General

How do I make an Appointment?

Simply call us at during our working hours or you can request an appointment online using this form.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is mainly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition. Check with your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary.

What to bring for your initial consultation?

For your initial consultation you will need to bring a referral letter from your physician if necessary.

Here is check list for your initial consultation

  • Referral letter
  • Insurance or Medicare card
  • List of medications
  • X-ray and scan results

We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don’t forget to ask them when you are seeing the doctor.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

How long do I need time off work after the surgery?

The post-operative recovery period varies based on the particular surgery. Generally it is recommended patients take two weeks off work to recover from any surgery and to resume light duty following resumption of work. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for a successful recovery.

When can I resume exercise?

Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises – the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.

How do I contact after hours?

There will be a point of contact 24 hours a day for any concerns you may have. You will be provided with contact details following your treatment.

Medical

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, is a recent advancement in surgical techniques, where small incisions are made to perform the surgery. As opposed to the traditional open surgery, where a large cut is made on your body to clearly view and perform a surgery, laparoscopy is performed through 3 to 5 small incisions. This minimally invasive procedure is possible because of a thin long instrument called a laparoscope, which has a tiny camera and light source attached to its end. The laparoscope is inserted through one of the tiny incisions, and the camera relays images on a large screen, providing a clear view of the operation site to guide your surgeon throughout the surgery. Surgical instruments are then inserted into the other incisions to carry out the surgery.

How is it better than traditional open surgeries?

When compared to open surgery, laparoscopy has the following advantages:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery
  • Less post-operative pain and bleeding
  • Reduced scarring

What is a hernia?

A hernia is the extension of an organ or fatty tissue through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue that surrounds it. It can occur in the groin (inguinal or femoral hernia), belly button (umbilical hernia), upper stomach (hiatal hernia) or at the region of a previous incision (incisional hernia).

Is surgery always necessary for hernia?

All hernias do not require treatment but may be monitored for possible complications. Surgery is recommended when your hernia causes pain and enlarges. It is considered a medical emergency when the organ becomes trapped and strangulated cutting off the blood supply to the tissues.

Can diet reduce my risk of colon cancer?

The influence of food on colon cancer has been extensively debated upon. High fat and high cholesterol foods have been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. While some studies show that a fiber-rich diet reduces the risk of developing the cancer, others state that it doesn’t make much of a difference. However, there is a general consensus on the benefits of fiber as a vital source of nutrients that prevents many diseases such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, gastrointestinal problems, and sometimes even stomach and esophageal cancers.

The most effective way of preventing colon cancer is by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, having an active life, maintaining an ideal body weight, and scheduling regular screenings after the age of 50 years, or before if you have a family member suffering from colon cancer.

Does blood in stools always suggest colon cancer?

Blood is stools can occur for many reasons and is a common symptom of many diseases, colon cancer being one of them. Some of the common conditions that could cause blood in stools include infections of the colon, lesions in the stomach and small intestine, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s colitis or ulcerative colitis), hemorrhoids, and fissures or tears in the anus. Bleeding from the rectum or blood in stools for any reason should not be ignored. Contact your gastroenterologist for a thorough examination and timely treatment.

Am I at risk for endocrine disorders?

The risk factors for endocrine disorders include:

  • Age: Cell damage as a part of the normal aging process may alter the production, release and metabolism of various hormones, as well as your body’s response to them.
  • Diseases: Heart, liver or kidney disorders affect the metabolism of hormones. Cancerous or non-cancerous tumors may also cause problems in the endocrine system.
  • Treatment: Certain surgeries, radiation and certain cancer treatments can lead to endocrine disorders
  • Stress: Physical and mental stress factors such as trauma, serious diseases and allergic reactions, can influence the functioning of the endocrine system
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides and plasticizers, are chemicals that mimic and compete with our body’s hormones, preventing them from functioning normally.
  • Genetics: Mutations or changes in genes that code for hormones can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

Can gallstones form after cholecystectomy?

Gallstones do not form after cholecystectomy as the gallbladder has been removed. However, stones can develop in your bile duct.

How would my diet change after cholecystectomy?

The gallbladder is a small pouch that concentrates and stores bile released by the liver between meals. When we eat food, it is released through the bile duct to digest fats in the intestine. When the gallbladder is removed during cholecystectomy, bile drains continuously into the intestine and is less concentrated. This initially affects the digestive process, but the body adjusts to this change and learns to effectively digest fats.

After the removal of the gallbladder, it is important to:

  • Eat small, frequent meals
  • Avoid high fat content
  • Gradually increase the amount of dietary fiber
  • Reduce foods that are difficult to digest such as dairy products and caffeinated beverages

What are the causes of GERD?

The exact cause of GERD is not clear, but there are certain factors that increase your chances of developing the condition. Some of them include:

  • Excess alcohol or smoking, poor posture (slouching) or obesity
  • Certain blood pressure medications
  • Fatty and acidic foods, and caffeinated drinks
  • Eating before bedtime and eating large meals
  • Related conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy and hiatal hernia

What can I expect after laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication?

After laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, you will remain in the hospital for 2 to 3 days. You may have pain, which can be relieved with medication. You will be able to resume your work in about 2 to 3 weeks. Your doctor will give you specific instructions you need to follow with regard to your diet:

  • Eat soft foods during recovery
  • Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly

How does robotic thoracic surgery work?

Robotic thoracic surgery is a procedure that uses a surgical robot to perform the thoracic surgery. Your doctor works from a console next to the operation bed to control robotic arms that can move in 360 degrees. This enables the robotic arms to move with extreme precision and flexibility to hold and manipulate fine instruments that is passed in through 3 to 4 small incisions in your chest region. One of these instruments is a small camera that provides a magnified, 3D image of the operating site.

Am I a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery?

Robotic thoracic surgery may be suggested by your surgeon after many considerations as not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. An appropriate procedure is decided upon based on various diagnostic tests, the type and severity of your age, medical history, heart condition and lifestyle.