Hiatal Hernia Your chest is separated from your abdomen by a dome-shaped sheet of muscle called the diaphragm. The esophagus passes through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. When the tissue around the hiatus weakens, part of the stomach may protrude through the opening into the chest cavity. This is called a hiatal…
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which normal cells in the pancreas stop working correctly and grow uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can build up and form a mass called a tumor. As it grows, a pancreatic tumor can affect the function of the pancreas, grow into nearby blood vessels and organs, and eventually metastasize (spread)…
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Background Information If you are like many people, your colon (the large intestine) is not in perfect condition. Over time, small pouches may have formed in your colon wall. This is called diverticulosis. If these pouches become infected or inflamed, a painful and more serious problem called diverticulitis develops. Although aging may contribute to colon…
Appendicitis & Appendectomy
About Appendectomy Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. This brochure will explain why you may need an appendectomy and what to expect before and after the operation. What is the Appendix? The appendix is a three to six inch long tubular structure that is attached in the area of the junction of the…
Robotic Surgery
Robotic-Assisted Surgery has opened a new frontier in laparoscopy. Robotic-Assisted Surgery enhances laparoscopy in two main ways. It allows for better visualization of the patient’s tissues, and it allows for improved dexterity and finer surgical precision at the surgical site. Better Visualization Usual laparoscopic surgery is performed with a camera that provides a two dimensional…
Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder The gallbladder is a small pear shaped organ that lies in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen underneath the liver. It is connected to the common bile duct which carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. Its function is to store the bile made by the liver. During meals a hormone…
Hernia
About Hernia A hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. The operation that repairs a hernia is called a herniorrhaphy. This page will explain: Why you may need to have your hernia repaired. The ways that a hernia may be repaired. What to expect before and after the operation….
Spleen Surgery
The spleen is a delicate, fist-sized organ under your left rib cage near your stomach. It contains special white blood cells that destroy bacteria and help your body fight infections. The spleen also makes red blood cells and helps remove, or filter, old ones from the body’s circulation. A layer of tissue entirely covers the…