Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is an intrusion of the intestines into the groin area through a weak point in the abdominal wall. It results from either congenital muscle weakness or excessive strain, and it can cause pain and pressure on the groin, as well as symptoms of nausea and constipation. These symptoms will not go away without surgical treatment. Laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernias involves small incisions in or just under the navel and in the lower abdomen. Our surgeons then employ a variety of techniques to close the hernia rupture, including modern, “tension-free” techniques that employ state-of-the-art mesh materials to cover and repair the hernia with minimal suturing. If you would like to learn more about the advanced hernia repair surgeries performed at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates, please contact our practice today.
Ventral/Incisional Hernia
The word ventral refers to the abdomen or front portion of the body. A ventral/incisional hernia is one located on the front abdominal wall that occurs on the site of a previous surgical incision. The incision has caused the abdominal muscles to weaken and tear, allowing a section of intestines or other abdominal contents to push through the opening. Ventral/incisional hernias are most common in patients who have had more than one incision in the same site and who are overweight. Obviously, stitching the same incision closed again with sutures is not likely to resolve the problem once the muscles have already weakened. Laparoscopic surgery offers an effective solution. Laparoscopic repair of ventral/incisional hernias involves minimal additional incisions and the use of a specially designed surgical mesh that covers and reinforces the damaged opening in the muscle. This method results in faster recovery times for patients and a much-reduced rate of postoperative hernia recurrence (10 percent or less) compared to standard open surgery methods (as high as 20 to 49 percent). To learn more about our laparoscopic techniques for ventral/incisional hernia repair, contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Colon
Laparoscopic colon surgery is an advanced surgical technique performed by relatively few practitioners because of the high degree of surgical mastery required. It has many advantages over conventional open colon surgery, including shorter hospital stays and recovery times, less scarring and postoperative pain, and a faster return to normal colon function. Many colo-rectal conditions, such as colon cancer, polyps, diverticulitis, ulcerative cholitis, and hemorrhaging may require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic colon surgery can often be used to treat these conditions with great success. Like other types of minimally invasive surgeries, laparoscopic colon surgery involves several small incisions made in the abdomen that allow the surgeon to remove the diseased portion of the colon and reattach the healthy ends. The surgeons at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates are among a select handful of surgeons who perform laparoscopic colon surgery. If you would like to consult with one of our surgeons about a colo-rectal condition or learn more about the many surgical options we offer, please contact us today.
Adrenal
The adrenals are two small glands located above the kidneys. They are responsible for manufacturing several important hormones (adrenaline, epinephrine, and steroids such as cortisol, among others) important to regulating stress responses, sex drive, blood pressure, and body energy levels. Benign growths on the adrenals are a fairly common occurrence that usually do not cause harm to the body. However, if these tumors grow too large, cause hormone over-secretion, or become cancerous, the adrenal gland may need to be removed (adrenalectomy). Standard surgery to remove an adrenal gland involves a large incision through the ribs. With a laparoscopic adrenolectomy, however, our surgeons are able to avoid the chest and remove the adrenal with just three or four small incisions. To learn more about laparoscopic adrenal surgery, please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Renal (Kidney)
The kidneys are two fist-sized organs that sit in the middle of the back, beneath the rib cage. They perform several important functions within the body. In addition to producing urine, they remove toxic wastes from the blood, keep the ph level in the body balanced, and regulate the volume of water, calcium, and other substances in the body. Surgical intervention for the kidneys - involving either partial or full removal of the kidney - may be necessary in cases of kidney stones, infection, advanced kidney disease, tumors, or cancer. Traditional open kidney surgery requires a long flank incision (eight to 12 inches) and the removal of part of a rib. Laparoscopic kidney surgery (laparoscopic nephrectomy) avoids this. The surgeon is able to perform the same repairs through several small incisions that are typically made in the front and sides of the abdomen. Laparoscopic kidney surgery can be performed for both total and partial removal of a kidney, as well as for cases of kidney transplant, and to open or clear blockages or cysts. The skilled surgeons at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates can evaluate your specific case and advise you on the most appropriate surgical option. To learn more about laparoscopic kidney surgery, please contact us today.
