expert type icon EXPERT

Mina Saeed

Surgeon

Dr. Mina Saeed is a general and bariatric surgeon practicing in Evanston, IL. Dr. Saeed specializes in minimally invasive surgery of the abdomen, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, colon and hernias of the groin or abdomen. General surgeons are able to deal with almost any surgical or critical care emergency, also involving the skin or soft tissue trauma. Dr. Saeed is part of a comprehensive weight-loss program that helps patients live happier, healthier lives through lifestyle changes and surgery.
11 years Experience
Mina Saeed
  • Evanston, IL
  • Rush Medical College
  • Accepting new patients

How long does a subtotal colectomy surgery take?

3-4 hours on average, but this depends on the technique and the pathology within the abdomen and colon. Best of luck and wishing you a speedy recovery.

How long are you sedated for an endoscopy?

Yes, for upper endoscopy, it would be very uncomfortable without sedation. A colonoscopy is sometimes done without sedation, if the patient so chooses, but isn't very comfortable READ MORE
Yes, for upper endoscopy, it would be very uncomfortable without sedation. A colonoscopy is sometimes done without sedation, if the patient so chooses, but isn't very comfortable to experience awake either.

Should I be worried about general anesthesia?

Complications from general anesthesia are quite rare. In general, if someone has good functional capacity (i.e. able to climb 1-2 flights of stairs without being significantly READ MORE
Complications from general anesthesia are quite rare. In general, if someone has good functional capacity (i.e. able to climb 1-2 flights of stairs without being significantly short of breath and labored), they will tolerate anesthesia well. If you have pulmonary problems, such as severe asthma or COPD, you may have problems being extubated (removal of the breathing tube). If you have a significant cardiac history (heart-attack within the past year, coronary artery bypass, multiple stents, or are an active smoker with diabetes, you should consult with your doctor about your concerns regarding general anesthesia.

What is the most common treatment for gallstones?

Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for gallstones. To date, there is no proven medication to dissolve or pass the gallstones, and there are no radiofrequency/laser READ MORE
Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for gallstones. To date, there is no proven medication to dissolve or pass the gallstones, and there are no radiofrequency/laser treatments, as is the case with kidney stones.

Can a rectal exam detect hemorrhoids?

A rectal exam and anoscopy are the best detectors of hemorrhoids.

Bad abdomen pains?

This is certainly something that should be investigated by a Gastroenterologist or General Surgeon. I hope you find answers and relief soon.

I was told I have an inflamed stomach but I’m not getting better?

You should also abstain from caffeine, soda, alcohol, and smoking. These all contribute to increased acidity, and perpetuates the inflammation. Taking peptobismol may help relieve READ MORE
You should also abstain from caffeine, soda, alcohol, and smoking. These all contribute to increased acidity, and perpetuates the inflammation. Taking peptobismol may help relieve some of your symptoms.

Is it normal to bleed after a colonoscopy?

If they took biopsies and removed polyps, some bleeding is to be expected. Heavy, bright red blood should raise concern, and would be a reason to contact your doctor.

Which surgery is best for inguinal hernia treatment?

An inguinal hernia repair can be fixed through an open or minimally invasive technique. Over 95% of hernia repairs are done using a synthetic mesh, whether it's open or laparoscopic. READ MORE
An inguinal hernia repair can be fixed through an open or minimally invasive technique. Over 95% of hernia repairs are done using a synthetic mesh, whether it's open or laparoscopic. The chance of hernia recurrence is fairly similar amongst the two, but the recovery is shorter after the minimally invasive approach.

What is the success rate of colon cancer surgery?

The "success rate" is defined by the surgeons ability to remove all the tumor, and adequate number of lymph nodes to stage you. This can vary depending on the size, location, and READ MORE
The "success rate" is defined by the surgeons ability to remove all the tumor, and adequate number of lymph nodes to stage you. This can vary depending on the size, location, and invasiveness of the tumor. Tumors that have not spread to lymph nodes, or outside the colon, and are completely removed, have a ~95% cure rate. On the other spectrum, if the tumor has invaded the liver, lungs, or any other organs outside the colon, the survival rate is ~10%.

What sedation is used for abdominal surgery?

It's almost always general anesthesia.

How quickly do you lose weight after a gastric sleeve?

Excellent question. Weight loss begins the day you leave the hospital. Your calories will be extremely restricted for the first 4-5 weeks. At that point, you will be allowed to READ MORE
Excellent question. Weight loss begins the day you leave the hospital. Your calories will be extremely restricted for the first 4-5 weeks. At that point, you will be allowed to eat "regular food." Most people lose the majority of their weight during the first 9-12 months. It is at this time, that the body has transformed greatly, and it's important for patients to realize that it now requires far fewer calories to gain weight.

What are the side effects of colon resection surgery?

In general, up to 1/3 of the colon can be removed without much change in a patient's life. Taking more of the colon, can lead to increased frequency, and looseness of stools.

Abdominal discomfort/pain?

Gallbladder stones can cause abdominal pain, but that would be predominantly on the right side of the abdomen, under the ribs, and sometimes in the center, under your breast bone. READ MORE
Gallbladder stones can cause abdominal pain, but that would be predominantly on the right side of the abdomen, under the ribs, and sometimes in the center, under your breast bone. Diarrhea along with the abdominal discomfort you are describing, may be due to pancreatic insufficiency. Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify for a fecal fat stool sample to see how well you're able to digest fats, which is initiated by the pancreas.

Pain in lower legs?

Great question. The answer is yes, you can do abdominal workouts, but the hernia may grow in size, and eventually cause pain and discomfort. Surgical repair is a mild procedure, READ MORE
Great question. The answer is yes, you can do abdominal workouts, but the hernia may grow in size, and eventually cause pain and discomfort. Surgical repair is a mild procedure, and done as an outpatient in almost all cases.

What foods can you not eat after gastric sleeve?

After a sleeve, your stomach is greatly restricted in volume. It is not, however, a computer. That means, that certain foods, like ice cream, milk-shakes, and other soft sweets READ MORE
After a sleeve, your stomach is greatly restricted in volume. It is not, however, a computer. That means, that certain foods, like ice cream, milk-shakes, and other soft sweets can easily pass through the narrow sleeve, but contain a tremendous amount of calories. This leads to failure to lose weight, or weight gain. After a sleeve gastrectomy, you should still make good choices about what you eat, because your stomach won't reject the unhealthy foods. You should avoid alcohol, smoking, NSAIDS, and oral steroids.

What is the best position to sleep after hiatal hernia surgery?

I don't think that has been studied, but I would recommend sleeping in the most comfortable position for you.

Do small gallstones require treatment?

The size of the gallstones does not usually play into this determination, unless they are larger than 2 cm. Small gallstones, may pass through the gallbladder, or can cause blockage READ MORE
The size of the gallstones does not usually play into this determination, unless they are larger than 2 cm. Small gallstones, may pass through the gallbladder, or can cause blockage of the duct, which leads to pain, nausea, bloating, and a host of other uncomfortable symptoms. If you are not having any symptoms, then your gallstones can be left alone.