Dr. Michael Sutker, MD
Surgeon
7777 Forest Ln Suite A 331 Dallas TX, 75230
About
Dr. Sutker has been in practice at Medical City Dallas since 2014 and at Medical City McKinney since 2019. He is board-certified in general surgery. Dr. Sutker manages a wide range of surgical diseases. He specializes in treating conditions with minimally invasive techniques utilizing both standard laparoscopy and robotic-assisted laparoscopy. Dr. Sutker has specialty training in the surgical treatment of obesity, acid reflux, esophageal motility disorders, and paraesophageal hernias. He is skilled in the repair of abdominal wall defects, including inguinal, umbilical, ventral, and incisional hernias. Dr. Sutker also enjoys managing emergency surgical situations including gallbladder disease, appendicitis, and diverticulitis.
Dr. Michael Sutker, MD's Videos
Education and Training
MD at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Board Certification
American Board of Surgery
Provider Details
Dr. Michael Sutker, MD's Expert Contributions
Tips For Weight Loss - By Dr. Michael Sutker
Tip 1 - Do Not Eat After 8 PMMy Recommendation - Many patients consume unnecessary calories late in the day prior to bed. Some patients suffer from Night Eating Disorder. Cutting out these calories can help with weight loss.Tip 2 - Avoid Beverages With CaloriesMy Recommendation - Beverages with...
What Makes Dr. Sutker Stand Out?
Dr. Michael Sutker is the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery and the Chair of the Advanced Clinical Advisory Board at Medical City Dallas Hospital, where he’s been practicing since 2014. There, he is also a member of the General Surgery Performance Improvement and Intensive Care Unit...
Meet Michael Sutker, MD: Dallas's General & Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Michael Sutker is the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery and the Chair of the Advanced Clinical Advisory Board at Medical City Dallas Hospital, where he’s been practicing since 2014. There, he is also a member of the General Surgery Performance Improvement and Intensive Care Unit...
Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair
Hernias are extremely common, especially in the abdominal area, and could also be present and undetected at birth. They occur when tissue pushes through a muscle’s weak spot.For qualifying patients, minimally invasive hernia repair is a great alternative to more invasive, open hernia repair. The...
Understanding Bariatric Surgery: FAQs
The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is not an easy one.Thinking about undergoing bariatric surgery or know someone who is? Here are some FAQs that might help.When is someone eligible for bariatric surgery?Since there are no two overweight people that are exactly the same, there is no general...
Can an appendectomy block my bowels?
Every type of intra-abdominal surgery has a risk of developing scar tissue that can cause a bowel obstruction in the future. Laparoscopic surgery, as I presume your appendectomy will be, has a much lower risk of that occurring. The risk of a future bowel obstruction is not so high that it should worry you or prevent you from getting a needed surgery. READ MORE
How common are infections with surgery?
The risk of infection varies by type of surgery. A straightforward inguinal hernia repair has a <1% infection risk. A large abdominal hernia repair may have about a 10% infection risk. An appendectomy has about a 5% infection risk. A colon surgery may have at least a 30% infection risk. If the small bowel or colon are to be manipulated, your chance of infection is much higher. If the procedure just involves the abdominal wall, your chance of infection is much lower. The more body fat you have, the higher the risk as well. READ MORE
Does it take a while to heal from abdominal surgery?
It depends on what kind of surgery she had. Recovery is general 2-6 weeks for most surgeries. Full recovery includes return of appetite, energy, and pain resolution. For some people, that can take 3-6 months. The larger the operation, the longer the recovery. READ MORE
Can coughing damage hernia repair?
Anything that increases pressure in the abdomen puts you at risk for a hernia recurrence. This includes obesity, coughing (either in smokers or from allergies), constipation (straining to have a bowel movement), men with prostate problems that strain to urinate, or repetitive heavy lifting. Avoidance of these can help decrease the risk of a recurrence. READ MORE
Can diverticulitis require intestine removal?
It depends, and some of it depends on the age of your doctor. Traditional teaching recommended surgery after the first episode. Newer teaching is variable depending on your symptoms and severity of presentation. If you have a perforation or abscess, surgery is recommended. If you are admitted for IV antibiotics, surgery is suggested. If your diverticulitis can resolve with antibiotic pills alone, you may be able to avoid surgery. READ MORE
How long is the recovery for laparoscopic appendectomy?
