+ HERNIA

An abdominal hernia occurs when tissue or part of an internal organ bulges through a weak spot or hole in the muscle. Most hernias occur in the abdomen and may occur due to previous surgeries, childbirth, or trauma. Hernias can also be congenital.

SYMPTOMS OF ABDOMINAL HERNIAS:

Abdominal hernias may cause discomfort, pain, and/or a bulge or swelling in the area of the hernia. These symptoms may be more noticeable when sneezing, coughing, lifting, or during activities causing exertion. Some hernias—called hiatal hernias—are caused by a weakness or opening in the diaphragm and cause acid reflux.

HERNIA TREATMENT:

A hernia will not go away on its own. If left untreated, a hernia will slowly enlarge and worsen over time, causing more pain and discomfort. Hernia surgery is currently the only method for treatment and repair of a hernia. A hernia should be addressed at the first signs of onset. Early treatment will help ensure a shorter recovery and decrease the chance that the hernia will reoccur.

Surgery to repair an abdominal hernia is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Dr. Jay at Dallas Bariatric Center has successfully performed thousands of hernia repairs.

+ GALLBLADDER SURGERY

Gallbladder surgery, or gallbladder removal, is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States today, with more than 500,000 patients undergoing gallbladder surgery to treat gallstones and other gallbladder disorders every year.

Gallstones are a common gallbladder disorder and develop when the bile in the gallbladder becomes thickened and form "stones," which are commonly made up of cholesterol. Some people may experience gallstones without any problems, while others experience pain caused by inflammation of the gallbladder when the gallstones pass into the bile ducts. Gallbladder pain in the upper right side of the abdomen or in the middle of the stomach is commonly felt following a high-fat meal.

Women are twice as likely to develop gallstones then men. Other people who might be at risk of developing gallstones include:

  • Individuals who are overweight or obese
  • Women who are pregnant
  • Individuals who have experienced rapid weight loss
  • Individuals (particularly men) who have experienced weight loss and regain
  • Individuals who have cirrhosis of the liver
  • Those with a family history of gallstones
  • Individuals who consume a diet that is high in fat, high in cholesterol, and low in fiber
  • Individuals of Native American Indian descent
  • Individuals who have type 2 diabetes
  • Those who are taking cholesterol lowering drugs called statins
  • Women who are on Hormone Replacement Therapy during menopause
  • Gallstone Symptoms**

TREATMENT & GALLBLADDER SURGERY

When gallstones cause pain or other complications, gallbladder surgery may be necessary. During gallbladder surgery, the gallbladder and gallstones are usually removed at the same time—this is called cholecystectomy.

The gallbladder may be removed in one of two ways: laparoscopic and open methods.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gallstone removal method of choice and accounts for more than 90 percent of gallbladder surgeries. This procedure is minimally invasive and recovery time from the laparoscopic gallbladder removal is generally shorter than an open cholecystectomy.

Open Cholecystectomy

This method of gallbladder removal is less common. During this procedure, one, three-to-five inch incision is made in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. The gallbladder is then located and removed through the incision.

+ REFLUX

Stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus can cause heartburn and the taste of sour liquid or regurgitated food at the back of the mouth. This condition is known as acid reflux, more specifically, gastroesophageal reflux. Acid reflux is a common condition, affecting more than 60 million Americans.

A severe or chronic case of acid reflux is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Reflux that occurs at least twice a week, interferes with daily life, and/or causes damage to the esophagus is defined as GERD.

A common cause of reflux is an abdomen abnormality called a hiatal hernia, in which the upper part of the abdomen pushes up through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle separating the abdomen from the chest. When it is working correctly, it helps contain acid in the stomach, but when a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for acid to reflux into the esophagus. Excess weight of the abdominal wall can cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, contributing to reflux or GERD.

SYMPTOMS:

  • Heartburn. Also called acid indigestion, heartburn is a burning pain in the chest.
  • Regurgitation. When acid backs up into the throat, it is called regurgitation. This can cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, or even a “wet burp.”
  • Dyspepsia. Stomach discomfort known as dyspepsia is a general term that may refer to burping, nausea after eating, stomach bloating or fullness, or upper abdominal pain and discomfort.

TESTS & DIAGNOSIS:

Although heartburn itself isn’t dangerous, chronic irritation of the esophagus caused by acid reflux or GERD can lead to more serious complications as previously mentioned. Acid reflux disease may be diagnosed using any one or a combination of tests such as the:

Barium Swallow Radiograph, or upper GI Endoscopy, or EGD Biopsy Esophageal Manometry pH Monitoring Acid Reflux Treatment and Surgery