Pictured are Reza Gamagami, M.D., general and colorectal surgeon with Progressive Surgical Associates, and patient Brad Carter who was another of the first patients to undergo a general surgery procedure by Dr. Gamagami at the new Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.

Located on the second floor of the replacement hospital, each of these areas is conveniently adjacent to the PCU Family Lounge and also many private pre/post procedural rooms.  The PCU has been designed for flexibility, operational efficiencies, and advanced technology.

“Consolidating these surgical services into a central location minimizes unnecessary patient movement and promotes quality outcomes and safety,” said Marybeth Antone, Administrative Director of Surgery and Cardiology.

Pictured are Mark Danielson, M.D., general surgeon with Surgery Consultants of Joliet, Marybeth Antone, Administrative Director of Surgery and Cardiology for Silver Cross, and patient Simon Mezher, who was one of the first patients to undergo a general surgery procedure by Dr. Danielson at the new Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.

A variety of surgical cases were performed during the first day of surgeries and physician feedback was extremely positive. “Once you went through the doors in New Lenox, it was comforting to see the familiar faces that we have worked beside so many times,” said Paul Kirchner, D.P.M., podiatric surgeon with Lincolnway Medical Associates. “The staff did a remarkable job of preparing the patients for the first official surgeries. Actually, the staff made it feel like Christmas day!  I’ll never forget the expression on the face of John Lindemuler, R.N., when I walked into the room for the first case.  You would have thought he was 8 years old and just got a new bike! The new operating room lighting technology is incredible and we really enjoyed turning on the lights from the laptop!  The staff at Silver Cross did an incredible job, and should be proud of the new campus and what it will bring to the community in the coming years.” 

Mark Danielson, M.D., general surgeon with Surgery Consultants of Joliet performed a general surgery the first day and was also very pleased. “Everything was well planned and I was very impressed at how the staff successfully embraced their new work environment,” said Dr. Danielson.

Another physician added “The move from the Joliet to New Lenox campus was a seamless transition and the operating room suites have state-of-the-art equipment,” said Thomas Vasdekas, M.D., general surgeon with Silver Cross Hospital.

Advanced Technology
In designing the PCU, Silver Cross has brought in some of the latest and greatest technology available. There is special green surgical lighting which makes seeing patient’s anatomy easier. Also each of the 11 state-of-the-art operating rooms have overhead equipment and video booms to improve procedural ergonomics and digital imaging.  Staff in 6 of the ORs will be able to browse through images that can be displayed on several monitors hanging from the ceiling so that everyone involved in the case knows what is going on.

Pictured are Christopher Joyce, MD, FACS, FASMBS, and Brian Lahmann, M.D., F.A.C.S., with Bariatric and Minimally Invasive (BMI) Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital as they perform their first operation on a bariatric patient.

“The new technology, including high definition laparoscopic cameras and monitors, provided perfect visualization of the operative field during our first bariatric surgery at the new hospital,” said Brian Lahmann, M.D., F.A.C.S., with Bariatric and Minimally Invasive (BMI) Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. “I was very pleased with our first day operating in our new home.”

Dr. Lahmann’s partner with BMI Surgery, Christopher Joyce, MD, FACS, FASMBS, added “The new operating rooms are awesome! The video equipment, which we rely on to perform our minimally invasive surgery, is the best I have seen. Also, the sound system is a big improvement over the old operating rooms. The staff were all well trained and prepared to use the new equipment for our first cases. I’m looking forward to doing many more cases in the new Silver Cross Hospital.”

In one of the ORs, the Hospital has a DaVinci surgical system, which is a robotic surgical system designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach. “The system is controlled by a surgeon from a console,” says Pat Kroesch, Manager or Surgery and Endoscopy at Silver Cross Hospital. “It is commonly used for prostatectomies and increasingly for cardiac valve repair and gynecologic surgical procedures.” 

And later this summer, Silver Cross will be adding biplane angiography imaging system to the Interventional core.  “The biplane is recognized for its effectiveness in diagnosing and treating stroke,” says Brendan Casey, Manger of Cardiology and Interventional Radiology at Silver Cross Hospital.  The system shows an extremely precise 3-D image of the blood vessels in the brain and permits the neuroendovascular surgeon to treat the stroke patient in several ways. 