Please clarify with your surgeon why you are getting your appendix removed. I assume it is because you have appendicitis and not because of your weight. Regardless of reason, I would always recommend a laparoscopic procedure over an open one. There is much less recovery and change of complications. I typically quote most patients a two week recovery. I have had patients who work desk jobs return to work with 3-5 days. Patients who work manual labor or other physically taxing jobs may return in 2-4 weeks. READ MORE
Is the laparoscopic method better for appendicitis?
Laparoscopic surgery is by far the way to go. Significantly less complication rate. There is a long-term benefit of decreased hernia rate, decreased adhesion rate, and decreased obstruction rate with laparoscopic surgery. In the short term, it is a much faster recovery and significantly less pain. I have never offered an open appendectomy to a single one of my patients. READ MORE
Do all hernias require surgery?
In general it is safe to wait on hernia repairs as long as you are not having symptoms. Studies have been performed regarding the course with small hernias. In one group, the patients had surgery immediately. In the other group, the patients waited two years. The chance of a complication was the same in both groups (very low). In the group who waited, the majority of those patients developed symptoms over the two years and went on to have their hernias repaired. Symptoms related to a hernia include the presence of a bulge, pain, discomfort, constipation, and nausea. If this symptoms develop and persist, it is probably time to get your hernia fixed. READ MORE
Is vertigo common after thyroid surgery?
It's not a common complaint that I have heard after thyroid surgery. If you are in your first week after your operation, it may be related to the positioning of your head during surgery. Even though you had high thyroid function prior to surgery, you now have no thyroid function. You should be on thyroid hormone replacement. If your levels are not appropriate, that may cause some vertigo symptoms. I would check back with your surgeon about your symptoms. READ MORE
What's the likelihood of a pancreas transplant?
Pancreatic transplants are possible. You can go this website: https://www.srtr.org/transplant-centers/?&organ=pancreas&recipientType=adult&sort=transplantRate to check out what programs around the country perform them. They will be able to guide you and your friend with a lot more information regarding the transplant. READ MORE
How can I prepare for abdominal wall surgery?
It all depends on what you are having done. Open surgery is much more invasive than laparoscopic (minimally invasive surgery). If you are having a hernia fixed, some are small, and some are large. Unfortunately without more information, I cannot point you in a better direction. READ MORE
How long is the recovery from an appendectomy?
I perform a lot of appendectomies as outpatient procedures, where patients go home the same day. I typically quote patients about a 2-week recovery for non-complicated appendicitis. Usually sore for about 5-7 days and about 80% recovered at 2 weeks. It may take a full 4-6 weeks to feel normal (i.e., appetite normalizes, energy levels improve, vague aches and pains resolve). People who work desk jobs can typically return in 3-5 days. People who work manual labor can return in about 2-4 weeks depending on the amount of activity. READ MORE
Is a 7cm hiatal hernia big?
A hiatal hernia is where the stomach migrates from the abdomen into the chest. Surgery is the only way to fix this. There is no medicine or activity that will improve it. Symptoms can include chest pain, chest tightness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn or acid reflux, and belching/bloating. READ MORE
How long after appendicitis surgery can I have sex?
You should hold off on sex, or any other strenuous activity, until you feel comfortable. For most people, that is about 2 weeks. You can resume activities when your symptoms are limited to soreness or discomfort. Pain at your incisions during an activity is a reason not to do that activity. READ MORE
What causes black blood after surgery?
What you are describing sounds like a hematoma, or an old collection of blood within the surgical wound. Fresh blood is bright red. Old blood (hematoma) looks more maroon/black. If you are having drainage from your wound, you should contact your surgeon immediately. READ MORE
Can diverticulitis require intestine removal?
Diverticulitis is a form on inflammation of the colon. The colon is supposed to be a tube, but it can get pouches (diverticula) on the sides due to chronic increased pressure. This is the disease of diverticulosis which is present in about 60% of people over the age of 60. When the pouches get blocked by stool, they get inflamed and infected (diverticulitis). Simple cases of diverticulitis can be managed with oral antibiotics alone. More severe cases require hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Complications of diverticulitis include an abscess (an infected fluid collection outside the colon) or a perforation. Small perforations may be managed conservatively with antibiotics and require elective surgery in 6-8 weeks. Perforations with sepsis and peritonitis (severe infections) require emergency surgery with removal of a portion of the colon and a temporary colostomy. READ MORE
What is gastric bypass surgery?