Nissen Fundoplication (Anti-Reflux Procedure)
Nissen fundoplication is surgical repair of the valve separating the esophagus from the stomach. It is performed to relieve symptoms of chronic severe heartburn. A weak or overloaded valve in the last part of the esophagus can allow reflux of stomach juices into the esophagus and even into the back of the throat. This is often called "heartburn" or "acid indigestion." The acid and alkaline fluid from the stomach can damage the lower esophagus and lead to the development of a pre-malignant condition known as "Barrett's esophagus." The stomach fluid may regurgitate high enough to allow the fluid to spill over into the airway and lungs. This often occurs at night when one is recumbent and asleep. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to repair this condition, with far less blood loss during surgery and a shorter recovery period than required by traditional open surgery. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a complex and highly specialized procedure, performed by very few surgeons in the United States. The surgeons at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates are proud to offer this alternative to their patients suffering from chronic gastro esophageal reflux problems. Contact our practice today to learn more about laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
Spleen
Laparoscopic removal of the spleen (laparoscopic splenectomy) is a minimally invasive surgery performed to remove a spleen that is dangerously diseased or ruptured. The spleen, a small organ located on the left side of the body beneath the ribs, has two principal functions. It helps the body fight off infection by filtering the blood, removing dead cellular material and manufacturing white blood cells to attack infection. It also acts as a reservoir of extra blood for the body in cases of emergency. Laparoscopic removal of the spleen for cases of trauma or disease can be accomplished with several minimal incisions under general anesthesia. Patients are generally released from the hospital after an overnight stay and able to return to light daily activities almost immediately. If you would like to learn more about laparoscopic removal of the spleen, please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Colo-Rectal Procedures
Our surgeons have particular expertise dealing with health problems involving the digestive system and are experienced at performing complex colo-rectal procedures. They specialize in both conventional surgical treatments, where appropriate, as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic treatments requiring advanced surgical training and skills.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy/Colonoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures used to investigate symptoms of rectal bleeding, pain, diarrhea, or bowel habit changes. They are also an important means of screening patients for colo-rectal cancer and pre-cancerous polyps-small, fleshy growths that can be an indicator of future malignancy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy makes use of a two-foot, thin, lighted tube with a miniature camera at one end. This instrument allows the surgeon to inspect the rectum and lower colon for any signs of disease or damage. Colonoscopy is similar to sigmoidoscopy, except that it employs a longer flexible tube (approximately five feet long), which permits the doctor to examine the full length of the large intestine, from the rectum to the small intestine. If you would like to learn more about our diagnostic procedures for colo-rectal conditions or set up a consultation with one of our surgeons, please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are painfully swollen veins in the tissue of the lower rectum and anus. They can either be internal, within the rectum, or external, surrounding the outer edge of the anus. External hemorrhoids are often marked by painful itching and burning, tenderness when sitting, and bleeding. They are caused by excessive pressure on the vessels, such as when straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods, coughing severely, or giving birth. Non-surgical treatments such as medications and diet changes can often be effective at controlling hemorrhoids; however, in cases of severe external hemorrhoids, surgery or other procedures may be necessary to treat the problem. California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates offer a number of highly effective solutions to treat painful external hemorrhoids, including surgical options and procedures such as banding and sclerotherapy that work to shrink or cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. If you would like to learn more about the hemorrhoid treatment options we offer, please contact our practice today.
Colon
Surgery for the colon (large intestine) can be necessary to treat a number of intestinal disorders and diseases. It may be chosen to treat a diseased portion of the intestine, cancer, or pre-cancerous polyps (small, fleshy growths on the inner walls of the colon or rectum). Or colon surgery may be necessary to treat diverticulitis (small, bulging pouches that have formed at weak points in the colon wall and become infected), to repair rectal prolapse, or treat inflammatory bowel disease, as well as multiple other conditions. Surgical repair of the colon frequently involves bowel resection, in which a diseased portion of the intestine is removed and the two healthy ends resected (sewn together), though there are many treatment options, depending upon the condition involved. Our surgeons perform both standard open incision techniques, as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic colon surgery procedures. To learn more about the colon procedures offered at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates or to set up a consultation with one of our surgeons, please contact our practice today.
Fistula-in-Ano
A fistula is any abnormal duct connecting an infected abscess or cavity in the body to another organ or to the body’s exterior surface. An anal fistula (fistula-in-ano) forms between the interior of the anal canal and the skin surrounding the anus. It typically results from an infection within one of the anal glands. This infection forms an abscess that then begins to tunnel through further tissue. At times these infections will spontaneously rupture and drain, but often they need to be surgically drained. Further surgery may also be required to locate and clean the original source of the infection and to surgically repair the fistula tunnel. Our surgeons are experienced at dealing with health problems involving the colon, rectum, and anus and would be happy to meet with you to discuss any symptoms you might be experiencing. Please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates for further assistance.
Laproscopic Colon Surgery
Laparoscopic colon surgery is an advanced surgical technique performed by relatively few practitioners because of the high degree of surgical mastery required. It has many advantages over conventional open colon surgery, including shorter hospital stays and recovery times, less scarring and postoperative pain, and a faster return to normal colon function. Many colo-rectal conditions, such as colon cancer, polyps, diverticulitis, ulcerative cholitis, and hemorrhaging may require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic colon surgery can often be used to treat these conditions with great success. Like other types of minimally invasive surgeries, laparoscopic colon surgery involves several small incisions made in the abdomen that allow the surgeon to remove the diseased portion of the colon and reattach the healthy ends. The surgeons at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates are among a select handful of surgeons who perform laparoscopic colon surgery. If you would like to consult with one of our surgeons about a colo-rectal condition or learn more about the many surgical options we offer, please contact us today.