The new Silver Cross Hospital also has anesthesia Pyxis (medication) machines, a negative pressure endoscopy lab to accommodate bronchoscopies and Bronchial Endoscopic Ultrasound which are currently performed in an OR, and an automatic glide system for instrument loading in Sterile Processing.

The Silver Cross Hospital Procedural Care Unit consists of:
• 11 Large Operating Rooms
• 4 Cath/EP/Interventional Radiology Labs
• 4 Endoscopy Suites
• 66 private Pre-Post Procedural Rooms
• Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• Sterile Processing Department

Operational Efficiencies
To enhance the patient-family experience, the PCU is supported by a standardized process for patient scheduling and pre-procedural preparation, inventory management, charge capture, environmental service and best-practice nursing care. 

For example, the Anesthesia Department provides services to every area in the PCU. At the previous campus, these services were needed in various areas throughout the hospital.  In the replacement hospital, the anesthesiologist only needs to travel down a hallway saving valuable time.

“One way that we have streamlined processes is by centralizing scheduling and patient registration into one convenient area at the entrance to the PCU,” says Jo Kilpatrick, Manger of Same Day Surgery and PACU at Silver Cross Hospital.  “Another is by adjusting the hours of operation of the pre-post procedural rooms to not only accommodate expanded procedural schedules but also care for inpatients if necessary during high census times.”

Some of the other ways that we have improved operational efficiencies include:
• Placing storage closer to point of use
• Dedicating a trauma elevator from the Emergency Department to the PCU
• Having 2 physician/family consult rooms with dual access
• Storing surgical/interventional supplies in the Sterile Processing Department
• Dedicating two pediatric recovery rooms with external access for patients

For a referral for surgeon on staff at Silver Cross, click here or call our Free Physician Referral Service at 1-888-660-HEAL.

Emergency Medicine physician and Silver Cross Board of Directors member Dr. Dave Mikolajczak, along with other Silver Cross Board of Directors members and hospital administrators, welcome area residents as they enter the new hospital during the Grand Opening Housewarming Party for the new Silver Cross Hospital on Feb. 12.

 View Photo Scrapbook

Hear what your neighbors are saying about the new Silver Cross

Over 8,600 area residents attended the Grand Opening Housewarming Party for the new Silver Cross Hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox, on Feb. 12.  As area families arrived on the new hospital campus, they first entered a massive white tent allowing them to retreat from the frigid winter winds. Upon entering, to their amazement guests were greeted to a warm spring garden fully embellished with various shrubbery and plant-life. They were each given a steaming cup of hot coco to enjoy as they walked along the path listening to the talents of various local musicians and performance artists before entering the Hospitals new front entrance.
 
A Behind the Scenes Tour
Once guests entered the new hospital’s main lobby, they were treated to a 45-minute self-guided walking tour through several areas in the hospital including the emergency department, imaging, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, private medical-surgical patient rooms, Women and Infant Services Birthing Center, and Intensive Care Unit.  In the new Procedural Care Unit, which consolidates surgery, endoscopy and interventional cardiology and radiology procedures into one integrated area, visitors viewed the hospital’s newest technology—the Davinci.  This robotic surgical system is designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach and is controlled by a surgeon from a console.  The Davinci robot is commonly used for prostatectomies and hysterectomies.

“This was area residents opportunity to get a sneak peek before of their new hospital,” said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.  “We took them into areas that most people never have a chance to see such as the operating room and interventional core which includes the cath lab, interventional radiology lab, electrophysiology suite where doctors repair fast beating hearts and insert pacemakers, and where our brand new biplane angiography imaging system will be located to treat patients with strokes later this summer.”

Family Fun
In addition to the exclusive tour, guests were entertained by the talents from the Sandburg High School Choir, Joliet Folk Lorico Dancers, Lincoln Way West High School Choir, and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Music Ministry.  Also, the Joliet Slammers’ mascots—Spikes and J.L. Bird were at the opening celebration along with 2011 Frontier League Championship Cup.  Further, there was even a “Name the Robot” Contest in which tour participants had a chance to win a Sony Bloggie Touch video camera. In addition, all guests who pre-registered for a hospital tour were entered in a raffle to win a KINDLE FIRE. The winners of the KINDLE FIRE are Daniel Wheelock, Joliet; Jennifer Castro, New Lenox; and April Wong Loi Sing, Mokena.

