At Olde Del Mar Surgical, we’re best known for our expertise in bariatric surgery. We’re led by Dr. Sunil Bhoyrul, an award-winning surgeon who has gained national recognition for his experience and dedication to the bariatric branch of medicine.
While bariatric surgery is a large part of what makes us stand out, we also offer a range of general surgeries that incorporate laparoscopy. This minimally invasive method of surgery holds a number of benefits and remains one of the most effective treatment options offered at Olde Del Mar Surgical.
Laparoscopic Surgery
During laparoscopic surgery, a series of small incisions are made in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide is injected into the abdominal cavity to create space between the abdominal wall and the organs, thus providing ample room for surgeons to work.
A small camera called a laparoscope is inserted into one of the incisions, which sends an image back to a large monitor in real-time for the surgeons to view. In this way, the medical staff at Olde Del Mar can perform surgery without the need to enlarge an incision unnecessarily.
The advantages of laparoscopy are numerous, which include:
- Less pain and discomfort after surgery
- Faster recovery
- Smaller, more discrete scars
- Reduced risk of some complications
For these reasons and more, laparoscopic surgery has become one of the most successful surgical treatment options offered at Olde Del Mar Surgical. It also makes it possible for our team to offer a range of general surgeries in a minimally invasive way.
Here’s a quick look at the general surgeries offered at Olde Del Mar, and their benefits.
Oncology Surgery
Oncology deals with cancer and tumors and is one of the most important fields of medical study in the United States. At Olde Del Mar Surgical, our surgical oncology care team goes above and beyond to ensure all patients are comfortable during each treatment step.
Dr. Bhoyrul is joined by a host of trained professionals who are dedicated to giving their all for each patient, including:
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Genetic counselors
- Other surgeons
We understand this can be a frightening time for our patients, so we go above and beyond to ensure we provide the best possible care.
Endocrine Surgery
Diseases of the adrenal gland, parathyroid, and thyroid require a specialized treatment option known as the endocrine surgery. Adrenal glands, specifically, are responsible for releasing hormones called catecholamines into the bloodstream, making them a vital part of the endocrine system.
These hormones are responsible for a range of vital functionalities of the body, including glucose and water usage, chemical levels in the blood, and the “fight or flight” triggered during stressful situations. These hormones also affect sweat, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Significant problems can arise should an adrenal tumor form. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Sleep disorder
- Muscle weakness
- Tremors
- Purple stretch marks
- Tremors
- Headaches
Should you experience malignant adrenal tumors, we highly recommend endocrine surgery which is also known as laparoscopic adrenalectomy or adrenal gland removal.
Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Also known as cholecystectomy, gallbladder removal surgery specializes in removing the gallbladder to provide the patient with relief from gallbladder related issues, such as gallstones.
The gallbladder stores bile, which is vital for the digestion of fats in food. Should a blockage of gallstones take place, bile can become backed up, resulting in a gallbladder attack.
Gallstones can have severe symptoms, including:
- Jaundice
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Pain in the abdomen that lasts several hours
- Light-colored stools
Various treatment options may suitably alleviate any symptoms you may be experiencing due to complications of the gallbladder. Should these options fail, cholecystectomy may be your best option.
Dr. Bhoyrul specializes in the innovative da Vinci surgical system, which takes advantage of the latest technological advancements and allows for the removal of the gallbladder through a single small incision in the belly button.
Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Hiatal hernias occur when a portion of the stomach travels up through the diaphragm and into the chest, allowing a small piece of the stomach to poke through and make contact with muscles between the chest and abdomen.
While small hernias are typically nothing to worry about, larger hiatal hernias could lead to discomfort and severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or abdominal pain
To eliminate symptoms effectively, patients must undergo surgery. At Olde Del Mar Surgical, we utilize minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for both revisional and treatment purposes to treat hiatal hernias.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Diverticulitis
Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the walls of your colon. Should these diverticula become infected or inflamed, you may experience a condition called diverticulitis. This condition is prevalent in people aged 40 or older but rarely causes any significant issues.
While not severe in most instances, diverticulitis can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal tenderness
- Constipation or diarrhea
If you’re diagnosed with diverticulitis, it’s essential to take action quickly. Fast and decisive laparoscopic surgery may be your best treatment option.
GERD Surgery for Reflux
The lower esophageal sphincter or “LES” makes up the entrance of the stomach. When functioning normally, the LES should close the moment food passes through. Should this fail to occur, stomach acid may travel back up into the esophagus. This is known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Symptoms of GERD include:
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food
- “Lump in the throat” feeling
Should all non-surgical forms of treatment fail to treat your GERD symptoms, then an operation known as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication which involves recreating the valve between the stomach and esophagus may become necessary.
GERD and Hiatal Hernias are sometimes related to one another, and thus surgery is often the only proper form of treatment to treat this issue.
General Surgery at Olde Del Mar
At Olde Del Mar Surgical, we put the needs of our patients first and foremost in everything we do. Dr. Bhoyrul and the rest of the Olde Del Mar staff stand ready to provide you with the highest quality of care. Contact us today to learn more about the general surgeries we offer, so you can see for yourself what sets us apart.