Latest news with #HCAMidwestHealth
Business Journals
03-07-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
HCA Midwest Health first in region to offer new, non-surgical liver tumor treatment
Each year, it is estimated more than 40,000 people will be diagnosed with liver cancer – and those numbers are increasing. Treatments for liver cancer can be complex and commonly include surgery that can result in a long recovery process, pain and countless side effects. That is, until now. HCA Midwest Health's Menorah Medical Center is the first hospital in a four-state region to offer histotripsy, a new, non-invasive treatment for cancerous liver tumors. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023, this innovative therapy uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to destroy liver tumors without the need for incisions or probes, often resulting in shorter recovery time and less harm to the patient's liver and surrounding areas. 'Liver cancer patients often undergo extensive and painful surgery. Or worse, they are told there is no hope for further treatment,' said Dr. Joe Cates, a board-certified vascular and general surgeon with Kansas City Vascular and General Surgery. 'Now, we can offer a permanent solution with a minor procedure.' expand Histotripsy can pinpoint high-frequency ultrasound to an energy wave that liquefies tissue. In this procedure, it is targeted and precise to the millimeter and liquefies cancer tumors. Using computed tomography and ultrasound guidance, hyper-focused sound waves are delivered through the body to the liver lesion, where they destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue. The technology allows physicians to treat liver cancer without surgery, pain, incisions or radiation. 'With this type of treatment, we are able to preserve the healthy area of the liver around the tumor,' Dr. Cates said. The benefits of the minimally invasive, same-day procedure include less pain and no bleeding, providing the opportunity for patients to get back to daily activities sooner. The procedure itself can take between 10 minutes and three hours, with the active treatment portion ranging from five to 30 minutes per tumor. The total time can vary based on factors like tumor size and location, and the number of tumors being treated. 'This new procedure is important because liver cancers are becoming more common. This breakthrough treatment can change and improve the lives of so many patients in the region,' Dr. Cates said. For more information about histotripsy – or for any questions about cancer – call the HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Network askSARAH helpline at (816) 448-7737. More information is also available at expand A home for new and innovative treatments to advance patient care Cancer care is an ever-changing field, with new treatments and technologies always evolving to improve patient outcomes. Menorah Medical Center has a rich history of quality cancer care and being a leader in offering the latest technologies, innovations and treatments, including: Robotic Surgery: Menorah was an early-adopter and remains a leader in robotic-assisted surgical systems. Surgeons treat highly complex cancers including colorectal, breast, lung and other types of cancer with many leading-edge robotic systems. The hospital has also been named a robotic center of excellence and has served as a teaching site for surgeons across the United States and from other countries. True Beam: A minimally invasive form of stereotactic radiosurgery that uses precisely focused beams of radiation to treat brain disorders and tumors without traditional surgery, this precision targeting delivers a high dose of radiation to a specific area of the brain while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Mammosite for Breast Cancer: Menorah Medical Center is the only hospital in Johnson County to offer this advanced breast cancer treatment. 'The region continues to grow, and we need to grow our hospital services to ensure we're continuing to meet the community's needs,' said Sean Kamber, Menorah Medical Center CEO. 'That means not only investing in the latest equipment, providing cutting-edge treatments and expanding and upgrading our state-of-the-art technology. It also means continuing to recruit the best physicians, nurses and specialized support staff to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare.' One of Kansas City's premier healthcare providers, HCA Midwest Health is comprised of seven hospitals and dozens of physician practices, surgery centers and more, including Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center and Lafeyette Regional Health Center. Visit for more.
Business Journals
02-06-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
HCA Midwest Health unveils new non-invasive treatment for uterine fibroids
expand At some point in their lives, most women develop uterine fibroids, a common type of noncancerous tumor that can grow in and on the uterus. While small fibroids often don't need treatment, larger fibroids are treated with medications or surgery – up to significant procedures like hysterectomy. That is, until now. Women in the Kansas City region have a new, non-invasive breakthrough treatment for these non-cancerous tumors. HCA Midwest Health's Overland Park Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in the area to offer transcervical fibroid ablation (TFA), a surgical alternative with a shorter recovery time that leaves the uterus intact, unlike a hysterectomy. TFA, also known as the Sonata treatment, is an outpatient procedure performed without general anesthesia, using radiofrequency energy to locate fibroids and treat them from inside the uterus. 'Patients have been thrilled to hear there is an additional option for the treatment of their fibroids,' said Dr. Kimberly Swan, a board-certified OB-GYN with Kansas City Women's Clinic. 'They specifically appreciate Sonata, as it can address multiple fibroid symptoms with a short procedure and only a day or two of downtime.' The benefits of the incisionless procedure include less pain, less bleeding and faster recovery for patients, Swan said. The procedure itself can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the number and type of fibroids being treated, and recovery time is usually just one to two days. This new procedure is important, Swan said, because uterine fibroids are an incredibly common condition. 'Seventy to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their reproductive years, which can require the decision between long-term medical management or major surgery,' she said. 'Now, we can offer a permanent solution with a minor procedure.' Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination and constipation. Any woman experiencing such symptoms should see a doctor, Swan said. Contact Kansas City Women's Clinic to learn more or make an appointment. Investing in health care advancements The new technology required to provide these ground-breaking TFA treatments is just the latest in several recent investments Overland Park Regional Medical Center has made in new technologies, equipment and facilities. Other recent renovations and expansions on its campus include: A $17 million Women's Services renovation that provided new, state-of-the-art antepartum, labor and delivery and postpartum suites. A new $5.9 million hybrid operating room to enhance surgeons' capabilities in treating complex neurological and vascular cases that allow for additional minimally invasive techniques. A new, 32-bed Orthopedic and Spine Specialty Unit focusing on post-op care for patients who undergo complex orthopedic and spine procedures. The unit also has comprehensive services, like the state-of-the-art therapy gym that will help improve patient outcomes. A $3.5 million renovation of the Cardiac Specialty Unit and the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, where highly specialized teams of cardiac experts provide care to post-operative and critically ill patients with cardiac, thoracic and vascular issues. An investment of $2.5 million in its fourth DaVinci robotic surgery system, increasing its capacity to provide the latest in minimally invasive surgery options. The hospital is breaking ground soon on a significant expansion and renovation of its surgery department, encompassing 400,000 square feet of new space and upgrades to all its existing perioperative spaces, including pre-op, the post-anesthesia care unit, its operating rooms, sterile processing and endoscopy. expand BDPruitt 'The greater Overland Park community continues to grow, and we need to grow our hospital to ensure we're continuing to meet the community's needs,' said Matt Sogard, Overland Park Regional CEO. 'That means not only investing in the latest equipment, providing cutting-edge treatments and expanding and upgrading our facility – it also means continuing to recruit the best physicians, nurses and support staff to provide that needed care.' expand One of Kansas City's premier healthcare providers, HCA Midwest Health is comprised of seven hospitals and dozens of physician practices, surgery centers and more, including Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center and Belton Regional Medical Center. Visit for more.
Business Journals
01-05-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
HCA Midwest Health helps address shortage with Kansas' first nurse apprenticeship program
The United States — including the Kansas City region — is facing a continued shortage of nurses to meet the growing health care needs of aging populations. That need won't be met without innovative, fresh ideas to open new education pipelines to new prospective students. Enter HCA Midwest Health's pre-licensure nurse apprenticeship program, the first of its kind in the region and the state of Kansas. Based at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Menorah Medical Center — both part of HCA Midwest Health — the program provides opportunities to a new, often non-traditional, sector of nursing students by providing aspiring caregivers with hands-on experience and comprehensive training while also earning income and access to employee benefits. 'This program is geared toward providing financial stability for nursing students who may not be able to afford a traditional nursing education experience,' said HCA Midwest Health Division Chief Nursing Executive Katie Bruels, DNP, RN. 'This is opening a door to nursing to many students who maybe didn't think nursing was an option for them.' Health care apprenticeship programs build targeted workforce solutions that effectively address health care industry challenges while improving job quality and developing pipeline and career advancement opportunities for nurses, all the while having an experienced and passionate mentor to support, guide, and partner with each student throughout their career. 'You get paired with a mentor who helps guide you through the entire process,' said Marisol Vargas, one of HCA Midwest Health's inaugural nurse apprentices. 'We form a relationship, so I can ask her basically anything I need to know to take care of the patient. And I get to have that relationship for the rest of my life — it doesn't just end when the apprenticeship ends.' The Nurse Apprenticeship Program culminates more than three years of research, standards development, and collaboration with many organizations. These organizations include the Kansas Hospital Association, Hamilton-Ryker TalentGro, the Kansas Board of Nursing and multiple agencies and departments within the state of Kansas. The program is in partnership with Kansas Board of Nursing approved schools, such as Johnson County Community College, MidAmerica Nazarene University and Pittsburg State University. 'Kansas is leading the way in advancing registered apprenticeships, with a 47% increase last year alone that take took our state from 47th in 2020 to 29th in 2024,' Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. 'This program has the power to transform our nursing workforce and set a new standard for how Kansas nurses teach and mentor the next generation of aspiring Kansas nurses.' The nurse apprenticeship program's key highlights include: Diverse career pathways: Apprentices can choose from various nursing careers tailored to meet the applicant's career goals Apprentices can choose from various nursing careers tailored to meet the applicant's career goals On-the-job training and economic impact: Apprentices will gain valuable practical experience by working alongside experienced health care professionals in various hospital departments. Apprentices will be paid and eligible for employee benefits. Apprentices will gain valuable practical experience by working alongside experienced health care professionals in various hospital departments. Apprentices will be paid and eligible for employee benefits. Mentorship and support: Each apprentice will be assigned a dedicated mentor to guide their education and experience and provide ongoing support throughout the program and their career. Each apprentice will be assigned a dedicated mentor to guide their education and experience and provide ongoing support throughout the program and their career. Pathway to employment: Upon completing the apprenticeship program, graduates will have the opportunity for full-time employment at any one of seven HCA Midwest Health hospitals — including Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center and Lafayette Regional Health Center — or another health care organization. How to apply: Individuals interested in applying for the Nurse Healthcare Apprenticeship Program can visit the HCA Healthcare Careers site for information and to submit their application. One of Kansas City's premier health care providers, HCA Midwest Health is comprised of seven hospitals and dozens of physician practices, surgery centers and more, including Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center and Belton Regional Medical Center. Visit for more.