New Hospital Now Open
Construction began on the $370 million replacement hospital in 2009.  The 6-story facility was built using evidence-based design, which has been proven to help in the healing process and contribute to a speedier recovery for patients.   Some of the many ways that evidence-based design has been integrated into the 289-bed replacement hospital is with large, private patient rooms, natural and enhanced lighting, sound and noise control, cheerful yet calming colors, ties to nature, bedside care and dedicated family areas.  Patients and families have the benefit of new technology and expanded services through partnerships with renowned academic centers including Children’s Memorial Hospital, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and most recently, the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC).  UCMC and Silver Cross are currently building an outpatient cancer center that will open in May 2012 on the New Lenox campus.

“We are building on our century old commitment to the Will County community by relocating our seven-time 100 Top Hospital care to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve future generations,” said Pawlak.

Joliet Slammers baseball team mascot Spike, proud parents Jim and Corey Anderson with their newborn son James Xavier and other family members; Carol Splant, RN, Silver Cross Birthing Center; Sue Uribe, R.N., Silver Cross Birthing Center; and Marilyn Paolella, Director of Maternal Child Care; celebrate the birth of baby James as he was the first infant born at Silver Cross Hospital’s New Lenox campus. Baby James is the first child of Jim and Corey Anderson. He was delivered by Dr. Nicole Gress at 7:17 p.m. on February 26 and weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.

When Lockport resident Corey Anderson heard the cries of her newborn son, she was so excited to become a mother and thrilled to have her baby be the first infant born at the new Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Baby James Xavier was born at 7:17 p.m. on February 26 and weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Baby James is the first child of Jim and Corey Anderson. He was delivered by Nicole Gress, M.D., obstetrics & gynecology physician with Partners in Obstetrics & Women’s Health.  

“We are excited that our son, James’, birth will always be a special story, since he has such a unique birthday as he was the first baby born at the new Silver Cross Hospital,” said mom, Corey Anderson.

 To honor the first baby born at the new campus, baby James received five gift baskets from the Birthing Center staff, Childerguild, Johnson&Johnson, The New Lenox Patch  and the Joliet Slammers baseball team. The team also gave the first newborn Slammers baseball tickets for the 2012 season and a night in a private suite.

 Click here to watch a video of Slammers mascot, Spikes, surprising the family with presents.

Corey Anderson was also excited to have her baby in the new Labor and Deliver Suites in the new Silver Cross Women and Infant Services Birthing Center. “The environment is so comfortable – the color of the rooms and furnishings are so soothing, and the nursing care is so great,” said Anderson. “I couldn’t be happier with the experience my baby and I have had here at the new hospital.”

Silver Cross has brought together cutting-edge medical technology with spa-like amenities to make the birthing experience all the more memorable.   The new Birthing Center at the New Lenox Hospital has 12 luxurious birthing suites designed for labor, delivery and recovery so parents can have the convenience of staying in the same room through recovery followed by a stay in one of 30 private mother-baby suites.  Each private suite is fully-equipped with a bathroom with a shower and immersion tub to help with labor pains, blanket warmer, refrigerator, wireless internet access, 30” flat screen TV system, and a comfortable sofa-sleeper so family members can stay around the clock.  Furthermore, a variety of pain relief methods will be available 24 hours a day provided by an anesthesiologist.  And for deliveries requiring surgery, there are two complete cesarean suites.Children’s Memorial neonatologists and pediatric hospitalist will continue to be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And if needed, Children’s pediatric cardiologists are also available to analyze a baby’s echocardiogram in real time through a video linkage with Silver Cross.The new Birthing Center has a typical nursery as well as a Level 2 skilled infant care nursery with specialized staff.  State-of-the-art medical equipment is also set up and ready inside each Birthing Suite’s cabinetry, if needed.

“As a one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with a safe environment,” says Marilyn Paollela, Director of Maternal/Child Services at Silver Cross.   “In our new hospital, we will have a state-of-the art infant security system, secured entrances to the Birthing Center and a reception desk on the unit to assist families and give parents peace of mind.” 

