Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarr

Surgeon

500 Arcade Avenue Suite #210 Elkhart IN, 46514-2477 Show map

About
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About

Dr. Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarria is a general surgeon practicing in Elkhart, IN. Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria specializes in general breast, colorectal, and minimally invasive/robotic surgery. General abdominal surgery including the stomach, liver, colon, and gallbladder. She also does surgery for GERD/reflux, various abdominal hernias and thyroid glands. General surgeons are able to deal with almost any surgical or critical care emergency, also involving the skin or soft tissue trauma. Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria provides high quality trauma surgical services for gravely ill or injured patients and is able to respond quickly due to knowledge of various surgical procedures.

Education and Training

Nova Southeastern University DO 1994

Board Certification

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish

Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarr

Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarr's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can gallstones be fixed with medication?
No. READ MORE
Is gallbladder surgery serious?
All surgery is serious and should not be taken lightly. Gallbladder surgery requires general anesthesia and with that there are inherent risks. In healthy patients these are minimal and most patients tolerate the procedure well. Gallbladder surgery is the most common surgical procedure done in the USA. Since it is such a common procedure, the overwhelming majority of these surgeries go as planned without complications. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone READ MORE
abdominal wall hernia
No, there is no alternative to surgery. The hernia will continue to get larger every time you laugh, cough, sneeze, or get up from a lying position. Over time, it will get bigger. The bigger the hernia, the more extensive the repair. Hence, the surgery will be more painful. Also, the risks of surgery go up as one age. Delaying repair for years until the hernia is symptomatic will increase surgical risk. READ MORE
What surgery is done for abdominal hernia?
There are multiple different kinds of abdominal hernias (inguinal, hiatal, incisional, and Spigelian just to name a few) and there are multiple different ways to fix them. There is no one size fits all hernia repair. Sometimes we can do it robotically, sometimes mesh is necessary, and sometimes an open repair is needed. You should see a surgeon for a consult and they should be able to answer which repair is the best for your particular type of hernia. READ MORE
Is prostatectomy done under general anesthesia?
Yes a prostatectomy requires general anesthesia READ MORE
Is it OK to sleep on your side after inguinal hernia surgery?
Yes, it is okay to sleep on your side or any position in which you feel comfortable after hernia surgery. READ MORE
How do you stop a stomach hernia from hurting?
If it is an abdominal wall hernia one way to relieve the pain is to wear an abdominal binder or hernia belt. Of course, that is only a temporary fix. The best way to stop a hernia from hurting is to have surgery to repair the hernia. READ MORE
How long does it take to fully recover from colectomy?
Usually no more than six weeks is the short answer. The long answer is that it depends on what kind of colectomy you are having and also EXACTLY what do you mean by recovery? Also, is it a right, left, transverse, or proctocolectomy? Is it open, laparoscopic or robotic? Are you young or old? Are you perfectly healthy or do you have multiple comorbidities? All of these factor into the recovery time. That is why a colectomy is different for different patients. Most people with sedentary jobs (office staff/computer work/work from home) can get back to work about 2 weeks post-operatively barring any unforeseen circumstances. Of course, "no heavy lifting remains a restriction usually for 6 weeks. READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from anal fissure surgery?
Every human being is different. Anal fissures are extremely painful, most patients feel much better after the surgery. Of course, rectal surgery is painful. On average, most people can go back to their regular lives 2 weeks post-op. However, for people that have very active, physical jobs it may take up to 6 weeks to be able to return to work. READ MORE
How long is your stomach swollen after gallbladder removal?
After gallbladder surgery your abdomen will be swollen for at least 2 weeks and up to 6 weeks. Every day it should be a little bit better. =20 READ MORE
Black tarry stools?
You need to see a GI specialist. If you are not taking any medications or iron supplements then black tarry stools are NOT normal. An EGD can determine if indeed you have an ulcer which could be in the stomach or in the duodenum. Of course, if the EGD does not show an ulcer then more tests need to be done to determine the cause. There is an endless list of possible causes for dark stools. READ MORE
What is the best exercise after heart stent surgery?
walking! READ MORE
Appendix moved itself - scans confirmed?
The appendix is like a finger that sticks out from the cecum (the first part of the colon). Imagine the appendix like the hands on a clock. It can be in ANY position around that colon like the hands on a clock. Most of the time the appendix is in front (anterior) to the cecum, but it can be behind the cecum towards the back like yours is. It did not "move itself," it has probably been like that since you were born. The US did not "see" your appendix because the colon was in the way. As far as the ongoing pain, some people do develop a "chronic appendicitis" that reoccurs. Of course, there are lots of things that can cause the back pain you are describing. The only way to know for sure that the appendix is the cause is if the pain resolves after the appendix is removed. Consider following up with a surgeon for a diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic appendectomy. Hope you get better soon!! Sincerely, Dr. P READ MORE
Is this a hernia or fluid or infection? What is going on?
No one can just look at this and say that it is definitely a hernia or not. A CT scan and/or a testicular ultrasound should be able to render the answer that question. Since it started after a trauma, then it is more likely a fluid collection. However, the issues with the back up of semen is VERY concerning. You should make an appointment with a urologist for this ASAP. READ MORE
I need a diagnosis?
It says your age is 16, so it is HIGLY UNLIKELY that one of your kidneys failed. Plus, kidney failure does not cause pain in the side. The first sign is usually itching, but sometimes there are no external signs. Lab tests will confirm that you do not have kidney failure. There are thousands of things that can cause a "pain in your side." You should see your doctor so they can do an exam and, if necessary, some X-rays or lab work. READ MORE
Is it my gallbladder?
That sounds like a lot of blood. If that is true, then please go to the ER NOW! Gallbladder issues do not cause blood in your poop. That is usually caused by a problem in your colon or sometimes ulcers can cause there to be blood in your stool. You need a GI work-up and colonoscopy. READ MORE
How do I treat my hernia?
You need to see a urologist. These symptoms may not have anything to do with the hernia. Further testing is necessary. READ MORE
What is causing this bloating?
There are a thousand different things that could be causing your bloating. You need to go to your PCP and have this worked up. Labs, US or CT scan depending on what your PCP finds on exam. READ MORE
How do I stop my weight loss?
That amount of unintentional weight loss is not normal. Hernia surgery does NOT cause weight loss. You should see your primary physician ASAP so that he/she may do some tests to determine the cause. READ MORE
How to treat my issues?
Xifaxin, neomycin, and Nystatin are all prescription medications. It sounds like you have been seeing a physician for your issues. Please share your concerns with him/her. Perhaps you need a motility disorder specialist -- NOT a surgeon -- if your physician has not been able to diagnose your specific problem or if you are still having issues despite treatment. READ MORE