Our Houston general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgery practice provides thorough evaluation and testing, diagnosis and treatment of a full range of standard and complex conditions requiring general surgical solutions. Working in close partnership with other referring physician specialists is vital to our patient care.
Hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a rupture in the muscle wall intended to hold it in place. Most commonly, this involves a small section of intestine that bulges through an opening in the abdominal wall, producing a lump that can be seen and felt. Most hernias occur in the naval or groin or around surgical incisions, and they usually develop as a result of excessive straining from causes such as obesity, heavy lifting, or chronic constipation. Hernias are treated with surgery to repair the damage to the muscle wall. Often, this surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.
Dr. Wadiwala specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures for hernias-including small-incision, laparoscopic surgery for inguinal and ventral/incisional hernias. We utilize a special mesh system that ensures a strong repair of the muscular opening with minimal need for suturing.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that serves to collect bile produced in the liver. During mealtimes, this bile is released through the bile ducts into the small intestine, where it aids in digestion by dissolving fats. Occasionally, however, the chemicals used to produce bile become unbalanced, and small masses called gallstones form in the gallbladder or ducts. These gallstones can block the natural flow of bile, causing gallbladder inflammation, pain, indigestion, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin following meals and can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, gallbladder surgery may be indicated. Houston Weight Loss performs both traditional gallbladder surgery, involving a single incision in the abdomen, and laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a laparoscope (miniature camera) and several small incisions. It results in less scarring and a faster recovery time for patients. If you are suffering from gallstones or persistent abdominal discomfort following meals, contact our practice today to learn more about your options.
Intestines (Small Intestine and Colon)
The intestines form the portion of the digestive system between the stomach and the rectum and are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine (colon). Intestinal surgery can be necessary to treat a number of intestinal disorders and diseases. Intestinal surgery of the small intestine often involves bowel resection, in which a diseased portion of the intestine is removed and the two healthy ends resected (sewn together). Surgery on the large intestine may be used to treat a diseased portion, cancer, or precancerous polyps (small, fleshy growths on the inner walls of the colon or rectum). Colon surgery may also 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 to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The surgeons at Houston Weight Loss are skilled at a wide range of intestinal surgeries, including minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques. Contact us today to learn more about our many intestinal surgery options.
Stomach
The stomach holds food after it is consumed and begins the process of digestion by mixing that food with stomach acid. There are several disorders that can affect stomach functioning to the extent that surgery becomes necessary. These include recurrent stomach ulcer disease, bleeding, cancer, and gastro esophageal reflux disease. Stomach surgery can involve either partial or complete removal of the stomach (partial or total gastrectomy). We perform a variety of conventional stomach surgery procedures, as well as laparoscopic procedures including Nissen Fundoplication (an anti-reflux procedure).
Liver
The liver has many important functions within the body. It breaks down fat in the body and converts it to energy, regulates blood glucose levels, filters toxins from the body, manufactures cholesterol and clotting agents, and stores several important vitamins and minerals. The liver also has the capacity to regenerate itself. Up to 75 percent of this organ can be removed, with full regeneration usually complete in approximately five to six weeks. Surgery to remove part of the liver (resection) is typically performed to remove malignant tumors. Liver transplants may also be performed for cases of advanced cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, hepatitis complications, or liver cancer.
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: to secrete enzymes that aid in digestion and to produce 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.
Spleen
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. Despite these important functions, however, it is possible to live without a spleen. Surgical removal of the spleen may be necessary in cases of certain diseases or conditions, including cancer, infections (such as malaria or mononucleosis), enlargement of the spleen, or blunt-force trauma that causes the spleen to rupture. Our surgeons offer both traditional open surgery for spleen removal, as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic splenectomy, for those patients who are good candidates.
Skin/Soft Tissue
In addition to surgery specific to the internal organs, the surgeons at Houston Weight Loss perform a wide range of soft tissue and skin surgery repairs. Soft tissue generally refers to any tissue that surrounds, supports, and connects the skeletal system and organs. It includes the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fat. Surgery to repair soft tissue could include joint repair, carpal tunnel surgery, or surgery to repair a herniated disk in the lower back. Common surgical procedures on the skin include skin biopsies, removal of skin lesions, cancer excision, and skin grafts.
If you are interested in learning more to see if you’re a candidate or wanting to know the costs involved, call our office today. Our friendly, knowledgeable office staff will be happy to answer your questions and to schedule your initial consultation with Houston General Surgeon Dr. Wadiwala. He will provide you with a comprehensive exam and will discuss your options and candidacy for the procedure.
You can reach us at (281) 653-6544 or by emailing us at info@www.houstonweightlossdr.com.
