Will this procedure be covered by my insurance or Medicaid?

We accept all major insurances. Very rarely is insurance denied.

How long does it take for me to get an appointment at your office?

Patients can be seen immediately. We are accepting new patients at this time.

What is the recovery time after surgery?

Most surgeries are done as out patient. Meaning you may be discharged home after surgery. Pain and discomfort can last up to 2 weeks.

When can I go back to work and will I have any restrictions?

Most patients can return to work after 1 week. The only restriction is to not lift anything over 5 lbs for 2 weeks. and no more than 10-15 lbs for an additional 4 weeks (Total of 6 weeks). Otherwise, patients can go back to light exercising and doing any cardiovascular work besides lifting.

What is the follow-up schedule after surgery?

I see patients any time they need after surgery. first post operative visit is at 2 weeks

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery? ​

Minimally invasive surgery is defined as Surgery performed using less invasive technique compared to open surgical techniques when used for the same purpose. It typically involves the use of Laparoscope that projects detailed and enlarged surgical field on a large screen allowing very accurate and fine dissection using specifically made instruments or using a state of the art robot to achieve the same goals. ( Robotic Surgery)

Minimally Invasive Surgery has evolved dramatically in the last couple of decades allowing more and more surgeries to be performed this way in different fields including General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Urology Vascular and Thoracic Surgery.

Performing less invasive surgery has several benefits. It may result in less post operative pain with much smaller incisions, less wound complications, shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work.

Common surgeries performed using Minimally Invasive techniques include bariatric, hernia, gallbladder, stomach, esophagus, appendix and colon.

Not all surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive surgery and open surgery might still be the best option. Discuss these options with your Surgeon.

What is a Hernia? What are the Symptoms of a Hernia?

A Hernia is when a weakness/defect in the person's abdominal muscle layers causes abdominal contents such as intestines to protrude through it outside its normal confines. Different types depends on their location; Groin/Inguinal Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Incisional if it happened at the site of previous surgery.

Hernia frequently causes a bulge or swelling in the area and discomfort. Intestines could also get trapped inside the hernia causing serious health problems. One of the Commonest hernias are Inguinal or Groin hernias.

How to treat a hernia?

Hernias are often repaired with surgery, usually Laparoscopic and possibly with the use of Mesh or Open Traditional Surgery. Discuss with your surgeon treatment options.
Hernia: When can I return to work?

Return to work is dependent on the type of hernia and repair. Additional factors such as age, previous medical/surgical history and overall physical condition play a major role in recovery and return to work.

What are my restrictions after Hernia surgery?

Activity is dependent on the type of hernia and repair. Additional factors such as age, previous medical/surgical history and overall physical condition play a major role in recovery and activity level. In general after laparoscopic hernia repairs patients will be able to use stairs, walk and handle items <5 lbs the day of surgery. In some cases full activity without limitations can resume at 6 weeks.

When is a hernia an emergency?

Increasing pain, abdominal distension, nausea/vomiting, fevers/chills or inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement are worrisome signs. An incarcerated hernia is considered a surgical emergency and you need to call your doctor or proceed to the nearest emergency room.

What are the Symptoms of Gallbladder disease and Stones? What is the treatment for gallbladder diseases?

Gallbladder is a small organ under the liver in the abdominal cavity that stores bile produced in the Liver that helps in digestion. Sometimes stones form inside the gallbladder and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and Nausea and vomiting and indigestion.

Ultrasound helps in the diagnosis. Treatment includes the surgical removal of the gallbladder laparoscopically through minimally invasive methods and small incisions called Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Do I have to change my diet after gallbladder surgery?

After surgery the recommendation is to stay on a low fat/low oil diet for 3-4 weeks. The diet should initially be bland and slowly advanced over a period of 3-7 days. It is not uncommon for patients to have a small appetite and minimal desire to eat. It is very important to maintain hydration and 64 ounces of water are recommended each day. Generally, a regular heart healthy diet can be resumed in 4-6 weeks

What is GERD? Heartburn?

GERD, AKA Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or Gastric Reflux is when gastric Acid and contents return back into the esophagus causing symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation. It usually happens due to abnormal function of the esophageal sphincter that usually prevent this from happening. This can cause inflammation of the Esophagus or changes in the lining called Barrett's Esophagus that is considered as precancerous.

How to treat GERD?

Treatment includes adjustment to the diet, and eating habits. Medications may be used for some cases to suppress the stomach acid. Endoscopy may be recommended for some cases to evaluate and assess treatment. Surgery is an option in some severe cases. Discuss with your doctor.

What is a Hiatal Hernia? What are the Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia?

A Hiatal Hernia represents a weakness and widening of the diaphragmatic esophageal opening that would allow the stomach and sometimes other organs to protrude from the abdomen into the chest.

Many could have No serious symptoms, some may have reflux and Heartburn (GERD), bleeding, discomfort, regurgitation, early satiety or fullness.