A gastric bypass is both a weight loss operation and a metabolic surgery. First, estimated weight loss with a gastric bypass are up to 75% of your excess body weight. If you are 100 lbs overweight, you could expect to lose about 75 lbs over the course of the first 12-18 months after surgery. Some patients do better than this; some do not. That is a pretty good average. Second, a gastric bypass can improve all of the medical problems associated with the disease of obesity. Those include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, and reflux. It can also decrease your risk of developing heart disease and cancer. The results are stunning! If your doctor offered patients a single pill to cure all of these diseases, everyone would be signing up. Instead, because it has "surgery" associated with it, unfortunately there is a negative stigma. There shouldn't be. A weight loss operation is life changing for more than 90% of patients who have it done. READ MORE
Is it possible to gain weight after a gastric bypass?
Typical weight loss after a gastric bypass is about 75% of excess body weight. Excess body weight is the difference between your current weight and your ideal body weight. Your ideal body weight is not your preference; it is a value calculated by a formula based on your height. For instance, if you weigh 250 lbs and your ideal weight is 150 lbs, your excess body weight is 100 lbs. You could be expected to lose about 75 lbs after a gastric bypass. The success rate with achieving goal weight is about 80% after surgery. Patients typically keep the weight off, even up to 20 years after surgery. You may regain 10-20 lbs over the years, but you will be far better off in the long run by having surgery then by avoiding it. READ MORE
What questions should I ask my surgeon before my surgery?
What are the risks of the procedure? What are the side effects or long-term consequences (both positive and negative) of the procedure? How long is surgery? How long will I be in the hospital? How long is the recovery process? How long will I need to be off work? Do I have any dietary restrictions after surgery? Do I have any activity restrictions after surgery? What medications, specifically for pain, will I receive after surgery? Will I have any wound care? Those are a good start! Don't be afraid to ask questions. You can never have too much information. READ MORE
Constipation after surgery?
The biggest reason that patients get constipated after surgery is narcotic or pain medicine use. Narcotics such as Codeine, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone do several things very well. First, they help with the immediate pain of surgery. Second, they cause constipation. Even if you are not taking many pills at home, you would have received narcotics through your IV during the procedure, and even that small amount can have a profound effect. Very rarely could the constipation be caused by a complication from your hernia procedure such as a bowel obstruction. I recommend all patients drink plenty of fluids and start with a mild stool softener such as Docusate. You can add Miralax powder as needed. If the constipation persists, you can add a stronger laxative such as Milk of Magnesia or Magnesium citrate. All of these are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or grocery store. If your constipation does not improve, contact your surgeon. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Medical Director of Robotic Surgery Medical City Dallas Hospital 2016 - 2016
- Chair of the Advanced Clinical Advisory Board Medical City Dallas Hospital - 2016
- Chief of Surgery Medical City Dallas Hospital 2022 - Present
- Trauma Medical Director Medical City Dallas Hospital 2021 - Present
- Section Chief of General Surgery Medical City Dallas Hospital 2019 - 2021
Awards
- Top10MD 2019 Top10MD
- Top10MD 2018 Top10MD
- Top10MD 2017 Top10MD
Professional Memberships
- Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
- American Medical Association
- Obesity Medicine Association
Fellowships
- UC-San Francisco
Fellowships
- Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Professional Society Memberships
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society
What do you attribute your success to?
Good training and availability
Hobbies / Sports
- Spending Time With Family
Dr. Michael Sutker, MD's Practice location
Michael Sutker, M.D., P.A.
7777 Forest Ln Suite A 331 -Dallas, TX 75230Get Direction
Michael Sutker, MD, PA
4510 Medical Center Drive 302 -McKinney, TX 75069Get Direction
Dr. Michael Sutker, MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Sutker
- Monica
Doctor Sutker was great and explained everything really well.
- Michael
Absolutely great!
- Ernest bore n
Great
- Morgan
I came in through the Er so had no prior experience with the Dr. He has been very attentive, caring and helpful with all of my questions and concerns.
- Casey
Dr. Sutker is so attentive. He provides exceptional support!
Amazing doctor and staff!
- Michael
Excellent bedside manners. Excellent care
- Dorothy
Great Doctor very professional
- Ronda
He saved my life! What's a better review than that.?
- Dorothy
Excellent care. Excellent bedside manners
- Robert
Helpful
- Nighat
He did good Job
- Damon
Excellent doctor . Kind and understanding. Gave great advice to help my problem.