To honor the first baby born at the Joliet campus, baby James Xavier received a t-shirt that says “I started it off right!” that was made by Elise Wilson, midnight nurse that works in the Silver Cross Hospital Birthing Center.

 The experienced medical team at Silver Cross is on alert to help at any time. Upon admission, patients will be partnered with a specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal monitoring who’ll assist throughout delivery.   The new unit also features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time to go home.  “This ensures continuity in care and improved communication between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians,” says Marilyn. Silver Cross’ dedicated nursing team will continue to offer personal counseling and education before, during and after patients give birth.  Silver Cross also has five internationally-certified lactation consultants available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed their babies. For a referral to an obstetrician/gynecologist or pediatrician on staff at Silver Cross, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL.

When Manhattan resident Melanie Haag held her newborn son, Alan Robert, in her arms she didn’t realize that his birth would be so historic, as he was the last infant born at Silver Cross Hospital’s Joliet campus. Baby Alan was delivered by Dr. John Bush at 10:05 p.m. on February 24 and weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. This is the second child for Melanie and Robert Haag for their four-year old daughter, Caelen, was also born at Silver Cross’ Joliet campus. Baby Alan joins the family of thousands of babies including his own mother, Melanie, who have been born at Silver Cross’ Joliet campus during its historic 117 years.

 To honor the last baby born at the Joliet campus, baby Alan received two gift baskets from the Birthing Center staff and Childerguild, and a t-shirt that says “We Saved the Best for Last” that was made by Elise Wilson, midnight nurse that works in the Silver Cross Hospital Birthing Center.

 Looking to Deliver a baby in the future?  Silver Cross is bringing together cutting-edge medical technology with spa-like amenities to make the birthing experience all the more memorable.   The new Birthing Center at the New Lenox Hospital has 12 luxurious birthing suites designed for labor, delivery and recovery so parents can have the convenience of staying in the same room through recovery followed by a stay in one of 30 private mother-baby suites.  Each private suite is fully-equipped with a bathroom with a shower and immersion tub to help with labor pains, blanket warmer, refrigerator, wireless internet access, 30” flat screen TV system, and a comfortable sofa-sleeper so family members can stay around the clock.  Furthermore, a variety of pain relief methods will be available 24 hours a day provided by an anesthesiologist.  And for deliveries requiring surgery, there are two complete cesarean suites.

Children’s Memorial neonatologists and pediatric hospitalist will continue to be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And if needed, Children’s pediatric cardiologists are also available to analyze a baby’s echocardiogram in real time through a video linkage with Silver Cross.

 The new Birthing Center has a typical nursery as well as a Level 2 skilled infant care nursery with specialized staff.  State-of-the-art medical equipment is also set up and ready inside each Birthing Suite’s cabinetry, if needed.

 “As a one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with a safe environment,” says Marilyn Paollela, Director of Maternal/Child Services at Silver Cross.   “In our new hospital, we will have a state-of-the art infant security system, secured entrances to the Birthing Center and a reception desk on the unit to assist families and give parents peace of mind.” 

The experienced medical team at Silver Cross is on alert to help at any time. Upon admission, patients will be partnered with a specially trained obstetrical nurse certified in electronic fetal monitoring who’ll assist throughout delivery.   The new unit also features mother/baby couplet care, which means that the same experienced nurse will care for both mother and baby until it is time to go home.  “This ensures continuity in care and improved communication between the patient, family, nursing staff and physicians,” says Marilyn.

Silver Cross’ dedicated nursing team will continue to offer personal counseling and education before, during and after patients give birth.  Silver Cross also has five internationally-certified lactation consultants available for support to new moms who choose to breastfeed their babies. 

 For a referral to an obstetrician/gynecologist or pediatrician on staff at Silver Cross, click here or call 1-888-660-HEAL.

Schedule a personal tour of the new Birthing Center.

As Lincoln-Way Central graduate Danielle McBride entered through the glass double doors in the Emergency Department at the new Silver Cross Hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox on Feb. 26, she couldn’t help but be excited to be one of the first patients to be cared for in the new hospital.

