Our surgeons use leading edge technology to perform innovative bariatric, general and colorectal surgeries designed to help patients achieve a healthier life.
Hernia Surgery
Hernias are simply a hole or defect in the wall of the abdominal cavity that allows protrusion of an organ or abdominal content through it. The fascia is a thick layer of tissue that keeps the contents of the abdomen in place. There are certain areas of the abdominal wall which are considered sites of weakness, these are inguinal, femoral and umbilical areas. The groin represents the area where approximately 75% of hernias develop.
Whether due to excess abdominal strain, age, genetics or congenital disorders, this tissue can weaken and intestinal contents may begin to push through. Most commonly, fatty tissue and loops of large intestine may push into, and ultimately become trapped in, the hernia defect.
GERD (Anti-Reflux Surgery)
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when gastric juices from the stomach push up into the esophagus, irritating its sensitive lining. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is the medical term for chronic acid reflux – reflux that occurs several times per week for several weeks or months. GERD is estimated to affect upwards of 20 million Americans with millions more suffering from less frequent, but still significant, acid reflux symptoms.
GERD can occur due to intra-abdominal pressure that puts strain on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that acts much like a valve to keep stomach fluids where they belong. LES dysfunction can be treated with several options from lifestyle change and losing weight to surgical procedures like fundoplication or LINX Reflux Management System
Colorectal Surgery
Colorectal surgery is the subspecialty of general surgery that deals with diseases and conditions of the large intestine (also known as the colon), the rectum, and the anus. Colorectal diseases including cancer have become more prevalent in modern society, in part due to poor diets and the sedentary lifestyles most of us live. It is estimated that obese patients have a significantly higher risk of colon and rectal cancer than patients within a normal BMI.
Treatment for colorectal disorders varies based on the condition and its severity. Some concerns can be treated effectively with lifestyle changes while others may need surgery. Most importantly, you can take care of your colon by getting enough daily fiber, and staying well hydrated throughout the day, unless otherwise advised by your colorectal surgeon.
Gallbladder Disease
Typically, patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease begin to feel pain – whether dull or sharp – in the upper right quadrant of their abdomen, just under the rib cage. Gallstone issues are also characterized by an increase in pain shortly after eating. After consulting with a physician, a preliminary diagnosis typically requires a medical history and is confirmed with a simple ultrasound.
The most common symptomatic gallbladder disease involves gallstones that have blocked the outflow of bile. Gallstone attacks tend to worsen over time and as such, gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is the preferred curative option. Gallbladder removal is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States.
Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is the most effective long-term weight loss option for those suffering from morbid obesity, especially patients with a BMI over 40. While new GLP-1 agonist medications have shown promise in patients with relatively lower BMIs, weight loss surgery remains a relatively cost-effective option to help patients change their lives over the long term.
From sleep apnea to hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), metabolic surgery results in exceptional excess weight loss, averaging between 60 and 90% depending on the procedure. Resolution of co-morbid conditions is exceptional as well. MASJAX offers gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch as our main surgical interventions for obesity.
Starting your Bariatric Surgery Journey – What do I need to do to get the Surgery?
Bariatric Surgery Videos
Check out our video library to learn more about the bariatric journey.
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Lifestyle Changes Before and After Bariatric Surgery
Meet Our Team
Our surgical program has a dedicated team to follow you every step of the way. Your multi-disciplinary team includes surgeons, (bariatric) nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, exercise specialists, bariatric advocates and other medical specialists who offer continuous compassionate support and guidance in a respectful environment.
The focus is to help each patient establish and achieve their goals.
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Can Your BMI Be Too High for Hernia Surgery?
If you’ve visited a surgeon for any number of conditions, and your BMI is in the morbidly obese range (40+), you may have been told that a surgical procedure is not advisable or possible. This is a common concern in patients with obesity. While any surgery carries heightened risks, we will focus on hernias, as they are a common concern that many patients experience alongside excess weight issues.
Why Do Hernias Form as a Result of Excess Weight?
Hernias are defects in the strong fascia, a strong protective sheet of tissue that stabilizes and encloses abdominal organs and musculature. Abdominal hernias typically start as small holes and gradually increase in size over time. Unlike other tissues, the body cannot repair a defect in this fascia; therefore, surgery is the only option to correct it.