- Robert
He was fantastic.
- Ana
Excellent
- Carol
Dr. Sutker was very knowledgeable, kind, professional and considerate. He made me feel relaxed and that he cared for me and my anxiety and that I was a person not a number.
- Elliot
I found dr sutker to be very professional but still personable. He answered all of my questions truthfully.
Great :)
- Abba
A bit of a wait but worth it. I felt the doctor really listened and addressed my concerns. Also knowledgeble.
- Phyllis
Good care. Talked me and answered all my questions.
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Media Releases
Get to know General Surgeon Dr. Michael Jason Sutker, who serves patients in Texas.
Dr. Sutker is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in treating general surgery conditions with minimally invasive techniques, mostly utilizing robotic-assisted laparoscopy. He opened his practice, Michael Sutker, M.D., P.A., at Medical City Dallas in 2014 where he is the Medical Director of the Robotic Surgery Program & Section Chief for General Surgery.
At the beginning of 2019, he started a second office at Medical City McKinney to bring his skills and expertise to that area. Dr. Sutker is also a part of the Surgical Consultants of Dallas, LLC, and he maintains close ties with associate surgeons, including Dr. Sue Jiang, Dr. Christopher Bell, and Dr. Dina Madni.
A Plano, Texas native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Sutker earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He then went on to complete his general surgical internship and residency at the same educational venue. He received additional fellowship training in minimal invasive and bariatric surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.
Skilled in the repair of abdominal wall defects, the doctor is board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery, an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.
In addition, he is board-certified in obesity surgery by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, which is a 501 nonprofit, self-appointed physician-evaluation organization that certifies physicians practicing obesity medicine.
Attributing his success to good training and availability, he has received specialty training in the surgical treatment of obesity, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, esophageal motility disorders, paraesophageal hernias, and inguinal and ventral hernias. He also has an extensive practice in emergency general surgery, managing problems such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, and small bowel obstructions.
Remaining at the forefront of his challenging specialty via memberships with professional organizations, Dr. Sutker is a member of the American College of Surgeons (Fellow), the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Fellow), the Dallas County Medical Society, and the Obesity Medicine Association.
He maintains the highest levels of accreditation and pursues ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. He also participates in regular continuing medical education and attends local and national conferences to stay abreast of new research and surgical techniques.
General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland. A general surgeon performs a wide range of abdominal surgeries for many forms of intestinal and abdominal wall neoplasms, gallbladder disease, gastric and pancreatic disease. They follow the patient through critical care and surgical recovery all the way to outpatient care.
Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Sutker is the recipient of Patients’ Choice Award (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), On-Time Doctor Award (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), and Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2015, 2017).
Outside of practicing medicine, he enjoys spending time with family.
Recommended Articles
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Is Appendicitis a Lifelong Condition?What is appendicitis?Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain not only in the United States but in the whole world. It is said that in America alone, 5 percent of the population have experienced appendicitis at one point in their lives. In England, 1 in every 13 people had...
- Where Exactly Does the Pain Occur During Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a disease that is mostly known as the rupture of the appendix. The human appendix is considered to be a vestigial structure. Vestigial means lacking meaningful work, or the evolving of a part of the body to take on a new shape, or an organ that has...
- Understanding Hernia and Hernia Surgery
Feeling pain and swelling in the groin region can be a very unpleasant experience, especially when the pain gets worse when you cough or lift heavy objects. Experiencing these symptoms might signify the presence of groin hernia. A groin hernia is usually referred to in medical terms as an inguinal...
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What are the Treatment Options for HerniaHernia occurs when an organ protrudes through an opening or a tissue that keeps it in place. There are several types of hernia including inguinal, incisional, hiatal, and more. While some hernias have visible symptoms such as a lump or acidity in stomach, others are asymptotic. The latter type of...
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What Is Cholecystitis?What is cholecystitis?Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, which is a pear-shaped organ situated under the liver. The gallbladder serves as the storage organ for bile until it is needed for the digestion of fatty foods in the duodenum or the first segment of the small...
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What Happens During an Appendectomy?When the appendix experiences an infection, it becomes swollen and causes a lot of pain. It is necessary to undergo a surgical operation to remove this appendix that causes the discomfort. Functions of this organ called the appendix are not very clear, it is vestigial and, as such, its removal is...
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