“I am excited to participate in the move to see what the new hospital is like because I hear it is bigger and better,” said Manhattan resident Danielle McBride. “I also heard that because of all the advanced technology at the new hospital, there will be more ways to care for people.”

McBride was impressed with how well the patient move was conducted. “The night before the move, my nurses and doctors explained the plans for the move, so I knew what was going to happen,” said McBride. “And once I arrived in my room at the new hospital, I was greeted by nurses and hospital staff that helped me get organized into my new beautiful room.”

McBride was hospitalized from complications with a degenerative disc disease that she inherited from her Dad. As a result of her disease, 17-year old Danielle unfortunately has a back that is in the condition of a 60 year-old person. On Thursday, McBride received an epidural to try to alleviate her pain.

As she gets settled into her room at the new hospital, her medical doctors Corinne Nawrocki, D.O., board certified family medicine physician with C & R Medical Group; and Chintan Sampat, M.D., board certified orthopaedic and spine surgeon with Parkview Musculoskeletal Institute; together will determine the next steps in her treatment plan.

Despite McBride’s serious back illness, she still is focused on accomplishing many life goals. Currently, she is enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina where she aspires to become a nurse like her mom, Roseanne, who is a registered nurse on the 5^th floor at Silver Cross Hospital. “I am really interested in being a trauma nurse, so I can make a difference by helping people when they really need it the most,” said McBride. Further, McBride is a former competitive cheerleader with the Ultimate Athletics in Orland Park, and unfortunately due to her illness, she is unable to participate any more, however, she is considering coaching in the future.

McBride  was the one of 129 of patients to be transported via ambulances. The move took about eight hours, and the final patient arrived at about 3:30 p.m. Every step of the move route was carefully planned—from which elevators to use to which road to take.  Ambulances were lined up outside the Joliet Emergency Department until signaled to pull into the bay.  Once a patient was ready to be transported, the move team brought the patient down with a “Boarding Pass” that included the patient’s medication information, special care instructions and new room number.  The group boarded the ambulance for the short 3 ½ mile trip down Route 6 to the New Lenox Emergency Department. Joliet, New Lenox and Will County Sherriff’s Police were stationed along the route to help ensure a safe transport. Upon arriving at the new hospital, patients were then taken up to their assigned rooms where once settled in their family members joined them.

“Our top priority was to make sure that the quality of patient care and safety was maintained at the highest level throughout the move process, said Mary Bakken, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

 New Hospital Enhancements

Construction began on the $370 million replacement hospital in 2009.  The 6-story facility was built using evidence-based design, which has been proven to help in the healing process and contribute to a speedier recovery for patients.   Some of the many ways that evidence-based design has been integrated into the 289-bed replacement hospital is with large, private patient rooms, natural and enhanced lighting, sound and noise control, cheerful yet calming colors, ties to nature, bedside care and dedicated family areas.  At the new hospital, patients and families will also benefit from new technology and expanded services through partnerships with renowned academic centers including Children’s Memorial Hospital, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and most recently, the University of  Chicago Medical Center (UCMC).  UCMC and Silver Cross are currently building an outpatient cancer center that will open in May 2012 on the New Lenox campus.

“We are building on our century old commitment to the Will County community by relocating our seven-time 100 Top Hospital care to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve future generations,” said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.

In preparation for the opening of the new Silver Cross Hospital, Dr. Joe Hindo, internal medicine physician, performed an outpatient test on LaVerne (Bitz) Brown during the “Day in the Life” drill on February 8 at the hospital’s New Lenox campus. Both LaVerne and his wife, Dorothy (Dottie) Brown, are long time Silver Cross supporters and were excited to volunteer to assist caregivers in this drill by serving as the replacement hospital’s first “official patients”.

LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Serve as the 1st Official Patients

The purpose of the “Day in the Life” drill was for the Silver Cross staff to practice various inpatient, outpatient and emergency procedures to ensure that all processes are in place when the new hospital opens on Feb. 26. Some of the processes that will be tested during the drill include: 

• laboratory and X-ray orders
• outpatient stroke therapy check-in
• wound care outpatient testing
• valet parking
• and guest services procedures.

