EXPERT
Luke Elms, M.D.
Surgeon
Dr. Luke Elms is a general, minimally-invasive and robotic surgeon practicing in Orlando, FL. Dr. Elms specializes in abdominal wall reconstruction, hernias, and broad-based general surgery such as gallbladder disease, diseases of the small intestines and colon, soft tissue masses and cysts. Dr. Elms also has a special interest in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and multimodal opioid minimizing pain management.
15 years
Experience
Luke Elms, M.D.
- Orlando, FL
- University Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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What foods to avoid after gallbladder removal?
The majority of patients are able to go back to eating a full normal diet. Occasionally, some patients may experience symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea after eating certain READ MORE
The majority of patients are able to go back to eating a full normal diet. Occasionally, some patients may experience symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea after eating certain foods, especially foods that are high in fat content. If you experience these symptoms, they will resolve the majority of the time after a few weeks after surgery. But if they do not, there are medications that can be used to help with the symptoms.
Can I exercise 1 month after hernia surgery?
It is very dependent on the type of hernia repaired. When I perform robotic inguinal hernia surgery, I usually ask patients to avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks. If the surgery READ MORE
It is very dependent on the type of hernia repaired. When I perform robotic inguinal hernia surgery, I usually ask patients to avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks. If the surgery needs to be open, or it is a different type of hernia, the time to avoid exercise can be extended to six weeks in many cases.
Do you have pain after lipoma surgery?
This can depend on how deep the lipoma extends and how large the incision needs to be. Usually the pain can be treated with a combination of non-opioids medications and occasionally READ MORE
This can depend on how deep the lipoma extends and how large the incision needs to be. Usually the pain can be treated with a combination of non-opioids medications and occasionally may need an opioids.
How long does a colon biopsy take?
There are many factors that play into this type of procedure and how long it takes. It can take on average 15 to 30 minutes from start of anesthesia to finish.
How do you know if a hernia needs surgery?
We usually recommend that most hernias be repaired once they are identified to prevent them from becoming an emergency or prevent them from getting larger or more complex to fix. READ MORE
We usually recommend that most hernias be repaired once they are identified to prevent them from becoming an emergency or prevent them from getting larger or more complex to fix. Occasionally, when hernias are small, we are able to fix them without the use of mesh which has benefits.
When can I exercise after abdominal hernia surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery performed, and the size of the incisions needed. The majority of patients have a period of two to six weeks that we ask them to avoid lifting READ MORE
It depends on the type of surgery performed, and the size of the incisions needed. The majority of patients have a period of two to six weeks that we ask them to avoid lifting more than 15 pounds or straining the abdominal wall. This does not mean bedrest and we still ask patients to walk and perform normal daily activities even the day of surgery.
When can I drink alcohol after gallbladder surgery?
After you have recovered fully from surgery and are not taking any pain medications there are usually no limitations to alcohol use. If there is a noted problem with your liver, READ MORE
After you have recovered fully from surgery and are not taking any pain medications there are usually no limitations to alcohol use. If there is a noted problem with your liver, we may ask that people stop using alcohol altogether. This is not because you no longer have a gallbladder, but because your liver does not work well and alcohol can worsen this. We do recommend that alcohol use be avoided or only consumed in small amounts just for your overall general health..
What is the most common treatment for gallstones?
The only treatment for gallstones that can definitively remove the stones and prevent them from causing future problems is to remove the gallbladder. Some medications claim to READ MORE
The only treatment for gallstones that can definitively remove the stones and prevent them from causing future problems is to remove the gallbladder. Some medications claim to dissolve stones or prevent them from forming, but these are not usually successful once stones have already formed. Gallstones cannot be blasted or removed like kidney stones. Unfortunately the only way to fully treat them is to remove the gallbladder. Sometimes if gallstones are causing only minimal symptoms or not causing any symptoms at all, they can just be watched or the patient can try eating a low-fat diet to control symptoms. However, this does not get rid of the stones.
How long after appendix surgery can you fly?
When I have patients from out of town that require appendectomy I usually determine when they can fly using a few factors: 1. Was the surgery straightforward or complicated? 2. READ MORE
When I have patients from out of town that require appendectomy I usually determine when they can fly using a few factors:
1. Was the surgery straightforward or complicated?
2. How long is the flight and are there places to divert?
3. What other factors specific to the individual patient could make it safe or unsafe to travel?
Ultimately it will depend on those and other factors and I recommend discussing it with your surgeon to determine the safest time to fly. Best of luck on your travel home!
1. Was the surgery straightforward or complicated?
2. How long is the flight and are there places to divert?
3. What other factors specific to the individual patient could make it safe or unsafe to travel?
Ultimately it will depend on those and other factors and I recommend discussing it with your surgeon to determine the safest time to fly. Best of luck on your travel home!
What doctor should I see for appendix pain?
Appendicitis is an emergency and I would recommend being seen in the nearest emergency department to get the right treatment.
Is inguinal hernia surgery painful?
