Access to Specialized Surgical Care Increased at Henry Ford Allegiance Health

Jackson, Michigan — With an enthusiasm for collaboration, Henry Ford Allegiance Plastic Surgery medical director Shoshana Ambani, M.D., is increasing access to specialized surgical care while coordinating with other surgeons—allowing patients needing multiple procedures to have the surgeries at one time. Her areas of clinical interest include breast reconstruction, microvascular reconstruction, facial and body aesthetic surgery, lymphedema surgery and peripheral nerve surgery.

“A lot of what I do involves complementing the work of fellow surgeons, to ensure their patients have the best outcomes and quality of life possible,” said Dr. Ambani.

Using microsurgery, which uses a microscope to suture tiny vessels together, Dr. Ambani completed the first free flap case at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. The patient had a prior mastectomy for breast cancer on one side and chose to undergo a preventative mastectomy on the other. The breast reconstruction was done at the same time as the preventative mastectomy by general surgeon Shawn Obi, DO. Tissue from the patient’s lower abdominal area was transplanted to the chest on both sides.

“Each side required hooking up an artery and vein under the microscope. That way, the tissue, or flap, has its own pulse and ‘lives’ just like the rest of her own tissues,” said Dr. Ambani.

Dr. Ambani also performed the first “super-microsurgery” case at Henry Ford Allegiance Health—a lymphaticovenous anastomoses. “Around the world, microsurgeons consider this ‘super-microsurgery,’ because tiny lymphatic channels are hooked up to nearby veins using sutures that are thinner than a hair,” said Dr. Ambani. Prior to surgery, the patient had to wear compression garments around the clock due to lymphedema in her arm. Now, she no longer wears any compression and has more freedom of movement.

A versatile surgeon, Dr. Ambani also completed the first complex back reconstruction with flaps for spinal hardware that had eroded through the skin, which was removed by neurosurgeon Frank La Marca, MD. The patient has since healed well and no longer has an open wound.

As another “first,” Dr. Ambani performed the first complex flap reconstruction of a chronic pressure sore in a paraplegic patient, working alongside  orthopedic surgeon Timothy Ekpo, DO, who removed the underlying infected femoral bone. The patient’s chronic draining wound is healed, and he has happily returned to his daily activities.

To schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or find a plastic surgeon, vcall 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936). If you are in the Jackson area or south central Michigan, visit HenryFordAllegiance.com or call 1-888-862-DOCS.

A graduate of Duke University School of Medicine, Shoshana Ambani, M.D., completed a residency in integrated plastic surgery at the University of Michigan. She completed a fellowship in microvascular reconstructive surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Ambani welcomes new patients at Henry Ford Allegiance Plastic Surgery, 3305 Spring Arbor Road, Suite 200, in Jackson. Call (517) 205-2107 for an appointment.

About Henry Ford Allegiance Health

Henry Ford Allegiance Health (HFAH) is a 475-bed health system in Jackson, Michigan. HFAH complements traditional acute care services with primary and community-based to support patients across the health continuum at every stage of life. With its Level II Trauma Center, Henry Ford Allegiance Health provides comprehensive care for severely injured patients. As a teaching hospital, Henry Ford Allegiance Health continually looks to the future with its Center for Health Innovation & Education and Graduate Medical Education program. Through its Health Improvement Organization (HIO), HFAH is also a national leader in forming community partnerships that innovatively address wellness and prevention needs across the region. Visit HenryFordAllegiance.com to learn more.

About Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System (Henry Ford Health) is a six hospital system headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Henry Ford Health is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive, integrated health systems, recognized for clinical excellence and innovation. It provides health insurance and health care delivery, including acute, specialty, primary and preventive care services backed by excellence in research and education. Henry Ford Health is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient.

Contact

Vicky Lorencen
Cell: (517) 262-8917
Email: vlorenc1@HFHS.org