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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.

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

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.

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.
  • 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.

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.

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.
  • 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.

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

While generally safe, risks include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Damage to nearby tissues or organs (rare)
  • Relief from symptoms
  • Improved quality of life
  • Effective treatment of conditions not manageable through medication or lifestyle changes

Most medically necessary surgeries are covered by insurance. Check with your provider to understand your coverage.

Yes, seeking a second opinion is a common and encouraged practice to ensure you’re comfortable with the recommended treatment plan.

Look for a board-certified general surgeon with experience in the specific procedure you need. Ask about their success rates and patient outcomes.

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

Reflux surgery, also known as anti-reflux surgery, is a procedure designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It aims to prevent stomach acid and food from flowing back into the esophagus, alleviating symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and damage to the esophagus.
Reflux surgery may be recommended for people who:
  • Have severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication or lifestyle changes.
  • Prefer a long-term solution instead of lifelong medication.
Surgery may be recommended to:
  • 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.
Your doctor will assess the severity of your GERD, your anatomy, and your overall health to recommend the most suitable procedure.
Preparation typically includes:
  • 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.
Most reflux surgeries take 1-3 hours, depending on the procedure and the complexity of your condition.
Yes, reflux surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
  • 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.
Laparoscopic surgeries are often outpatient procedures, while more complex surgeries may require a 1-2 day hospital stay.
You’ll need to follow a soft or liquid diet for several weeks, gradually reintroducing solid foods. Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods that can irritate the esophagus.
While generally safe, risks include:
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Gas-bloat syndrome (inability to burp or pass gas easily)
  • Infection or bleeding
  • Recurrence of GERD symptoms
Reflux surgery has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing significant relief from GERD symptoms and reduced dependency on medications.
Many patients can stop or significantly reduce their reliance on acid-reducing medications after surgery, though some may still need occasional treatment.
Most insurance plans cover reflux surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. Verify coverage details with your provider.
While surgery provides long-term relief for many, GERD symptoms can recur in some cases. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help prevent recurrence.
Consult with a gastroenterologist and surgeon to evaluate your symptoms, test results, and treatment history to determine if surgery is the best option. For further information or to schedule a consultation, contact your healthcare provider.

HERMIA SURGERY

Hernia surgery is a procedure to repair a hernia, which occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding tissue. The surgery reinforces or closes the weak area to prevent further protrusion.
Common types include:
  • 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.
Surgery is recommended to relieve symptoms like pain or discomfort and to prevent complications such as strangulation (when blood supply to the tissue is cut off).
  • 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.
The choice depends on the size, location, and complexity of the hernia, as well as your overall health. Your surgeon will guide you in making the best decision.
Preparation includes:
  • 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.
Most hernia surgeries take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and type of repair.
Yes, hernia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, though local or spinal anesthesia may be used for some cases.
  • 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.
Most hernia surgeries are outpatient procedures, but some cases may require an overnight hospital stay, especially for complex repairs.
You should avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and strenuous activities for a few weeks. Light walking is encouraged to aid recovery.
Although generally safe, risks include:
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Pain or discomfort at the surgery site
  • Recurrence of the hernia
  • Damage to surrounding tissues (rare)
Hernias can recur, but the risk is lower with proper surgical techniques and following post-operative care instructions.
Hernia surgery is highly effective at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Most patients experience significant improvement in quality of life.
Most insurance plans cover hernia surgery when deemed medically necessary. Check with your provider for specific details.
Open surgery typically leaves a scar at the incision site, while laparoscopic surgery results in smaller, less noticeable scars.
While no method guarantees prevention, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and strengthening abdominal muscles can reduce the risk of recurrence. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact your healthcare provider.

GALLBLADDER SURGERY

Gallbladder surgery, also called cholecystectomy, is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is commonly performed to treat gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions.
Gallbladder surgery is usually recommended for conditions like:
  • Gallstones causing pain or inflammation
  • Gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
  • Bile duct blockage
  • Gallbladder polyps or tumors
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that form in the gallbladder. They can cause pain, infection, or blockages in the bile ducts.
  • 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.
Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your condition, overall health, and any previous abdominal surgeries.
Preparation may include:
  • A preoperative physical exam and lab tests
  • Fasting before the procedure
  • Stopping certain medications as advised by your doctor
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically takes 1-2 hours. Open surgery may take longer depending on the complexity.
Yes, gallbladder surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure.
  • 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.
Laparoscopic surgery is often done on an outpatient basis, but open surgery typically requires a hospital stay of 1-3 days.
You may need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and fatty or greasy foods for a few weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions.
Although it is generally safe, risks include:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Bile leakage
  • Injury to nearby organs (rare)
Some patients experience temporary diarrhea or difficulty digesting fatty foods, but most adjust within a few weeks or months.
Untreated gallbladder problems can lead to complications like chronic pain, infections, or damage to the liver and pancreas.
Yes, you can live a healthy life without a gallbladder. The liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder.
Most insurance plans cover gallbladder surgery if it is medically necessary. Contact your provider to confirm coverage.
A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within a few weeks after surgery to monitor your recovery and address any concerns. For further questions or to schedule a consultation, contact your healthcare provider.

BARIATRIC SURGERY

Bariatric surgery is a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals lose weight by making changes to the digestive system. It includes procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.
Candidates typically have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine eligibility.
  • 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.
Preparation includes consultations with a surgeon, nutritionist, and psychologist. You’ll undergo medical evaluations, lifestyle counseling, and may need to follow a pre-surgery diet.
Bariatric surgery typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the procedure. It’s usually performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive) unless otherwise indicated.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-3 days, depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery progress.
Most people return to light activities within 2-4 weeks. Full recovery and adaptation to a new diet and lifestyle may take several months.
You’ll follow a staged diet: starting with liquids, progressing to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually regular foods. Long-term, you’ll need to eat small, nutrient-dense meals and avoid high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods.
Yes, bariatric surgery affects nutrient absorption, so you’ll need lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, leaks in the gastrointestinal system, and nutrient deficiencies. Long-term risks may include gastrointestinal issues and weight regain.
Most patients lose 50-70% of their excess weight within the first 1-2 years post-surgery, depending on the procedure and adherence to lifestyle changes.
Weight regain is possible if dietary guidelines and lifestyle changes are not followed. Bariatric surgery is a tool, not a cure, and requires a long-term commitment.
Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery if it’s medically necessary. Check with your provider to confirm coverage and pre-authorization requirements.
Yes, it often leads to improvements or resolution of conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
Some procedures, like adjustable gastric banding, are reversible, while others, like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, are not. Discuss options with your surgeon. For further questions or to schedule a consultation, contact your healthcare provider.