Abdominal Surgery
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder disease is very common in the United States. Problems may be caused by gallstones (diagnosed by an ultrasound) or gallbladder dysfunction (diagnosed by HIDA scan).
Symptoms typically include pain under the ribs on the right, especially after eating greasy foods. Patients may also suffer from nausea and vomiting. Less common symptoms include excessive gas and bloating.
The only effective treatment for gallbladder problems is surgery. In the past a large incision was required and patients typically stayed in the hospital for several days and took weeks to recover.
Now with laparoscopic cholecystectomy the procedure is done through four small incisions. This procedure can often be done as an outpatient or with an overnight stay.
There are no activity or diet restrictions after this operation. Patients usually return to work and resume their usual activities within a week or two.
These diagrams demonstrate how the gallbladder is removed.
Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Traditionally laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed through 4 small incisions. A newer technique called single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy allows for the operation to be performed through a single 1 inch incision which is completely hidden in the belly button. The advantage is the avoidance of scars on the abdomen. Not everyone who needs their gallbladder removed is a candidate for this operation. Please let us know if you are interested in this exciting new procedure. For more detailed information please click here.
Procedures for Gastroesophageal Reflux (Heartburn)
Millions of people suffer from heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). This is caused by food and acid in the stomach traveling back up into the esophagus (swallowing tube). It may cause inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus.
Most people can control their GERD with lifestyle changes and sometimes medication. For a detailed description of lifestyle changes and medications available please go to:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/heartbrn/heartbrn.htm
Some patients are better served by a procedure that aims to physically prevent the reflux of stomach contents in to the esophagus. Examples include patients who continue to have symptoms while taking medication, cannot tolerate medication, are concerned about short and long term side effects of the medication, and patients who prefer not to take the medication for a prolonged period of time.
We offer both transoral incisionless fundoplication and laparoscopic fundoplication. The ideal procedure depends on a number of patient specific factors that will be discussed during the initial consultation.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication
In this new procedure an anatomic barrier to reflux is created without any incisions. The procedure is performed from within the stomach with the aid of an endoscope (a lighted video camera on the end of a flexible tube) that is inserted through the mouth. Patients are asleep for the procedure and generally stay in the hospital overnight. Studies have shown that more than 80% of patients are able to stop their medication following this procedure. In addition, quality of life is improved compared to medication alone. For further information including video animation of the procedure please click here.
Surgical Fundoplication
The most common operation for GERD is called laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The operation wraps part of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus (see diagram). This wrap increases the pressure in the lower part of the esophagus and by doing so keeps material in the stomach from coming back up into the esophagus.
The operation is performed through five small incisions. Patients are generally in the hospital for one to two days. After surgery there are minimal activity restrictions. A very soft diet is prescribed for several weeks.
Colon Surgery
Removal of part of the colon may be required for cancerous or precancerous tumors or polyps or for diverticulitis. We are very experienced in colon surgery. Very frequesntly we are able to perform fhese operations laparoscopically through multiple small incisions as opposed to one large incision. This allows for less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a more rapid return to normal activity. For more information about laparoscopic colon surgery from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons please click here.