You can expect to feel pain after surgery but in my patients I utilize all available pain treatment options in combination to keep the pain controlled and allow patients to continue READ MORE
You can expect to feel pain after surgery but in my patients I utilize all available pain treatment options in combination to keep the pain controlled and allow patients to continue their non-strenuous daily activities during their recovery. Every case and patient is unique so consultation with your surgeon can give you more specific answers to your individual recovery expectations.
When can I exercise after hernia surgery?
It depends on the type of hernia and the type of repair performed. In my patients some inguinal hernias can return to full activity as soon as 2 weeks while other ventral hernias READ MORE
It depends on the type of hernia and the type of repair performed. In my patients some inguinal hernias can return to full activity as soon as 2 weeks while other ventral hernias are 6 weeks before full activity. I recommend speaking your surgeon to determine the approach and their recommendations for the best recovery in your individual case.
How long is hernia surgery procedure?
It is completely dependent on the size and type of hernia and the type of repair needed to fix it. Some can be fairly quick while others take longer.
How do you treat an inguinal hernia in a child?
Most inguinal hernias in children are fixed with a small incision over the groin and removing the sac from where it is extending out of the abdomen so the canal can close as they READ MORE
Most inguinal hernias in children are fixed with a small incision over the groin and removing the sac from where it is extending out of the abdomen so the canal can close as they grow. Mesh is not typically used in children but individual cases can vary and I recommend consulting with your child’s surgeon regarding their recommendations.
What activities should I avoid with an inguinal hernia?
The restrictions are dependent on the method of hernia repair and type of hernia. My recommended activity restrictions for patients vary between 2 weeks to 6 weeks based on the READ MORE
The restrictions are dependent on the method of hernia repair and type of hernia. My recommended activity restrictions for patients vary between 2 weeks to 6 weeks based on the type of hernia and type of repair. After those time frames I recommend patients gradually return to all normal activities.
Consult with your individual surgeon for your specific recommendations.
Consult with your individual surgeon for your specific recommendations.
What to avoid after appendix surgery?
Individual cases can vary widely so I recommend discussing the recommendations with your specific surgeon. In my patients I recommend not lifting more than 20Lbs for 2 weeks and READ MORE
Individual cases can vary widely so I recommend discussing the recommendations with your specific surgeon.
In my patients I recommend not lifting more than 20Lbs for 2 weeks and avoiding straining the abdominal wall during that time. I also recommend avoiding submerging incisions for at least 2 weeks though I use glue on the skin so people can shower the same day.
Not all surgeons perform the surgery in the same way and not every case is the same so it’s important to discuss your case and recommendations with your surgeon.
In my patients I recommend not lifting more than 20Lbs for 2 weeks and avoiding straining the abdominal wall during that time. I also recommend avoiding submerging incisions for at least 2 weeks though I use glue on the skin so people can shower the same day.
Not all surgeons perform the surgery in the same way and not every case is the same so it’s important to discuss your case and recommendations with your surgeon.
How do you shrink a hernia?
Unfortunately there is no way to shrink a hernia. Once the hole is there it can only be fixed surgically. Over time these can grow larger. It may appear larger or smaller based READ MORE
Unfortunately there is no way to shrink a hernia. Once the hole is there it can only be fixed surgically. Over time these can grow larger. It may appear larger or smaller based on how much of the abdominal contents are pushing through the hole. The risk of surgery and long term complications are lower if the hernia is repaired when it is smaller and less complex so I recommend most hernias be repaired before they become larger or become an emergency.
This is general information and your specific case should be reviewed with your surgeon to see how this information applies to your individual situation.
This is general information and your specific case should be reviewed with your surgeon to see how this information applies to your individual situation.
How long does it take for the incisions to heal after gallbladder surgery?
If there are no issues with the healing of the incisions, most incisions are pretty well healed after 2 weeks and I usually allow my patients to remove all restrictions on bathing READ MORE
If there are no issues with the healing of the incisions, most incisions are pretty well healed after 2 weeks and I usually allow my patients to remove all restrictions on bathing and submerging the incisions at that time. I use glue on the skin so they can shower the same day.
Each case is different so make sure you discuss and follow the recommendations of your surgeon that knows your case.
Each case is different so make sure you discuss and follow the recommendations of your surgeon that knows your case.
Does a hiatal hernia need surgery?
Hiatal hernias require surgery if they are large or causing symptoms of complications that can’t be managed with medicine and lifestyle changes alone. Each hernia and patient READ MORE
Hiatal hernias require surgery if they are large or causing symptoms of complications that can’t be managed with medicine and lifestyle changes alone. Each hernia and patient is unique so it is important to review your case with your surgeon.
What type of surgery is best for inguinal hernia?
While each hernia is specific and may require a different approach based on the type of hernia and an individual patient’s characteristics, my preferred approach to fixing hernias READ MORE
While each hernia is specific and may require a different approach based on the type of hernia and an individual patient’s characteristics, my preferred approach to fixing hernias is a minimally invasive approach because I’ve seen lower complication rates, faster recovery and better outcomes. I utilize a robotic minimally invasive approach whenever possible.
Consult with your specific surgeon regarding your specific needs.
Consult with your specific surgeon regarding your specific needs.
