Frequently Asked Questions
General Surgery
What types of surgeries does a general surgeon perform?
A general surgeon typically performs a wide range of procedures, from small biopsies to larger surgeries like colectomies (removing some or all of the colon), gallbladder removal and hernia repairs.
Are general surgeries performed in an outpatient setting or in the hospital?
It can be either, depending on the type and complexity of the surgery. If it is done in the outpatient setting, the patient typically goes home the same day.
How are general surgeries performed?
Depending on the type of procedure you need, surgery can either be performed traditionally (open surgery) or with a minimally invasive technique, using robotics. The Advanced Robotics Institute specializes in gallbladder removal and hernia repairs using robotic-assisted technology.
What are the most common general surgeries?
Gallbladder removals are very common. Removal of the gallbladder is a treatment option for various conditions, like gallstones, gallbladder inflammation or infection, and gall bladder cancer. Hernia repairs are also common. A hernia occurs when an organ or other structure protrudes through a weak area in the tissue or muscle. They can bulge into the chest, thigh, groin, or belly button and cause a visible lump. Surgeons typically see inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, and ventral hernias.
Reflux Surgery
What is acid reflux?
When stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus it creates “backwash” known as acid reflux, which can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
When is acid reflux serious?
It’s not uncommon to experience acid reflux from time to time. But, when it happens more frequently -- mild reflux at least twice a week or moderate to severe acid reflux at least once a week – you could have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What is GERD?
GERD is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux that can lead to serious health complications if untreated. When stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus it creates “backwash” known as acid reflux, which can irritate the lining of your esophagus. GERD can lead to serious long-term complications, including an increased risk of cancer, if left untreated.
What are other symptoms of GERD?
In addition to frequent acid reflux, you may experience nausea, vomiting, chest pain, a dry, persistent cough, or a sore throat. You may also have difficulty or pain when swallowing, and bad breath and dental erosion.
Can GERD be misdiagnosed?
Yes. Some people mistake GERD for achalasia, a rare disorder that occurs when nerves in the esophagus become damaged, making swallowing difficult. But, with achalasia, the food is coming from the esophagus, not the stomach. Robotic surgery is a successful treatment for achalasia.
How is GERD treated?
Managing GERD can be complex, but our multidisciplinary approach – which includes a team of social workers, nutritionists and surgeons – is proven to improve your quality of life.Treatment options for those with repeat or chronic GERD include medications that reduce or block acid production, however, they may not be effective for everyone and some people may require surgery.
What are other common conditions of the esophagus and stomach?
In addition to GERD, the team at the Advanced Robotics institute is specially trained to treat patients suffering from achalasia and paraesophageal, or hiatal, hernias. Achalasia is a rare disorder that occurs when nerves in the esophagus become damaged, making swallowing difficult.
Paraesophageal hernias occur when the lower part of the esophagus, the stomach, or other organs move up into the chest. Some patients don’t experience symptoms, but others can experience chest pain, upper abdominal pain, and difficulty swallowing. Many patients with this type of hernia also suffer from GERD.
Surgical Oncology
What type of cancer treatments do you offer?
Some of the major ways we treat cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Sometimes you might need a combination of these. No matter what your treatment plan, you will have access to the highest-quality treatments right here in Baton Rouge.
How can surgery treat cancer?
Surgery is the oldest type of cancer therapy and still an effective treatment for many types of cancer. Surgical oncologists perform procedures to diagnose cancer; to remove all or some of cancer or tumor; to find out where the cancer is located; to find out if cancer has spread or is affecting the functions of other organs in the body; to restore the body's appearance or function; and/or to relieve side effects.
What are the different types of surgery for cancer?
Surgery is effective in many areas of cancer treatment, which fall into common categories.
- Debulking surgery
- Diagnostic surgery
- Primary or curative surgery
- Palliative surgery
- Preventive surgery
- Reconstructive or plastic surgery
- Staging surgery
- Tumor removal
Which type of doctors will care for me?
Our surgical oncologists are leaders in their field. They are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team that will be taking care of you. This team includes specialized nurses, social workers, navigators, dietitians, physical therapists and pharmacists. With a multidisciplinary team, we are able to provide the most accurate, fast and effective treatments for a diagnosis of cancer.
How is surgery for cancer performed?
Depending on the type of procedure you need, surgery can either be performed traditionally or with a minimally invasive technique, using robotics. Surgeries are performed in BRG’s operating rooms, and depending on the type of procedure, patients may recover in the hospital or at home.
Is robotic surgery for cancer an option for me?
Every cancer patient is unique. As a team, we’ll decide which patients would benefit most from robotic surgery. At the Advanced Robotics Institute, we use robotic surgery to treat a variety of types of cancer, including cancers of the:
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Esophagus
- Colon and rectum
Is robotic surgery an option for esophagus or stomach cancer?
The Advanced Robotics Institute can surgically treat any disease of the “foregut,” which is the esophagus and stomach. Our team specializes in esophagectomies, the surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus, most often in patients with esophageal cancer. In the past, esophagectomies meant a hard recovery for patients, with at least a 10-day stay in the hospital. The advancement of robotics has drastically improved this surgery and the outcomes for patients. Surgery for stomach cancer can also be challenging, but the advance of robotic-assisted surgery has improved outcomes.
If I need surgery, where will I have it?
If you require surgery as a treatment, the surgery will be performed at our Bluebonnet campus. Then, depending on what other treatment you need, from radiation and infusions to diagnostics -- you may receive care at one of three locations – Bluebonnet, Mid City or Zachary.
Complex Hernia Surgery
What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in your muscle or tissue. They can bulge into the chest, thigh, groin, or belly button and cause a visible lump. During a hernia repair, surgeons put the protruding organ back in place, then fix the weakened area of muscle or tissue.
What are the different types of hernias?
A ventral hernia occurs along the midline of the stomach. Some ventral hernias require a more complex repair, with the surgeon separating and restructuring the abdominal wall muscle. Robotic ventral hernia repair is a minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to repair the hernia through four small incisions, with better visualization and the most precise movements.
An incisional hernia can occur after a person has stomach surgery, which usually involves an incision down the middle of the stomach. If the surgical wound doesn’t heal completely, you could be at a higher risk of developing a hernia.
With an inguinal hernia, part of the intestine or fat bulges through the lower stomach wall. They usually occur on the right side and are much more common in men.
Umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through the opening in the abdominal muscles near the belly button.
How can I tell if I have a hernia?
It depends on which type of hernia you have. With a ventral hernia in the belly area, you may see or feel a bulge along the outer surface of the abdomen and experience mild pain, aching or a pressure sensation at the site. The discomfort or pain usually worsens with any activity that puts a strain on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting, running or during bowel movements. Signs of an inguinal hernia vary for men and women. Women often don’t have a bulge and may feel a sharper pain and burning sensation, while men may have aching pain, pressure and a tugging sensation of the scrotum around the testicles
How do you treat a hernia?
Hernias are most often treated with surgery. Robotic surgery is a newer technique for hernia repairs, offering the clearest images of the inside of the abdomen, fewer incisions and less scarring. At the Advanced Robotics Institute, our team is skilled at performing robotic assisted surgery for various types of hernias.
What are the advantages of robotic-assisted hernia surgery?
For more complex cases, like some ventral hernias repairs, the surgeon must separate and restructure the abdominal wall muscle. Performed robotically, this repair becomes minimally invasive, with the surgeons able to repair the hernia through four small incisions, with better visualization and the most precise movements.