Gallstone Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
What Is Gallstone Surgery? Removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic or open) to treat symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, or biliary colic. Why Do I Need It? Indications include: Recurrent biliary colic Acute or chronic cholecystitis Choledocholithiasis requiring bile‐duct clearance How Should I Prepare? Pre-op Tests: LFTs, ultrasound. Fasting: NPO from midnight before surgery. Medication Review: Stop anticoagulants […]
Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery)
What Is Bariatric Surgery? Surgical procedures (RYGB, sleeve gastrectomy) that alter stomach/intestine anatomy to induce significant weight loss and improve metabolic health. Why Do I Need It? Recommended when: BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with obesity-related comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension) Failed medical weight‐loss programs How Should I Prepare? Multidisciplinary Evaluation: Nutritionist, psychologist, cardiology, anesthesia. Pre-op Diet: […]
Whipple Surgery (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
What Is the Whipple Procedure? A complex operation removing the pancreatic head, duodenum, gallbladder, and part of the bile duct, with reconstruction of digestive tract continuity. Why Do I Need It? Indicated for tumors in the pancreatic head or periampullary region without extensive vessel involvement or metastasis. How Should I Prepare? Assessment: Detailed imaging (CT/MRI), […]
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
What Is Pancreatic Cancer Surgery? Operative removal of pancreatic tumors, including distal pancreatectomy or total pancreatectomy, to manage localized pancreatic cancer. Why Do I Need It? Surgery is recommended if imaging shows: Tumor confined to the pancreatic body/tail (distal) or head (Whipple) No major vessel involvement or distant metastases How Should I Prepare? Pre-op Tests: […]
Gallbladder Cancer Surgery
What Is Gallbladder Cancer Surgery? Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) plus surrounding tissue to treat malignancy detected in or around the gallbladder. Why Do I Need It? You may be advised to have surgery if imaging or biopsy confirms gallbladder cancer, especially if: Cancer is confined to the gallbladder wall (T1 or T2 stage) […]
Periampullary Carcinoma Management
What Is Periampullary Carcinoma? Tumor arising at the ampulla of Vater, where bile and pancreatic ducts meet the duodenum. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include jaundice, pancreatitis, or weight loss. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI; MRCP if needed. Endoscopy: ERCP/EUS for biopsy and stent placement. What Happens During Treatment? Surgical: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple). Adjuvant: […]
Neuroendocrine Tumor Management
What Are GI Neuroendocrine Tumors? Slow-growing tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells in the GI tract or pancreas. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms may include flushing, diarrhea, or obstruction; often incidental on imaging. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI and somatostatin-receptor PET scans. Lab: Chromogranin A, 5-HIAA in urine. What Happens During Treatment? Localized: Surgical […]
Pancreatic Cyst Management
What Are Pancreatic Cysts? Fluid-filled lesions within the pancreas; can be benign or precancerous (IPMN, MCN). Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Indications include cyst size >3 cm, mural nodules, or ductal dilation. How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6–8 hours. Consent for EUS with FNA. What Happens During the Procedure? EUS-guided aspiration of cyst fluid. Fluid […]
Pancreatic Cancer Management
What Is Pancreatic Cancer? A malignancy of the pancreas often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, or painless jaundice. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI pancreatic protocol; fasting 6 hours for CT. Laboratory: CA 19-9 tumor marker; liver/pancreatic enzymes. What Happens During Treatment? Resectable: Whipple […]
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
What Is EUS? EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound to image and biopsy pancreatic, biliary, and upper-GI lesions with high precision. Why Do I Need EUS? Pancreatic masses or cysts Biliary obstruction of unknown cause Submucosal GI lesions Lymph-node staging or biopsy How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6–8 hours. Review blood thinners. Consent for potential fine-needle […]
