ON ABC NEWS TODAY - Arizona Surgeon Survives Cancer to Invent and Perform World Record Setting Cancer Surgery!

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Marchand OBGYN PLLC

Jul 24, 2017, 05:00 ET

MESA, Ariz., July 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Record Academy awarded Dr. Greg J. Marchand and his surgical team a world record for removing a 17-centimeter cancerous ovarian tumor using only small slits in the abdomen, a technique called a laparoscopy. While removing cysts and tumors using laparoscopic surgery is a standard practice, Dr. Marchand said it is rare to use the technique in conjunction with an ovarian cancer staging procedure.

Dr. Greg J. Marchand MD invented a laparoscopic surgery to remove large ovarian tumors through tiny holes using a technique called "in-bag morcellation." Using this technique, Dr. Marchand and another surgeon were able to complete an entire cancer staging surgery on a 17cm malignant tumor without cutting the patient open. The entire staging procedure was performed laparoscopically.
Dr. Greg J. Marchand MD invented a laparoscopic surgery to remove large ovarian tumors through tiny holes using a technique called "in-bag morcellation." Using this technique, Dr. Marchand and another surgeon were able to complete an entire cancer staging surgery on a 17cm malignant tumor without cutting the patient open. The entire staging procedure was performed laparoscopically.
World Record Certificate awarded to Dr. Greg J Marchand MD for removal of a 17cm Malignant Tumor using "Laparoscopy," a technique using tiny holes smaller than a dime.
World Record Certificate awarded to Dr. Greg J Marchand MD for removal of a 17cm Malignant Tumor using "Laparoscopy," a technique using tiny holes smaller than a dime.
Dr. Greg J. Marchand MD invented a laparoscopic surgery to remove large ovarian tumors through tiny holes using a technique called "in-bag morcellation." Using this technique, Dr. Marchand and another surgeon were able to complete an entire cancer staging surgery on a 17cm malignant tumor without cutting the patient open. The entire staging procedure was performed laparoscopically.
World Record Certificate awarded to Dr. Greg J Marchand MD for removal of a 17cm Malignant Tumor using "Laparoscopy," a technique using tiny holes smaller than a dime.

The surgeons completed the procedure using "in-bag" morcellation, a technique developed by Dr. Marchand in which the tumor is broken apart in a plastic containment bag for removal through tiny holes. Otherwise, patients would need a large incision to the mass, resulting in longer recovery and more pain.

Marchand, a board-certified OB-GYN specializing in "minimally invasive surgery," worked closely with a gynecologic oncologist in completing this amazing surgery.

Marchand said the most difficult part of the surgery was removing the cancerous mass without spilling any cancer cells into the abdomen. If cancerous material spilled back into the abdomen the cancer could have spread and worsened the patient's prognosis. The World Record Academy helped verify that this type technique had never been accomplished previously on any malignant tumor this large.

Dr. Marchand, who was diagnosed in 2010 with mixed-cell carcinoma, (an aggressive cancer of the testes,) said it is particularly gratifying that his technique can help cancer patients.

"I know what it's like to face a diagnosis of cancer," he said. "In my opinion, advancements in the surgical treatment of cancer are just as important as the newest cancer-fighting drugs and chemotherapy agents."

"If we can use minimally invasive surgery to take some of the recovery time and complications out of cancer surgery, then I think we've really done a lot of good for patients fighting cancer."

This is Dr. Marchand's second world record in laparoscopic surgery. In 2008 Dr. Marchand was awarded a Guinness World Record for the removal of the largest uterus laparoscopically. In this case, it was not a cancerous mass, but a seven-pound benign (non-cancerous) uterus that was removed.

In addition to the two world records, Dr. Marchand is extensively published in surgery and is internationally regarded as a pioneer in performing and inventing advanced surgical techniques.  For further information regarding Dr. Marchand's awards, research and recent publications please visit www.gregmarchandmd.com.

Contact: Kirsty Brooks, 623-806-0341, [email protected]

SOURCE Marchand OBGYN PLLC