B12 in your body), calcium deficiency (which increases risk of brittle bones or osteoporosis), and iron deficiency anemia. To minimize the potential for these problems, we insist that all patients take lifetime daily vitamin supplements (multivitamin, B12 and calcium) and iron (for menstruating females). We also require lifetime follow-up with the surgeon, including yearly blood work to identify problems. Inadequate weight loss: another possible complication, is usually preventable and treatable with patient compliance (following the guidelines we give you). We highly recommend that all patients eliminate sweets and high fat, high calorie foods from the diet. This complication may also be caused by a "staple disruption" (a break in the staples dividing the stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach). This problem may allow the patient to eat larger quantities of food, potentially causing weight gain or inadequate weight loss. Approaches to Surgery: Open verses Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric surgery has been performed for many decades. For many of those years, the surgery was performed as an open procedure. An open procedure means bariatric surgeons create a long incision, or cut, opening up the patient. As medical technology evolved, laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery became a possibility. With laparoscopic surgery, bariatric surgeons create small incisions. Both approaches to bariatric surgery have similar success rates in reducing excess weight and improving or resolving co-morbidities. Most bariatric surgeons will perform bariatric surgery using the laparoscopic method. However, this is a decision that you and your doctor and/or bariatric surgeon must make together. An important question for patient to ask is: How many minimally invasive versus open procedures has the surgeon performed? Read below to learn more about both procedures. Open Bariatric Surgery Open bariatric surgery involves creating a long incision line to open the abdomen and operating with "traditional” medical instruments. Because of the incision, the patient’s stay in the hospital will be several days longer than with minimally invasive bariatric surgery. The recovery time is also much longer with open bariatric surgery. Patients will need to heal for weeks before returning to work and regular physical activities. With a longer wound, there is more of a chance of wound complications such as infections and hernias. A long incision leads to a long scar. In some cases, the open method is necessary due to some patient-specific risks. Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery A laparoscopic operation involves the bariatric surgeon making several small incisions for different medical devices to be used. There are, on average, four to six ports created. The devices, including a small video camera, are inserted through the ports. Surgeons use a monitor to perform the procedure. Most laparoscopic surgeons believe this gives them a better view and excellent access to key body parts. Many patients are able to recover from the surgery in a fraction of the time that open procedures require. In fact, some return to work in little more than a week, and many are able to speed up their weight loss and quickly return to physical activity. Patients will have very small scars. There is also a lower chance of wound complications such as infection and hernia. Your Next Step Laparoscopic and open procedures for bariatric surgery both produce similar weight loss. However, not all patients are candidates for the laparoscopic approach to bariatric surgery, just as all bariatric surgeons are not trained to perform this less-invasive method. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends that laparoscopic bariatric surgery should be performed only by bariatric surgeons who are experienced in both laparoscopic and open bariatric procedures. Here at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital our bariatric surgeons have extensive experience with both laparoscopic and open procedures.