“This drill is a wonderful opportunity for our physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers to see how our care process works in the new hospital, while allowing us to correct anything before we welcome our patients and their families to our new home,” said Peggy Gricus, Vice President, Patient Care Services for Silver Cross Hospital.

To practice one of the drill scenarios, long time Silver Cross supporters, LaVerne (Bitz) and Dorothy (Dottie) Brown, volunteered to assist caregivers by serving as the Hospital’s first “official patients”. During their scenario, nurse Lori Pastore-Seeley, performed an outpatient blood pressure test on LaVerne Brown. “We were excited to be a part of this special time at Silver Cross to help test the hospital’s readiness to open in a few weeks,” said Bitz Brown.

Brown Family Donation
In 2010, the Browns pledged $1 million to support the construction of the new Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s (RIC) inpatient rehabilitation unit opening on the new hospital’s fifth floor. This was the Joliet couple’s second one million gift to Silver Cross. In 2002, they helped finance the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Cardiovascular Institute at Silver Cross.

“We have always believed in Silver Cross Hospital’s mission to provide quality health care services to our community,” said Dottie Brown. “We have first-hand experience of the wonderful care given in the hospital’s rehabilitation unit. And we want to make sure that the nurses and doctors will have the latest equipment to care for other patients recovering from serious illnesses and injuries in the new hospital.”

State-of-the-art Rehabilitative Care
RIC’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Silver Cross Hospital is a place where patients suffering from disabling conditions such as stroke, brain injuries, heart attack, joint replacement surgery or amputation can rediscover their independence to lead a productive life. Rehabilitation can also help people dealing with chronic conditions such as lung disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and muscular dystrophy.

The inpatient rehabilitation unit is designed to help patients get back to their lives as quickly as possible. A simulated home-like environment with a kitchen, recreational room and laundry facilities help prepare patients to return to their homes. The inpatient rooms are spacious and private. Each patient will participate in an intensive, individualized treatment plan to meet the goals set by the patient and therapy team. Family and friends are also encouraged to participate in the treatment process, which includes goal setting, therapy and education.

“Bitz and Dottie understand the importance of having state-of-the-art rehabilitative care available close to home,” said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital. “We are grateful for their continued investment in Silver Cross making sure quality care is available for future generations in Will County.”

For more information about investing in the Silver Cross Replacement Hospital, contact the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 740-7105.

The Sphincter of Oddi is a muscle valve that controls the flow of digestive juices (which includes bile and pancreatic juice) through ducts from the liver and pancreas into the small intestine. When it’s working properly, the Sphincter of Oddi opens to allow bile and pancreatic juice to flow through and then closes again. However, in a condition called Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, the sphincter muscle does not open when it should and goes into spasm. This prevents the bile and pancreatic juice from flowing through and causes a backup of digestive juices which can cause bouts of severe pain in the abdomen.

“The body’s digestion system is very complex, it takes many functions to process the food we eat into the energy we need. The Sphincter of Oddi muscle controls vital digestive enzymes and fluids needed from the liver and pancreas into the small intestine,” shares Dr. Kamran Ayub, Gastroenterologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital.

There are two basic types of Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The first is when the digestive juices are backing up in the bile ducts and the liver; this is called the biliary type dysfunction. The second type is the backup occurring in the pancreas; it is called pancreatic type dysfunction. “The pain symptoms are very similar to those caused by bile duct or gallbladder stones for the biliary type, and pancreatitis type pain for the pancreatic type,” shares Dr. Ayub. “Abdominal pain is often the most common symptom; however other featuress include nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver or pancreatic enzymes, fever and weakness. These symptoms can come and go, and can be mild one time and severe the next.”

When symptoms are severe, laboratory and scanning tests are taken. To make a diagnosis it is recommended that patients undergo an endoscopic procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) with sphincter of Oddi manometry. This is an endoscopic procedure that uses x-ray pictures of the ducts (drainage routes) of the gallbladder, liver and pancreas and obtains pressure readings of the Sphincter of Oddi muscle. An instrument is passed down through the throat and into the duodenum, where the bile and pancreatic ducts drain fluid. A dye is injected into these ducts and a special catheter is passed into the ducts to measure the pressure of the sphincter. If the pressure is elevated, a small electrical incision is made through the sphincter muscle and this relieves the sphincter pressure and clears any blockage occurring in the Sphincter of Oddi muscle. This procedure is done under sedation, so patients do not feel any pain.

