Pioneering Hospital Opens In New Orleans

The only hospital in the world dedicated to breast reconstruction for women
facing breast cancer

NEW ORLEANS, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Cancer Society estimated
182,460 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed in 2008, equaling one
diagnosis every 3 minutes. Today there are nearly 2.5 million breast cancer
survivors in the United States. After 18 months of keen anticipation, Frank
J. DellaCroce, MD, FACS and Scott K. Sullivan, MD, FACS, founders and
principal surgeons of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New
Orleans, are proud to announce the opening of St. Charles Surgical Hospital,
the first and only hospital in the world dedicated to breast reconstruction
for women facing breast cancer. The seventeen-bed hospital offers the full
spectrum of breast reconstruction, including a groundbreaking nipple sparing
procedure, Bilateral Simultaneous Gap Reconstruction, and the "StackedFlap"
Reconstruction, which were pioneered by Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan. Drs.
DellaCroce and Sullivan are two of the most experienced reconstructive Plastic
Surgeons in the world and have performed over 3000 breast reconstruction
procedures for women who seek their expertise from every corner of the U.S.
and abroad.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons more than 57,000 breast
reconstructions were performed in 2007, up 2% from 2006. Standing at the
forefront of breast reconstructive surgery, offering state-of-the-art
technology and highly skilled medical professionals, St. Charles Surgical
Hospital is poised to be internationally recognized as the leader in
reconstructive surgery. Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan have paved a new road for
breast cancer treatment as top-rated surgeons in the world to perform breast
reconstruction simultaneous to mastectomy for immediate restoration of breast
volume and shape; and are celebrated for their excellence in treatment and
patient care.

After restoring the lives of women from all over the world for a decade, they
have reinforced their commitment to the health and well-being of all women, as
well as the recovery of a crippled healthcare system in New Orleans, with the
construction of a new healthcare facility. With the investment of over $30
million Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan are demonstrating their dedication to
playing an integral role in the financial recovery of a vital stretch of St.
Charles Avenue, even in an environment of economic uncertainty. They continue
to make groundbreaking medical advances, which are driving international
attention to the region.

"The St. Charles Surgical Hospital allows us to focus and concentrate our
services to our patients in one place, providing them a sanctuary for
healing," states Dr. DellaCroce. "It is our mission to restore the lives of
our patients, both physically and emotionally, as quickly and as gently as we
can," adds Dr. Sullivan. "Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy helps a
woman regain a semblance of her body and uplift her psychological peace of
mind," continues Sullivan. One former patient's sums up her experience: "Not
only did you treat my body, but you also comforted my heart and soul. It's
your dedication and passion that makes you unique...there is no place better
to go than The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery. I am proof. Thank you
all..."

The 60,000 square foot facility, located on historic St. Charles Avenue,
adjacent to the world-renowned Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, provides
total, state-of-the-art care from initial consultation through recovery. The
design incorporates a spa-like environment through the use of soothing colors,
textures and lighting. Artwork and utilization of natural elements throughout
the facility impart a sense of calmness and wellbeing. In addition to the
exceptional design details, patients are offered a wide range of services
prior to and during the recovery period -- from support groups and a resource
center to spa-centric treatments -- to aid in the emotional and psychological
healing.

The St. Charles Surgical Hospital is governed by a Board of Directors composed
of a diverse and representative group of professionals dedicated to carrying
out the mission of making women whole again. Drs. DellaCroce and Sullivan
donate their time and talent as members of the board.

Center for Restorative Breast Surgery SERVICE INFORMATION: Founded by Frank J.
DellaCroce, M.D., FACS and Scott K. Sullivan, M.D., FACS, the Center for
Restorative Breast Surgery was established to serve as a dedicated resource
for women seeking the most advanced methods of breast reconstruction utilizing
the body's own tissue. Drs. Sullivan and DellaCroce specialize exclusively in
state-of-the-art techniques (DIEP, SIEA and GAP flap procedures) that allow
for breast reconstruction without sacrifice of important functional muscles.
For more information about Center for Restorative Breast Surgery please visit
www.breastcenter.com or call 1-888-899-2288. The Center is located at 1717
St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

St. Charles Surgical Hospital SERVICE INFORMATION: St. Charles Surgical
Hospital is a full-service, patient-centered hospital that provides a variety
of highly specialized surgical services to its patients; and is the world
leader in breast reconstructive surgery, developing and performing all
revolutionary breast reconstruction techniques. The Hospital is located at
1717 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. For more information
please visit www.scsh.com or call 504-529-6600.
Emergency Department services are not provided at this facility.

SOURCE St. Charles Surgical Hospital

Liz Goliwas Bodet, +1-504-583-5550, egoliwas@bellsouth.net, for St. Charles
Surgical Hospital