The newest surgeon on the medical staff of Saint Anthony’s Health Center, Paul Loethen, M.D., has hit the ground running in the operating room. Dr. Loethen joins Joseph Paone, M.D., a General, Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon in the ComPAS Physician Network medical group.
“As a general surgeon, my main interests include minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgical techniques,” said Dr. Loethen. “Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses multiple small incisions, each one usually no more than an inch long.”
Minimally invasive surgery options allow patients to achieve exceptional results without the need for large, invasive surgical incisions. Patients who undergo laparoscopic procedures need less time to recover from the surgical process than do patients who undergo traditional open surgery. As a result, laparoscopic surgery patients experience less discomfort and require less pain medication. They have shorter hospital stays and are able to return to work or school sooner.
“Minimally invasive surgery also results in less scarring at the surgical site,” said Dr. Loethen. “The scars that do result from the surgery are smaller and less noticeable than those of more invasive procedures and the patients have less pain. In addition, there is less risk of infection with minimally invasive surgeries than with open procedures.”
Originally from Troy, Illinois, Dr. Loethen is married to Jennifer Loethen, M.D., a Pediatrician. The Loethen’s have three children, are residing in Edwardsville, and are excited about settling in the Alton area.
“My wife and I came back to the area so that we could be close to our families,” said Dr. Loethen. “We are looking forward to setting down some roots and I hope to never move again. I want to give back and help the people of this community. I hope to serve as an advocate for my patients. Saint Anthony’s seemed to be the perfect place to do this.”
“I have been nothing but impressed with the nurses, managers and all of the staff,” said Dr. Loethen. “The facility is great; everything is well executed and efficient. I am also impressed with the care that is given to each patient. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit.”
Dr. Loethen received his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Illinois, received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Loethen, please call his office at 465-9024, located in the Saint Anthony’s Professional Building, #2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Suite 305, Alton.
Saint Anthony's Health Center is a 200-bed health care organization with dual campuses-Saint Anthony’s Hospital and Saint Clare’s Hospital- encompassing specialized inpatient and outpatient services. With over 150 physicians on its Medical Staff, Saint Anthony's Health Center offers a free physician referral service for the community: 463-1234.