Patient Education

We routinely employ minimal access techniques (laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery) in the treatment of most of the abdominal disorders, including but not limited to hernias, conditions of the stomach, intestines and gallbladder.

These links are intended to discuss some of the surgical diseases we see and the surgical treatment options:

  • Inguinal (groin) hernia
    This can develop as a result of natural weakness in the groin. Heavy lifting or persistent cough can cause bowel to protrude through this weak spot. This can lead to complications such as bowel incarceration or strangulation. Surgery can be used to treat symptomatic inguinal hernia to prevent this complication.

  • Ventral (abdominal wall) hernia
    This can also develop due to natural weakness in the abdominal wall. One such weak spot is the umbilicus (belly button). It can also develop where a prior surgery incision was made. If there is a weak spot along the healed incision, a ventral hernia can occur. Complications of untreated ventral hernia includes bowel incarceration, perforation and strangulation. Surgery can be used to treat symptomatic ventral hernias.

  • Gallbladder diseases
    Diseases of the gallbladder include gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), non-functional (dyskinesia), polyps or cancer. Removal of the entire gallbladder is definitive treatment for most gallbladder diseases.

  • Diverticular disease / Diverticulitis
    The small pouches that develop from the wall of the colon are called diverticula. The condition of having these pouches is called diverticulosis. Although diverticula can be found throughout the colon, the most common part of the colon affected is usually the sigmoid colon. A complication of diverticulosis is inflammation of the diverticula, a condition known as diverticulitis. A complication of untreated diverticulitis is perforation which can lead to diverticular abscess (intra-abdominal abscess). Chronic diverticulitis can also lead to narrowing of the affected part of the colon and therefore causing colon obstruction.

    Diverticulitis-related colon obstruction or perforation can be successfully treated with surgery to remove the affected part of the colon.

  • Colon resection for colon cancer
    The large intestine is also called the colon. It is responsible for absorbing water from digested food that have passed through the stomach, small intestine and now reside in the colon, awaiting defecation. Polyps can develop in the colon and these can become cancer if not removed early during the recommended screening colonoscopy. Yes, colonoscopy can save lives!

    Polyps that cannot be removed during colonoscopy due to its large size can be treated with colon resection. Colon cancer can also be treated with surgery. Working together with your oncologist, colon cancer can be defeated if diagnosed early.

  • Appendicitis
    The appendix is attached to the beginning part of the colon called cecum. It can become obstructed or inflamed (appendicitis) and therefore requiring removal with surgery. A known complication of untreated acute appendicitis is rupture. 

    Neoplasm or cancer of the appendix can also be cured with removal of the appendix (appendectomy) if diagnosed early.

  • Reflux diseases.

  • Acute pancreatitis
    The pancreas is a large gland that is located behind the stomach. It produces digestive enzymes and several hormones such as insulin. The pancreas can become inflamed or infected, a condition known as pancreatitis. Sudden inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) can be severe and life-threatening and therefore requires quick recognition and treatment.

    Common causes of acute pancreatitis are gallstones and alcohol abuse. Complication of untreated acute pancreatitis includes necrotizing pancreatitis. This is when portion of the pancreas is no longer viable. The dead tissue can become a source of infection.

    Treatment for acute pancreatitis is tailored to the severity and cause of the illness. For example, if gallstone is the cause of acute pancreatitis, then removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is needed to avoid recurrence or worsening of the condition.

    Persistent or untreated acute pancreatitis can become chronic pancreatitis. This is associated with unremitting abdominal pain, problems with digestion, diarrhea and diabetes. 

Please call our office with inquiries or concerns about other surgical diseases and treatment.

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