Mina Saeed

Hello, the answer to this question really depends on the reason you have the G-J tube. If you are unable to eat by mouth for any reason, then I believe it should be replaced. A G-J tube is typically used when there is also a problem with stomach emptying. I would have to know a little more about your history to answer the question fully, but I'm sorry that you're having this much trouble with it.

Hello, black tarry stools are certainly not normal, unless you are taking Pepto-Bismol or iron. Typically, an ulcer causes significant pain, but ulcers that bleed can certainly cause that type of stool and should be further investigated with an EGD (camera that passes through your mouth into your stomach). They should also test for H. Pylori, which is a very common bacteria that cause stomach irritation and is easily treated with antibiotics. Let me know if you have further questions.

Hello, 4-5 business days. I hope all is well.

Hello, In almost all cases, yes. Oftentimes, a special double-lumen endotracheal tube is placed, so that one lung can be ventilated, and the other can be deflated, so they can work on the lung. I wish you a speedy recovery!

Hello, excellent question. This depends on the location of the liver lesion. If the target is superficial, oftentimes an Interventional Radiologist can access it through your skin using a needle, after numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This does not require general anesthesia. However, if the lesion is deep, and requires surgical biopsy, you will need to have general anesthesia. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery!

Hello, excellent question, it depends on the type of hernia repair you are referring to. An inguinal hernia repaired by the open technique can be done without general anesthesia. Any laparoscopic or robotic hernia repair will require general anesthesia. Hope this helps and you have a speedy recovery!

Hello, excellent question, but it really depends on the actual procedure and the type of incision(s) used.

Hello, excellent question. Surgical pain is typically a result of the muscle and soft tissues that are penetrated in order to enter the cavity being worked on, in this case, the thoracic cavity. In addition, depending on the technique used (thoracoscopy vs thoracotomy) ribs are often spread, which have caused further discomfort and muscle spasms. Finally, the pleura, or the lining of the thoracic cavity does have sensation, and will be sore. In general, 2 weeks is still in the window of acute recovery, and pain is definitely expected. What you should be experiencing is a gradual improvement. Every day, there should be a slight decrease in the discomfort, even if doesn't seem like much. I often recommend the use of heat pads along the surgical area, to aid in musculoskeletal relief. I wish you a speedy recovery!

Hello, I don't have experience treating bones, as that is the specialty of an Orthopedic surgeon, so I would recommend seeking out their opinion. I would imagine it all depends on where the tumor is located and how removing it would impact your function. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery!

Hello, I am not an expert in vascular surgery, however, my partner is. He recommends seeking out hyperbaric oxygen treatment. I wish you the best of luck and a quick recovery.

Hello, this is a very common question, As gallstones are a very frequent Finding. Only a fraction of people will experience symptoms. Unfortunately, There has been no medication proven to eliminate gallstones. If you are having pain, nausea, and intolerance to fatty foods, surgical consultation is recommended. I wish you the best of luck.

Hello, if the skin around the incision is red that is concerning. If the leakage from the wound is red or clear, it’s ok. If it looks like egg-nog and smells bad, it should be looked at by a physician immediately. Nausea can happen after surgery, and a low-grade fever up to 100.4F is ok, but over that, you should be seen by a medical professional. I hope you feel better soon!

Wow, that is quite the story. I’m so sorry you had such a rough experience. It is difficult to know the exact reason for your pain without looking at the operative reports and imaging. I would recommend you consult with a general surgeon and get contrast-enhanced imaging (X-ray, and CT). I hope you feel better soon!

Hello, depending on the type of stent you will need to be on blood thinners for 6-12 months. I wish you a speedy recovery!

Hello, that is an excellent question. There are 2 approaches to repair rectal prolapse. The first is through the abdomen. The colon is either tacked down to the pelvis, so it is no longer lax enough to prolapse out of the rectum, or in some cases, a portion of the colon is removed, in order to excise the excess length. The decision to perform the latter or the former is based on your current symptoms, size of prolapse, and general health condition. This approach, which can be done laparoscopically, or robotically, offers the best long-term results. However, If you've had several surgeries in the abdomen, this may be a less favorable approach. The second option, is transanal excision. Rather than entering the abdomen, the rectum is prolapsed, and the colon is resected trans-analy, in order to shorten the length and prevent prolapse. This is typically done for the elderly and frail, who cannot tolerate abdominal surgery. It has a slightly higher chance of recurrence when compared to the abdominal approach. Hope this helps!

Hello, this really sounds awful, I'm sorry you've been dealing with this for years. Vomiting and epigastric pain can be caused by a vast array of pathologies in the upper abdomen. The distal esophagus, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, gallbladder, and several important bile ducts are located within inches of each other. It certainly sounds like they have run the entire gamut of testing, and thank you for providing such a detailed history. I'm curious to know if you have any medical problems, or if anyone in the family has similar issues, or diagnoses? You've had your gallbladder removed, and resection of your common bile duct, followed by a reconstruction (hepaticojejunostomy or choledochojejunostomy), correct? Did you undergo any stomach resection? What was the result of the gastric emptying study? Have you been tested for H. Pylori? Is the vomiting induced by solids or liquids?
Does the pancreas appear normal, and are your lipase values within normal limits? An annular pancreas can produce such symptoms. Have you tried medication combinations such as metoclopramide or erythromycin and valium? I would recommend bringing all your imaging and operative reports to a general surgeon who has experience. If you live near or around Evanston, IL, I would be happy to see you.

Hello, it all depends on what the colon resection is being done for, what part of the colon is being removed, the technique used (open vs laparoscopic vs robotic) and any other abdominal pathology that must be addressed (scar tissue from previous surgery or inflammation). I've seen colon surgeries range from 2-6 hours, depending on the complexity. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Hello, this is an excellent question. It really depends on the cause of the acid reflux. It can be from an incompetent gastroesophageal "sphincter," from a hiatal hernia, or even from an infection caused by a bacteria called H. Pylori. The short answer is yes, it can be cured, but identifying the cause is the first step. I would recommend an x-ray with oral contrast, and EGD. You may also need a pH probe study, and esophageal manometry, based on the aforementioned results.

Hello, it all depends on what portion of the colon is being resected, the approach used (laparoscopic vs open vs robotic), and how quickly you are able to eat and move your bowels post-operatively. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Hello, this depends on how the hernia was repaired. Laparoscopic incisions are small and heal in 2-3 weeks. If you have an incision over your groin, there are multiple layers that need to heal, and it would take 5-6 weeks. I wish you a speedy recovery!