In addition to being your home for bariatric surgery and post-bariatric body contouring, Healthy Life Bariatrics is also home to several general surgical procedures.
Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki is highly trained in the safe and effective use of today’s most advanced surgical techniques, including the laparoscopic technique. Dr. Moein performs many of HLB’s surgeries laparoscopically. This minimally invasive surgical method allows for tiny incisions, limited downtime, and lowered risk.
How Are Laparoscopic Procedures Performed?
Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes also called “keyhole surgery”. The technique requires three or four incisions at or near the treatment site. The incisions are less than an inch long and function as openings for a serpentine camera and associated tools.
The camera is called a laparoscope, which Dr. Moein uses to project images on a monitor positioned nearby. Dr. Moein uses the camera to view the interior of your abdomen. Before the creation of this surgery type, surgeons had to open the entire body cavity to work on the organs inside. Laparoscopic surgery makes for safer and more comfortable surgery. The recovery is faster, the scars heal discreetly, and you’ll be back to your usual routine in a matter of weeks (or less).
Which General Surgery Do You Need?
Dr. Moeinolmolki regularly performs a range of general surgical techniques. The majority focus on treating diseases and injuries of the endocrine system glands and digestive system.
Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
This incredibly common surgery involves the removal of your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ positioned on the right-hand side of your abdomen. It stores bile, which is a fluid produced by the liver that breaks down fatty foods. Your body does not entirely need your gallbladder, so we recommend surgery if it gives you trouble.
In addition to performing the cholecystectomy, Dr. Moeinolmolki can diagnose gallbladder issues, with common symptoms being jaundice and intense tummy pain.
Chronic Cholecystitis/Acalculous Cholecystitis
Chronic cholecystitis is the swelling and irritation of the gallbladder that progresses over time.
Acalculous cholecystitis is marked by inflammatory disease of the gallbladder without evidence of a cystic duct obstruction or gallstones.
Dr. Moeinolmolki specializes in surgical techniques to remove the gallbladder and/or treat these illnesses for a dramatic improvement to your quality of life.
Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis means you have an inflamed gallbladder. This usually occurs because gallstones block the cystic duct. Gallstones are tiny cholesterol rocks that form in the gallbladder. The cystic duct is the primary opening of the gallbladder.
Dr. Moein can diagnose the source of the gallstones, remove gallstone obstructions, and treat acute cholecystitis with the latest surgical techniques.
Gallstone Pain
You can experience gallstones when digestive fluid deposits harden and form in your bladder. Gallstones can be as minuscule as a grain of sand or as large as a ping pong ball. You might form a single gallstone or several.
The recommended treatment for gallstone issues is gallbladder removal surgery.
Hernia Surgery
A hernia is when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weakened spot in your abdominal muscle wall.
During the procedure, Dr. Moein corrects the hernia by locating, correcting, and strengthening the abdominal wall, thus preventing future hernias from occurring. Hernia surgery is safe, fast, and most patients return home a few hours following the procedure.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is when a portion of your intestine pokes through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles. Most patients who experience inguinal hernias first seek out treatment because of abdominal pain. The discomfort associated with the condition is most apparent when lifting heavy objects, bending over, and coughing. Some patients never experience pain, however. While an inguinal hernia surgery is not dangerous, we recommend it to prevent future issues.
The surgery is routine and will have you back to your usual routine within a matter of weeks.
This hernia is characterized by a hernia that occurs along the midline of the abdominal wall. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, particularly when straining. Treatment involves hernia surgery, which we perform at Healthy Life Bariatrics, our certified surgical center.
Epigastric Hernia
This hernia is caused by a weakened spot in your abdominal wall in the spot just above the belly button and below the sternum. The condition is common in children and adults. There are often no symptoms in association with an epigastric hernia, but the condition will not go away on its own. Complications will eventually lead to hernia surgery. Epigastric hernia surgery is a common procedure with a high rate of positive outcomes.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper portion of your stomach protrudes through the large muscle separating your diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle wall separating your abdomen and chest. The diaphragm has a small opening (hiatus) where the esophagus transverses before connecting to the stomach. A hiatal hernia is when your stomach pushes through that opening into your chest.
Symptoms of a hiatal hernia can include heartburn, chest or abdominal pain, and shortness of breath.
Hiatal hernia surgery repairs and strengthens the abdominal area, preventing future hernias from occurring.
Paraesophageal Hernia
A paraesophageal hernia happens when the lower portion of your esophagus, stomach, or other organs protrudes through the hiatus and into the abdomen.
We perform most of the paraesophageal surgeries laparoscopically, though we may recommend open surgery for severe cases.
Heartburn (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The backwash that results is often called acid reflux. Over time, GERD can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery involves the reinforcement of the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent future heartburn episodes from occurring.
Emergency General Surgery
Dr. Moein regularly lends his skills to even the most life-threatening situations.
Dr. Moein is an expert at treating all acute general surgery issues, including hernias, gallbladder problems (cholecystitis), appendicitis, major skin infections, and other complex cases that require a higher level of care. If needed, Dr. Moein can also perform life-saving bedside procedures for critically ill patients.
Dr. Moein also works with state-of-the-art emergency surgery technology, which includes advanced diagnostic and monitoring equipment. In addition, he provides thorough after-care to ensure patients are healing appropriately post-procedure.
Are You a Good Candidate for General Surgery?
Find out if you are an ideal candidate for general surgery by calling Healthy Life Bariatrics. Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki is a Los Angeles native and has decades of experience performing surgery on men, women, and children worldwide. In addition to vast education and professional accolades, Dr. Moein extends his caring surgical technique to needy children and adults with his volunteer work.
If you have an issue that requires surgical intervention, or you suspect you do, schedule a consultation with Dr. Moein. A private, one-on-one meeting can give you the answers you seek, and also set you on the journey to improved health.
Call now throughout Los Angeles, Encino, or Glendale, California – (310)881-8260.