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Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS

Accepting New Patients

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Specializes in: Bariatric Surgery and General Surgery

Duke University School of Medicine (1995)

Professional interests include: laparoscopic gastric banding, hernia surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and more.

2 Dudley Street
Providence, RI 02905

(401) 270-7710

Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS is a bariatric surgeon in Providence, RI specializing in bariatric surgery and general surgery. She graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 1995 and has 30 years of experience. Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS is affiliated with The Miriam Hospital, Brown Surgical Associates, Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) and NORTH SHORE - LIJ MEDICAL PC.

Office Locations

Address:

2 Dudley Street
Providence, RI 02905

Some issues Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS can help you with:

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.

Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that promotes weight loss by reducing the stomach and altering how the digestive system absorbs and processes food. The procedure treats morbid obesity, where one's weight impairs day-to-day function or poses serious health risks. Gastric bypass surgery is used only after other weight loss treatments are unsuccessful.

Generally, gastric bypass surgery is performed on patients who have a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgeons frequently expect patients to first attempt natural weight loss for about six months to prove to the surgeon that the patient is capable of maintaining a post-surgery diet and exercise regimen.

For obese patients, gastric bypass surgery has many potential health and weight benefits. Gastric bypass surgery restricts the amount of food the stomach contains, as well as:

Reduces the calories the stomach absorbs
Alters gastrointestinal hormones, which help to heal obesity-induced metabolic syndrome
Suppresses appetite
Alleviates conditions caused or exacerbated by obesity, such as obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes
Contributes to mental health by improving self-esteem

During gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is stapled to reduce its size, and a small hole is created in the stomach and attached to the middle section of the small intestine. This direct connection between the stomach and the middle of the small intestine creates a channel for some food to bypass the normal route. By bypassing the upper small intestine and larger region of the stomach, food is not fully absorbed and patients do not retain the same amount of calories as before. This procedure is also sometimes referred to as "Roux-en-Y" gastric bypass surgery. Some bariatric surgeons may perform a "laparoscopic bypass" which uses a tiny camera (laparoscope) to guide the procedure.

Gastric bypass surgery is performed with general anesthesia and as preparation, a liquid diet is required for two weeks prior to undergoing the surgery. After the surgery, patients will spend about two days in the hospital and may miss work for two to three weeks. In the first month after the surgery, patients are only able to consume small portions of liquid or soft food. Even after reintroducing solid food, patients feel full quickly, sometimes after eating just two or three tablespoons. Some patients experience "dumping syndrome" (rapid processing of food into the small intestine), which is common during the recovery process. Gastric bypass surgery patients must also make permanent lifestyle changes. For example, gastric bypass patients are required to take vitamins for life after surgery and required to forever avoid certain foods, such as alcohol, sugar, and high fat food.

While the gastric bypass recovery process can be challenging, surgery results are usually swift: most gastric bypass surgery patients lose nearly half to two thirds of their starting weight within two years of surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery)

Bariatric or weight-loss surgery is a surgical procedure performed to help significantly obese patients lose weight when more traditional methods, such as dieting and exercise, have not helped. Depending on the type, these surgeries change the gastrointestinal tract to limit how much food can be eaten and also change how food is absorbed by the body. Of the various bariatric surgeries available, the most common is gastric bypass.

By far the most common of the gastric bypass surgeries is called Roux-en-Y. During this surgery, part of the stomach and small intestine are detached from the gastrointestinal tract, in order to make the tract smaller. The surgeon divides the stomach into two parts. The working stomach, at the end of the esophagus, is now tiny - only the size of a walnut. This makes patients feel full after eating a small amount of food. Then the small intestine is also divided, and after bypassing a section of the small intestine to reduce food absorption, the intestine is attached to the small stomach pouch. The patient now has a working stomach and intestine like before, only much smaller.

Because gastric bypass is used to treat extreme obesity, it can reduce the risk of some of the problems associated with obesity. Gastric bypass can help treat or reduce the risk for such conditions as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. However, it is a major surgery and also carries risks itself. Any surgery can lead to infection, bleeding, or blood clots, and weight loss surgery in particular carries risks of leaks in the gastrointestinal system, malnutrition, bowel obstructions, and vomiting.