Endoscopy
An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a light and miniature camera on one end. This instrument is inserted into a body opening, such as the mouth, to examine the inside of the body. California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates offers the following endoscopy procedures for the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. These procedures serve as important diagnostic tools for determining the root cause of digestive pain and other symptoms.
EGD/Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy (also called EGD for esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure used to examine and diagnose problems with the upper digestive system. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth, allowing the surgeon to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum) for signs of disease or damage. The procedure is frequently used to diagnose problems involving swallowing, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal or chest pain. The procedure also enables physicians to take small biopsies through the endoscope to test tissues for malignancy, parasites, or infection. To discuss a specific digestive condition with one of our surgeons or learn more about upper endoscopy, please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy/Colonoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures used to investigate symptoms of rectal bleeding, pain, diarrhea, or bowel habit changes. They are also an important means of screening patients for colo-rectal cancer and pre-cancerous polyps-small, fleshy growths that can be an indicator of future malignancy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy makes use of a two-foot, thin, lighted tube with a miniature camera at one end. This instrument allows the surgeon to inspect the rectum and lower colon for any signs of disease or damage. Colonoscopy is similar to sigmoidoscopy, except that it employs a longer flexible tube (approximately five feet long), which permits the doctor to examine the full length of the large intestine, from the rectum to the small intestine. If you would like to learn more about our diagnostic procedures for colo-rectal conditions or set up a consultation with one of our surgeons, please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Endocrine Procedures
The endocrine system is a network of glands that regulate the various bodily functions by secreting hormones into the bloodstream. This system includes the thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas, hypothalamus, pituitary, and the male and female reproductive glands (testes and ovaries). A disease or disorder of one gland in the endocrine system can throw off the balance of the entire body system. The surgeons at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates specialize in surgical repair of the glands in the endocrine system, particularly the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, and pancreas.
Thyroid
The thyroid is a two-lobed gland in the throat that regulates the body’s metabolism by secreting thyroid hormone. This hormone acts to speed up cellular activity, controlling the rate at the which the body breaks down calories for energy and synthesizes needed chemical substances. Problems associated with the hormone include over- or undersecretion of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively), thyroid gland enlargement (goiter), thyroid nodules (small lumps that are generally benign), inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), and thyroid cancer. Surgical intervention to treat various thyroid conditions can include either partial or full removal of the thyroid gland. If, for example, a single localized nodule is causing the gland to oversecrete thyroid hormone, partial removal might be sufficient. However, in cases of thyroid cancer or a large goiter that squeezes the trachea and inhibits breathing, complete removal of the thyroid may become necessary. To discuss surgical treatment options for various thyroid disorders, contact the surgeons at California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Parathyroid
The parathyroids are four small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Although they share a similar name and location with the thyroid gland, the parathyroids have a distinct function. They are responsible for regulating the level of calcium in the body, a mineral critical to nerve, muscle, and bone function. Problems with the parathyroid glands frequently relate to enlargement of one or more of the glands, causing an overproduction of parathyroid hormone. This overproduction, in turn, results in an excess level of calcium in the blood, which can potentially harm the bones. Post-menopausal women at risk of osteoporosis could be particularly affected. Before the early 1990s, parathyroid surgery involved a large open operation to find and remove the affected gland or glands. With today’s minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical techniques, however, most parathyroid surgery is now a quick procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. To learn more about minimally invasive parathyroid surgery, contact our practice today.
Adrenal
The adrenals are two small glands located above the kidneys. They are responsible for manufacturing several important hormones (adrenaline, epinephrine, and steroids such as cortisol, among others) important to regulating stress responses, sex drive, blood pressure, and body energy levels. Benign growths on the adrenals are a fairly common occurrence that usually do not cause harm to the body. However, if these tumors grow too large, cause hormone oversecretion, or become cancerous, the adrenal gland may need to be removed (adrenalectomy). Standard surgery to remove an adrenal gland involves a large incision through the ribs. With a laparoscopic adrenolectomy, however, our surgeons are able to avoid the chest and remove the adrenal with just three or four small incisions. To learn more about laparoscopic adrenal surgery, please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland located deep in the abdomen, pressed between the stomach and small intestine on the one hand and the spine on the other. This gland has two main functions. It secretes enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces hormones essential to the regulation of blood sugar levels in the body. Surgery to the pancreas is most often performed to remove malignant tumors or to improve ductal drainage in cases of chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas-often caused by gallstones or over-consumption of alcohol). A pancreas transplant may be indicated in certain patients with insulin-dependent, type I diabetes. To learn more about pancreas surgery or to set up a consultation with one of our surgeons, please contact California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates today.
