Austin Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Sashi Ganta Pioneers the "Ganta Stitch" to Help Perform a True Single Incision Lap Band / SILS Band Procedure

Austin, Texas July 31, 2009 – Bariatric surgeon Dr. Sashi Ganta, one of the first surgeons in America to perform the single incision lap band surgery with trans-umbilical approach, ingeniously pioneered a new technique to retract the liver. This new technique labeled "Ganta stitch" eliminated the need for an extra small incision for liver retractor placement thereby allowing for a true single incision LAP-BAND® placement via the umbilicus leaving no visible scars on the abdomen.

Austin bariatric surgeon Dr. Ganta first reported transumbilical single incision gastric band placement on September 9th 2008. Subsequently, the Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) which is an advanced approach has taken off because of tremendous interest amongst both surgeons and patients alike. Few surgeons in the country currently perform the LAP-BAND® or the REALIZE Band as a weight loss surgery option with the SILS approach. The vast majority of the single incision lap band techniques offered currently require making another small incision to place a special instrument such as the Nathanson retractor or similar instrument to retract the liver to expose the operative area. This technique was criticized by many that it is not a true single incision surgery because there are two incisions.

Dr. Ganta has pioneered a technique using a retraction suture placed on the diaphragm in a "V-shaped" fashion to hold up the liver. This technique labeled "Ganta stitch" is quick, simple, and reproducible and does not involve any extra cost for the patient because it doesn't require any additional instrumentation. This technique has enabled the performance of a true single incision Lap Band placement with the potential for even less pain.

Dr. Ganta has performed several SILS Band procedures utilizing the "Ganta stitch" with excellent results. His technique of the SILS lap band placement utilizes a single incision in the umbilicus which leaves no visible scar and though not yet proven in scientific studies, has the potential for less post operative pain and quicker recovery time. Dr. Ganta is one of the first surgeons in the U.S. to use this True Single Incision approach for the LAP-BAND® placement without any visible scars.

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System (By Allergan Inc.) is a silicone band that is surgically placed around the upper part of the stomach to reduce the amount of food a patient can accommodate in the stomach. Patients gain the ability to control portion size and realize long-term weight loss.

According to Dr. Ganta, "In the era of Health Care Reform it is extremely important that surgeons on the cutting edge of technology simultaneously focus on improving patient outcomes and keeping bariatric surgery cost low so that health care is affordable. The "Ganta stitch" is an excellent example because along with innovation and reproducibility it involves no additional cost."

About Dr. Sashi Ganta:
Dr. Sashi Ganta is a board-certified bariatric surgeon in Austin, Texas. He pioneered his own technique to perform the True Single incision LAP-BAND® surgery through the belly button, leaving no visible scars. Dr Ganta has developed a comprehensive Austin Texas weight loss surgery clinic and his practice in Central Texas, AIBL, is known as one of the best Texas weight loss surgery centers. Dr. Ganta is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Ganta received fellowship training in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut and completed his Surgery Residency Training at Sound Shore Medical Center, New York. He has studied medicine in the United States, India and UK. He is an invited speaker and faculty member teaching CME courses about his technique to other experienced bariatric surgeons. Dr. Ganta lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Nalini and two daughters.