Hospital sponsors three-part lecture series on spider veins, breast cancer and hernia repair

WARWICK - St. Anthony Community Hospital will host a series of health education lectures in September, October and December on the treatment of vein disorders, breast cancer and laparoscopic hernia repair by Dr. Robert Feldman, a board certified surgeon affiliated with the hospital. On Wednesday evening, Sept. 20, Feldman will offer his first presentation on “Sclerotherapy,” an injection treatment used to eliminate “spider” veins. Feldman, who has specialized in the treatment of vein disorders for the past 10 years, is a member of the American College of Phlebology. The nonprofit educational organization is involved in researching and teaching the most innovative and up-to-date methods of both the medical and surgical as well as the cosmetic treatment of varicose vein disease in all of its forms. Varicose veins, Feldman said in promotional information provided by the hospital,, are abnormal superficial veins that develop in the soft tissue beneath the skin. Since they do not transport blood to the heart efficiently, most varicose veins can be removed surgically without causing problems. Besides the cosmetic benefits, the minimally invasive vein surgery can relieve aching, swelling and pain and actually improve the venous circulation. Spider veins, on the other hand, are superficial tiny vessels, which may be red, blue or purple in color. Although they may cause some discomfort, the majority of these veins present a cosmetic problem that can be easily treated with Sclerotherapy. During this procedure, which can be performed in the doctor’s office, a very small needle is used to inject a sclerosing solution into a varicose or “spider” vein. Once the vein is sealed and can no longer transport blood, the vein will simply disappear. “Spider” veins do not have any useful function and eliminating them should not affect circulation. Feldman, who’s practice is located at 218 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Warwick, will answer specific questions from the audience about the latest treatment for spider veins and other vein disorders. On Oct. 18, Feldman, who also is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, will return to discuss the subject of breast cancer. And on Nov. 8, he will offer a presentation on laparoscopic hernia repair. “Our education programs and public health care presentations,” said Leah Cerkvenik, executive vice president/administrator of St. Anthony Community Hospital, “are an important part of our commitment to build healthier communities.” Specific times and locations will be announced prior to each scheduled lecture. To learn more about other programs and services offered at St. Anthony Community visit its Web site at www.StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org.