“This allows the physician to remove any blockage or to relieve any scarring or spasm of the sphincter and help patients find relief,” says Dr. Ayub.

Over 1,100 friends of Silver Cross Hospital attended the Silver Cross Illumination Gala on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012.  As guests arrived for this event of a lifetime they were treated to an amazing new type of  light show with video mapping on the hospital that was seen from the interstate highway. The Illumination Gala was an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing, music and entertainment, all in celebration of the historic opening of the new Silver Cross Hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox.

PHOTO SCRAPBOOK

“Guests were able to get a behind the scenes look at this valuable community resource as we celebrated the broad spectrum of opportunities that makes Silver Cross a beacon of pride in Will County,” said Jim Roolf, Chairman of the Silver Cross Hospital Board of Directors. 

The Illumination Gala opened with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. The Gala Program began with a warm welcome from Michele Vana, Member, Silver Cross Foundation Board of Directors and Childerguild Gala Co-Chair.

Then Paul Pawlak, President and CEO, Silver Cross Hospital, thanked many groups of people that supported building this wonderful place of healing and he closed by saying “The people I am proudest of and want to thank the most are my Silver Cross family, our employees, volunteers and benefactors. They have worked throughout this journey on not one but two major efforts, first the continuation of 100 Top award winning care on our Joliet campus and secondly the planning, organizing and implementing the countless details to ready this campus.”

Others who spoke were James M. Roolf, Chairman, Silver Cross Hospital Board of Directors and Gala Co-Chairman; Alexander Sosenko, M.D., Chief of Staff, Silver Cross Hospital; who said “Special thanks goes to my fellow physicians for the countless hours of service they provided as members of planning groups involved in the execution of this complex project. Your efforts in helping design the hospital and enable patient-family centered care will ensure quality outcomes, in a safe environment for generations to come.”

Next to speak was Robert Rogina, Chairman, Silver Cross Foundation Board of Directors and Gala Co-Chairman; and the Honorable Tim Baldermann, Mayor, Village of New Lenox. Recognized for their efforts in assisting with the celebration were Honorary Gala Co-Chairmen  Daniel Gutierrez, M.D.; Russ Slinkard; and James Stephenson; and Honorary Spokesperson Tom Thayer. After, Reverend Kay Collins, Chaplain, Silver Cross Hospital, led the Blessing. Finally, the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was performed as hundreds of onlookers from the community watched as a new era in healthcare commenced. Then guests were treated to an extensive tour of the state-of-the-art hospital. The spectacular event was filled with an amazing array of food, beverages and desserts as well dancing to jazz, classical, and contemporary music throughout the Hospital.

“From dramatic lighting setting the stage for memorable magical moments to the unique opportunity to view our new hospital up close, guests experienced illumination in all its many forms,” said Michele Vana, Illumination Gala Co- Chair. 

The momentous occasion was hosted by Silver Cross Hospital and Childerguild and was chaired by three of its members—Michele Vana, Susan Frangella, and Kim Brooks. For decades the Childerguild organization has donated over $2.3 million that has funded various maternal/child care projects at Silver Cross Hospital. Further, others chairing the Gala were Silver Cross Hospital’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jim Roolf, and Foundation Board Chairman, Bob Rogina.  Honorary Gala Co-Chairs included Daniel Gutierrez, M.D., Russ Slinkard, and James Stephenson.

Those who attended were among the first to see the state-of-the-art 289-bed hospital before it becomes home to patients, doctors, nurses, staff and families on Feb. 26, 2012.  Opening at  7 a.m., the remarkable facility will improve quality, safety and service within an environment designed for faster healing. Enhanced partnerships with Children’s Memorial Hospital, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and University of Chicago Medical Center will also bring exciting new services to improve the health of Will County patients.

“We were honored to welcome so many community members to our Gala and we were excited to have them be a part of the unveiling of the magnificent new Silver Cross Hospital as we light the way to a brighter future in healthcare,” adds Bob Rogina.

For more information on how you can support this new state-of-the-art facility, call the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105.