GENERAL SURGERY
What is general surgery?
General surgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions, often involving surgical procedures. General surgeons perform operations on various body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, abdomen, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system.
What types of conditions do general surgeons treat?
General surgeons commonly address:
- Hernias
- Gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones)
- Appendicitis
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers, diverticulitis)
- Skin lesions or tumors
- Breast conditions (e.g., lumps, cancer)
- Trauma or emergency surgery
- Thyroid and other endocrine problems
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery may be recommended to:
- Relieve symptoms (e.g., pain or discomfort).
- Treat or remove diseased tissue (e.g., tumors or infected organs).
- Correct structural problems (e.g., hernias).
- Improve function or quality of life.
How do I prepare for general surgery?
Preparation varies but may include:
- A preoperative physical exam and lab tests.
- Stopping certain medications or supplements as advised by your doctor.
- Fasting before the procedure.
- Arranging for transportation and post-surgery care.
What are the different types of general surgery?
- Open Surgery: Traditional method involving a single, larger incision.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera for guidance.
- Robotic Surgery: A robotic-assisted approach for enhanced precision.
Will I need anesthesia?
Yes, the type of anesthesia depends on the procedure:
- Local anesthesia: Numbs a specific area.
- Regional anesthesia: Numbs a larger region of the body.
- General anesthesia:Puts you to sleep during surgery.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies based on the type and complexity of the surgery:
- Minor procedures: A few days to a week.
- Major surgeries: Weeks to months.
What should I expect after surgery?
- Pain or discomfort at the surgical site.
- Restrictions on physical activities like lifting or strenuous exercise.
- Instructions on wound care, medication, and follow-up visits.
What are signs of complications to watch for after surgery?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Fever or chills
- Excessive pain or swelling
- Redness, warmth, or drainage at the incision site
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
What are the risks of general surgery?
While generally safe, risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Damage to nearby tissues or organs (rare)
What are the benefits of surgery?
- Relief from symptoms
- Improved quality of life
- Effective treatment of conditions not manageable through medication or lifestyle changes
Is general surgery covered by insurance?
Most medically necessary surgeries are covered by insurance. Check with your provider to understand your coverage.
Can I get a second opinion before surgery?
Yes, seeking a second opinion is a common and encouraged practice to ensure you’re comfortable with the recommended treatment plan.
How do I choose the right surgeon?
Look for a board-certified general surgeon with experience in the specific procedure you need. Ask about their success rates and patient outcomes.
Can surgery be avoided?
In some cases, alternative treatments like medication or lifestyle changes may be effective. Your doctor will discuss all available options.
For further questions or to schedule a consultation, contact your healthcare provider.
REFLUX SURGERY
What is reflux surgery?
Who is a candidate for reflux surgery?
- Have severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication or lifestyle changes.
- Prefer a long-term solution instead of lifelong medication.
What are the types of reflux surgery?
- Nissen Fundoplication: The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
- Laparoscopic Fundoplication: A minimally invasive version of fundoplication using small incisions.
- LINX Procedure: A ring of magnetic beads is implanted around the LES to prevent acid reflux while allowing food to pass.
- Endoscopic Procedures: Non-surgical options like transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for mild to moderate GERD.
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
How do I prepare for reflux surgery?
- Diagnostic tests like endoscopy, pH monitoring, or manometry.
- Fasting for 6-12 hours before surgery.
- Adjusting or stopping certain medications as advised by your doctor.
How long does reflux surgery take?
Will I need anesthesia?
How long does recovery take?
- Laparoscopic procedures: Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks for light activities and 4-6 weeks for more strenuous activities.
- Open surgery (if necessary): Recovery may take 6-8 weeks.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
What dietary changes are required during recovery?
What are the risks of reflux surgery?
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Gas-bloat syndrome (inability to burp or pass gas easily)
- Infection or bleeding
- Recurrence of GERD symptoms
How effective is reflux surgery?
Will I still need to take medications after surgery?
Does insurance cover reflux surgery?
Can GERD come back after surgery?
How do I know if reflux surgery is right for me?
HERMIA SURGERY
What is hernia surgery?
What are the types of hernias?
- Inguinal Hernia: Located in the groin area.
- Umbilical Hernia: Around the belly button.
- Hiatal Hernia: At the diaphragm, causing part of the stomach to move into the chest.
- Incisional Hernia: Occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision.
- Femoral Hernia: Appears near the upper thigh.
Why is hernia surgery needed?
What are the different types of hernia surgery?
- Open Hernia Repair: A single, larger incision is made to push the tissue back and reinforce the area with stitches or mesh.
- Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Surgery: Small incisions and a camera are used to repair the hernia with mesh, offering a quicker recovery time.
- Robotic Hernia Repair: Similar to laparoscopic surgery but performed with robotic assistance for precision.
How do I know which type of surgery is right for me?
How do I prepare for hernia surgery?
- A physical exam and imaging tests if needed.
- Avoiding food and drink for a specific period before surgery.
- Adjusting medications as directed by your doctor.
How long does the surgery take?
Will I need anesthesia?
How long does recovery take?
- Laparoscopic surgery: Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks for light activities and 4-6 weeks for more strenuous activities.
- Open surgery: Recovery may take 4-6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the hernia.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Are there any activity restrictions after surgery?
What are the risks of hernia surgery?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain or discomfort at the surgery site
- Recurrence of the hernia
- Damage to surrounding tissues (rare)
Will the hernia come back after surgery?
How effective is hernia surgery?
Does insurance cover hernia surgery?
Will I have a scar after hernia surgery?
Can I prevent another hernia after surgery?
GALLBLADDER SURGERY
What is gallbladder surgery?
Why is gallbladder surgery needed?
- Gallstones causing pain or inflammation
- Gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
- Bile duct blockage
- Gallbladder polyps or tumors
What are gallstones?
What are the different types of gallbladder surgery?
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera for guidance. This is the most common method.
- Open Cholecystectomy: A traditional surgery involving a larger incision, used in more complex cases.
How do I know which type of surgery is right for me?
How do I prepare for gallbladder surgery?
- A preoperative physical exam and lab tests
- Fasting before the procedure
- Stopping certain medications as advised by your doctor
How long does the surgery take?
Will I need anesthesia?
How long does recovery take?
- Laparoscopic surgery: Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks and can return to light activities in a few days.
- Open surgery: Recovery may take 4-6 weeks.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Are there any restrictions after surgery?
What are the risks of gallbladder surgery?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bile leakage
- Injury to nearby organs (rare)
Will I experience digestive changes after surgery?
What happens if I don’t remove my gallbladder?
Can I live without a gallbladder?
Does insurance cover gallbladder surgery?
Will I need follow-up care?
BARIATRIC SURGERY
What is bariatric surgery?
Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
What are the types of bariatric surgery?
- Gastric Bypass: Reduces stomach size and reroutes the small intestine.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: Places a band around the stomach to restrict food intake.
- Duodenal Switch: Combines sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass for more significant weight loss.