Torrance Memorial Medical Center Recognized for High-Quality Care in Bariatric Surgery

TORRANCE, CA - Torrance Memorial Medical Center announced today that it has been named an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Center of Excellence® along with surgeons Aileen Takahashi, M.D., and Stanley Klein, M.D. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes programs and surgeons with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

"Torrance Memorial is pleased to receive this prestigious recognition. The program was developed eight years ago by dedicating significant resources to managing the surgical needs of bariatric patients," said Aileen Takahashi, M.D. "We've maintained this level of excellence and look forward to continuing our commitment to those who can benefit from this life-changing surgery."

According to a report released in 2007 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of bariatric surgeries has grown from 16,000 procedures performed in 1992 to 170,000 performed in 2005. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASMBS Centers of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.

To earn a Center of Excellence designation, Torrance Memorial Medical Center underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the program's surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. Drs. Takahashi and Klein and Torrance Memorial, along with other centers receiving the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation, agree to continue to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcome data.

Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 66 percent of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients manage these conditions. By definition, surgeons with ASMBS Center of Excellence designations practice only top-quality care, ensuring efficacy of the procedure with each patient to the best of their abilities.

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an organization dedicated to pursuing surgical excellence, formulates and establishes the rigorous standards with which Torrance Memorial and other Centers of Excellence must comply, thoroughly inspects and evaluates each candidate for designation, and upon review recommends approval of designation for those physicians and facilities whose practices and outcomes meet the stringent demands set forth by SRC and ASMBS.

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest society for this specialty in the world. Founded in 1983, foremost American surgeons have formed the society's leadership and have established an organization with educational and support programs for surgeons and allied health professionals. For more information, visit www.ASMBS.org.

The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to surgical excellence. SRC's mission is to promote the delivery of surgical care with the highest levels of efficacy, efficiency and safety possible. For more information, visit www.surgicalreview.org.

Torrance Memorial Medical Center is a 401-bed, full service medical center. For information about programs and services, visit www.TorranceMemorial.org.

Stanley Klein, M.D. and Aileen Takahashi, M.D.