Frequently Asked Questions

Dr James's offers specialist surgical care in a variety of fields:

• Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery (Sleeve, Bypass, Revisions)
• Colorectal Surgery (Open & Laparoscopic)
• Anorectal (Proctology) Surgery
• Upper GI Endoscopies
• Hernia Surgery: Laparoscopic & Open (all types including complex abdominal hernias)
• Upper Abdominal / GI Surgery
• Thyroid Gland Surgery
• Breast Surgery
• Surgical Infections
• Surgical Emergencies ( Abdomen)

Yes, Dr. James operates to remove diseased gall bladder or appendix causing severe abdominal pain and complications. We do it through laparoscopic surgery.

Bariatric surgery is the surgery for weight loss and treatment of obesity related morbidity. For more details you can visit Dr. James' dedicated website www.obesity-khalas.com.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

1. Reduced Recovery Time: Patients typically experience faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
2. Less Pain: Smaller incisions result in less post-operative pain and discomfort.
3. Minimized Scarring: The small incisions lead to smaller scars, improving cosmetic outcomes.
4. Lower Risk of Infection: Smaller wounds decrease the risk of infection and other complications.
5. Quicker Return to Normal Activities: Patients can often return to their regular activities and work sooner.
6. Reduced Blood Loss: The precision of the technique often results in less bleeding during surgery.
7. Improved Precision: Enhanced visualization and precision for the surgeon due to the use of a camera and specialized instruments.
8. Less Impact on Surrounding Tissues: The minimally invasive approach reduces trauma to surrounding tissues and organs.

Please share your insurance card details so we can check them for you. Most surgeries, except bariatric surgeries, are usually covered.

Daycare surgery, also known as outpatient or ambulatory surgery, refers to surgical procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay. Patients arrive on the day of the surgery, undergo the procedure, and are discharged the same day, typically within a few hours post-operation. This approach is commonly used for less complex surgeries, offering benefits such as:

1. Convenience: Patients can recover in the comfort of their own homes.
2. Cost-Effective: Reduces hospital costs associated with overnight stays.
3. Lower Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections: Minimizes exposure to hospital environments.
4. Faster Recovery: Promotes quicker recovery due to a more comfortable and familiar home setting. 

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot or tear in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall that normally contains it. Common types of hernias include:

1. Inguinal Hernia: Occurs in the groin area.
2. Hiatal Hernia: Occurs in the upper stomach area.
3. Umbilical Hernia: Occurs near the belly button.
4. Incisional Hernia: Occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision.

Hernias can cause a noticeable bulge, discomfort, and pain, especially when lifting heavy objects, coughing, or straining. Treatment often involves surgical repair to prevent complications.

 The best treatment for piles (hemorrhoids) depends on severity ( the symptoms and the grade of the piles) and includes lifestyle changes like a high-fiber diet and hydration, over-the-counter creams, and sitz baths for mild cases. Minimally invasive procedures such as rubber band ligation or surgical options like hemorrhoidectomy are considered for persistent or severe piles. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment to confirm the diagnosis and choose the right option for you.

The decision to remove a thyroid mass depends on several factors, including the size, growth rate, presence of symptoms, and whether the mass is benign or malignant. Benign masses that are small and asymptomatic are often monitored with regular ultrasounds and thyroid function tests. However, masses that are large, symptomatic, or suspicious for cancer-based on fine-needle aspiration biopsy results typically require surgical removal. It is essential to consult with an endocrinologist or a surgeon to determine the best course of action based on individual evaluation.

Immediate medical attention is required for abdominal pain if it is severe and sudden, persistent for more than a few hours, associated with symptoms like fever, vomiting, bloody stools, jaundice, severe tenderness, abdominal swelling, or if it occurs after an injury. Pain accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or fainting also warrants urgent care. These symptoms could indicate serious conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, or an abdominal aneurysm, which need prompt medical evaluation. Always consult a surgeon for any concerning abdominal pain. 

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, evidence-based approach to perioperative care aimed at improving surgical outcomes and speeding up patient recovery. ERAS protocols include preoperative optimization, minimizing fasting, employing minimally invasive surgical techniques, effective pain management, early mobilization, and early oral nutrition post-surgery. These strategies reduce surgical stress, improve pain control, decrease complications, and shorten hospital stays, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience and outcomes. 

 Yes, heart patients can undergo surgery, but it requires careful evaluation and management to minimize risks. A thorough preoperative assessment by a cardiologist and the surgical team is essential to evaluate the patient's cardiac status, optimize heart function, and plan perioperative care. Depending on the severity of the heart condition and the type of surgery, specific precautions and modifications to anesthesia and surgical techniques may be necessary. With appropriate planning and monitoring, many heart patients can safely undergo both cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries. 

Not all surgeries can be done using laparoscopic (key-hole) techniques. While many procedures, such as gallbladder removal, appendectomies, certain hernia repairs, and some gynecological and colorectal surgeries, can be performed laparoscopically, others may require open surgery due to their complexity or the patient's specific condition. Factors such as the size and location of the problem, the surgeon's expertise, and the patient's overall health play a role in determining the suitability of laparoscopic surgery. Some complex cancer surgeries, emergency trauma surgeries, and cases with extensive adhesions may still require traditional open surgery for optimal outcomes. 

 Constipation is typically not a serious problem and can often be managed with dietary changes, increased fluid intake, exercise, and over-the-counter laxatives. However, constipation can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition, especially if accompanied by severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, or persistent symptoms despite treatment. These cases may require a surgical evaluation. Conditions such as bowel obstruction, colorectal cancer, severe cases of diverticulosis, or anorectal disorders like rectal prolapse and significant anal fissures may necessitate surgical intervention. If constipation is persistent or associated with alarming symptoms, it's important to consult a surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Just message Dr. James on WhatsApp. He will get back to guide you further.