1- 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.

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.

2- What is Bariatric Surgery?

What is Weight Loss Surgery? How to Lose Weight?

Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss Surgery: This is called on a group of procedures that are performed to assist in weight loss in patients where non surgical attempts have failed when combined with other modalities including exercise and dietary modifications.

These procedures work by Restriction of diet intake and/or Limiting absorption of the diet in the intestines.

Common Bariatric procedures are Gastric Band placement, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass. Achieving medically supervised weight loss in obese patients has proven to improve or even treat many medical problems including Diabetes, High blood pressure, Sleep apnea, joint problems, gastroesophageal reflux/heartburn and heart disease thus improving quality of life and survival. Surgery might not be suitable for everyone. Surgeries might be associated with side effects and complications and patients need to discuss this with their Doctor.

You have to meet certain criteria to qualify for weight loss surgery.

You can attend a free monthly informational seminar held at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital by Dr. Kharbutli and his team.

Call Our Weight Loss Surgery Center for Questions or to register at 734-285-7420.

3- 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.

4- 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.

5- 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.

6- 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.

7- 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.

8- What are gallbladder stones or gallbladder disease?

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.