Upper Endoscopy Patient Information from SAGES
Upper Endoscopy (also known as gastroscopy, EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the lining of the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). A bendable, lighted tube about the thickness of your little finger is placed through your mouth and into the stomach and duodenum.
Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair Patient Information from SAGES
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is a technique to fix tears or openings in the abdominal wall using small incisions, laparoscopes (small telescopes inserted into the abdomen) and a patch (screen or mesh) to reinforce the abdominal wall. It may offer a quicker return to work and normal activities with decreased pain for some patients.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Severe (Morbid) Obesity Patient Information from SAGES
Laparoscopic surgery for obesity is for people who are severely overweight. Laparoscopy involves using a specialized telescope (laparoscope) to view the stomach, which typically allows smaller abdominal incisions. This brochure will explain: 1) What is severe (morbid) obesity?; 2) Medical and surgical treatment options for severe obesity; 3) How laparoscopic obesity surgery is performed; 4) Expected outcomes of the procedure; 5) What can be expected after laparoscopic obesity surgery
Laparoscopic Spleen Removal (Splenectomy) Patient Information from SAGES
The spleen is a blood filled organ located in the upper left abdominal cavity. It is a storage organ for red blood cells and contains many specialized white blood cells called “macrophages” (disease fighting cells) which act to filter blood. The spleen is part of the immune system and also removes old and damaged blood particles from your system. The spleen helps the body identify and kill bacteria. The spleen can affect the platelet count, the red blood cell count and even the white blood count.
Laparoscopic Spine Surgery Patient Information from SAGES
Your spine surgeon has determined that you need an operation for your back problem and feels that there would be a benefit to approach your spine from the front, through the abdomen. Most people are aware of back operations that are performed from the posterior approach, through the skin of the back, but are surprised when they are told they are going to have a back operation “from the front.”
Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery Patient Information from SAGES
Approximately 600,000 inguinal or groin hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States. Some are performed by the conventional “open” method. Some hernia repairs are performed using a small telescope known as a laparoscope. If your surgeon has recommended a hernia repair, this brochure can help you understand what a hernia is and what your treatment options are.
Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy) Patient Information from SAGES
Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Gallbladder removal surgery is usually performed with minimally invasive techniques and the medical name for this procedure is “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy”. Although there are many advantages to laparoscopic gallbladder removal, the procedure may not be appropriate for some patients who have severe complicated gallbladder disease or previous upper abdominal surgery. A thorough medical evaluation by your personal physician, in consultation with a surgeon trained in laparoscopy, can determine if laparoscopic gallbladder removal is an appropriate procedure for you.
Laparoscopic Colon Resection Surgery Patient Information from SAGES
Each year, more than 600,000 surgical procedures are performed in the United States to treat a number of colon diseases. Patients undergo colon surgery for a number of conditions including: colorectal cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), colonic inertia, stricture of the colon and diverticulitis surgery to remove all or part of your colon is known as colectomy.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery Patient Information from SAGES
Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical problems. One out of every 2,000 people has an appendectomy sometime during their lifetime. Treatment requires an operation to remove the infected appendix. Traditionally, the appendix is removed through an incision in the right lower abdominal wall. In most laparoscopic appendectomies, surgeons operate through 3 small incisions (each ¼ to ½ inch) while watching an enlarged image of the patient’s internal organs on a television monitor. In some cases, one of the small openings may be lengthened to complete the procedure.
Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux (GERD) Surgery Patient Information from SAGES
Although “heartburn” is often used to describe a variety of digestive problems, in medical terms, it is actually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this condition, stomach acids reflux or “back up” from the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn is described as a harsh, burning sensation in the area in between your ribs or just below your neck. The feeling may radiate through the chest and into the throat and neck. Many adults in the United States experience this uncomfortable, burning sensation at least once a month. Other symptoms may also include vomiting or regurgitation, difficulty swallowing and chronic coughing or wheezing.