Typically patients are considered candidates for gastric bypass surgery if they have a BMI greater than 40, or sometimes if they have a BMI between 35 and 40 but are suffering from obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes. The outlook is generally good, with most patients losing between 50-75% of their excess weight in 1-2 years. However, patients must follow strict diet guidelines so that the stomach can heal, starting with no food at all, then followed by a liquid diet for some time. For many severely obese patients who have tried strict diets before without success, gastric bypass surgery is the tool that allows them to finally achieve their weight loss and health goals.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“"All of us at Brown Surgical Associates could not be more proud of Dr. Monaghan," said Dr. Aurora Pryor, president of Brown Surgical Associates.”—"Monaghan tapped for surgical leadership role at Warren Alpert Medical School", Providence Business News, November 2024

“PROVIDENCE - Brown Surgical Associates recently announced that Dr. Aurora Pryor has been named the practice's new president.”—"Dr. Aurora Pryor named president of Brown Surgical Associates", Providence Business News, October 2024

“"The balloon treatment helped them eat less, but they were also learning to make healthier choices through the support provided with the program," says study author Aurora Pryor, MD, director of...”—"New weight-loss balloon is nearly twice as effective as diet and exercise", Fox News, November 2016

doctor visit	122
gastrointestinal procedures	9
hospital care	30
inpatient care	30
minimally invasive procedures	9

**Gender**
Male	70
Female	86

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	127
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	57
From 75 to 84	26
85 and over	14
Less than 65	59

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	51
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	48
Dementia	12
Cancer	10

doctor visit	120
hospital care	79
inpatient care	79

**Gender**
Male	66
Female	93

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	127
Black	0
Hispanic	14
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	61
From 75 to 84	28
85 and over	11
Less than 65	59

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	72
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	46
Dementia	11
Cancer	13

doctor visit	133
hospital care	43
inpatient care	43

**Gender**
Male	122
Female	184

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	270
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	128
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	112

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	70
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	41
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	24
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	49
Dementia	0
Cancer	10

doctor visit	206
gastrointestinal procedures	23
minimally invasive procedures	23
weight management	10

**Gender**
Male	70
Female	100

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	145
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	73
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	61

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	28
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	46
Dementia	9
Cancer	13

doctor visit	201

**Gender**
Male	57
Female	115

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	139
Black	0
Hispanic	15
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	70
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	67

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	48
Dementia	8
Cancer	9

doctor visit	161
gastrointestinal procedures	8
minimally invasive procedures	8

**Gender**
Male	46
Female	104

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	123
Black	0
Hispanic	15
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	64
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	57

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	69
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	46
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	41
Dementia	11
Cancer	13

doctor visit	164
gastrointestinal procedures	11
minimally invasive procedures	11

**Gender**
Male	45
Female	97

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	118
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	64
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	38

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	46
Depression	41
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	35
Dementia	8
Cancer	11

doctor visit	160
gastrointestinal procedures	8
minimally invasive procedures	8

**Gender**
Male	66
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	130
Black	0
Hispanic	13
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	76
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	44

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	46
Dementia	11
Cancer	13

doctor visit	296
gastrointestinal procedures	24
minimally invasive procedures	24

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS treated as a bariatric surgeon in Providence, RI were hospital care, inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures and gastrointestinal procedures.

doctor visit	174
gastrointestinal procedures	15
hospital care	50
inpatient care	50
minimally invasive procedures	15
weight management	10

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS.

**Gender**
Female	87
Male	54

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	117
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	5
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	2
75 to 84	5
Less than 65	49
65 to 74	59

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	14
Osteoporosis	7
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	35
Atrial Fibrillation	12
Cancer	9
Dementia	7

Education & Training

Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 1995. She completed residency at Duke University Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in Rhode Island.

Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine (1995)

Residency: Duke University Medical Center

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery

Licensed In: Rhode Island

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

The Miriam Hospital

Brown Surgical Associates

Rhode Island Hospital (RIH)

NORTH SHORE - LIJ MEDICAL PC

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Stryker Corporation	$50,732 1688 $20,841	ARTHROSCOPY $9,900	JOINT PRESERVATION $7,200	1688 HD 3 CHIP CAMERA $6,395	1588 HD 3 Chip Camera $2,340	Other $4,056
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.	$43,035 SEAMGUARD Staple Line Reinforcement $10,915	GORE SYNECOR Biomaterial $7,080	SEAMGUARD Bioabsorbable Staple Line Reinforcement $5,795	GORE ENFORM Preperitoneal Biomaterial $4,720	BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement $3,566	Other $10,959
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation	$35,629 ZEMURON $96	$35,533
Medtronic, Inc.	$26,389 Signia $7,090	LigaSure $647	Sonicision $139	GIA $123	Dextile $51	Other $18,339
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$16,175 Da Vinci Surgical System $16,175
Other	$49,573 ECHELON FLEX Stapler $9,477	Other/NA $5,938	Sonicision $5,600	Orbera $2,859	Sutures $2,232	Other $23,468

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$106,194
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$47,600
Travel and Lodging	$30,830
Food and Beverage	$15,912
Honoraria	$11,965
Other	$9,032

Biography

Dr. Aurora Pryor, who practices in Stony Brook, NY, is a medical specialist in general surgery. She is a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine.

Select Year:

Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS can help you with:

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Aurora Dawn Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS From 2013 - 2021

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Biography

Other Providers in Providence, RI