Surgery

Surgery Group LA
Recovering from Thyroid Surgery: What to expect?

A Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of a part of all of your thyroid glands. Your thyroid is located around the neck and produces hormones that control every aspect of your body’s metabolism, from your heart rate to how efficiently you work through calories.

A Thyroidectomy is required in order to treat conditions such as thyroid cancer, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or goiters. 

Depending on the amount of thyroid removed your thyroid may function normally after surgery. However, if your entire thyroid must be removed (total thyroidectomy) you will need to ingest a daily amount of thyroid hormone in order to replace your thyroid’s natural duties.

What is the recovery process from a thyroidectomy like? 

Some common temporary ailments that you might endure after your thyroid surgery include:

  • Sore throat
  • Neck pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Weak voice
  • Tingling fingers and mouth (requires calcium supplement)

The good news is again these symptoms are quite temporary, and should completely go away after 2-3 weeks. Your doctor will still recommend that you do not perform any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for about 3 weeks. 

It’s important to avoid scrubbing or soaking the site of your surgery for at least a week after surgery, though regular showering is generally okay after one day.

Before you are released from the hospital, your medical team will schedule follow-up appointments, provide specific instructions for recovery at home, and prescribe any medications you may need.

Pain and other symptoms involving the incision site of your surgery should improve after a few days but may continue for a week or so. If you notice sudden swelling in your neck, this may signify an infection, and you should follow up with your medical team as soon as possible.

Does Thyroid Surgery have side effects?

If you are undergoing total thyroidectomy, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacements for the rest of your life. If your parathyroid gland was affected during surgery you may need calcium supplements as well to balance your calcium levels.

What is the recovery process like day to day?

As mentioned earlier, after your surgery you may experience:

  • Sore Throat
  • Weak Voice
  • Neck pain

Your incision will need to be taken care of and you may need to avoid showering, pools, or baths for up to a week after in order to ensure proper healing. Your scar may start to grow pink and harden, and the surrounding area may grow dry and itchy. 

While you should avoid any neck strain a week or two after surgery, after this you should begin to stretch out and move your neck as soon as you can without pain or difficulty. This will ensure that your neck does not permanently become stiff.

When can I return to normal activities?

After about 10 -14 days you may be able to resume vigorous physical activity such as running or working out, but you should still take it slow in the beginning. Be mindful of any sudden swelling or new symptoms and alert your doctor if they come up. After 3 weeks or so you should back to normal activities without much problem.

August 30, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to do a breast self-exam

The Surgery Group of LA would like to humbly suggest that all women perform a breast self-examination every month in a communal effort to help detect breast cancer earlier and save lives. 

This is because thirty to forty percent of breast cancer cases were detected by feeling a lump. Breast self-examinations are also amazing ways for women to become more familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and to detect changes quickly if they arrive.

So how do I actually perform a breast self-examination?

A breast self-exam requires you to visually see your breasts and feel them for about 5 minutes, every month. 

The optimal time to perform one is approximately 3-7 days after the first day of your period when your breasts are less tender and lumpy.

Who needs to do them?

Women in their 20’s and 30’s are strongly urged to do self-exams, but it’s never too early or too late to start. 

This is because women aren’t required to have regular mammography screenings until age 40 and can be a quick and affordable line of detection while the risk of breast cancer is still too low to need constant medical supervision.

Woman over the age of 40 are recommended to get a mammogram every year as well, but they are also encouraged to perform a monthly self-examination to increase the chance of detection as cancer risk rise.

What do I do if I find a lump?

The first thing to remember is that some changes in the breast can be normal. 

Breast changes even if they might require some medical attention, are usually not cancer. More likely reasons include period issues, birth control pills, pregnancy complications or the pregnancy itself, aging, and menopause.

Which lumps are most likely to be cancerous?

Keep an eye out for hard and painless lumps, especially if they come with an odd or strange texture. 

The size of the change has no relation to whether it’s minor or not, or cancer or not. Any changes in verified lumps, the breast skin, and the nipple area should be checked out by a doctor.

What are common tips and mistakes?

Generally speaking, you want your hands to be clean and moisturized ideally. Doing it in the shower can be a great way for you to really get a feel without causing too much irritation. Focus on a pattern and use the pads, not the nails of your fingers. Don’t try to feel it all at one pressure, try to oscillate between soft and tough as go.

Avoid:

  • Rushing
  • Performing them right before or right during your period
  • Missing key spots near the upper chest and armpit

Performing breast self-examinations maybe anxiety inducing but they are the best way to detect changes in the breast, and not for yourself if your breasts are as they should or not. If something is happening to your breasts that is abnormal for you, make sure your doctor knows right away.

August 30, 2022

Surgery Group LA
What grade is your hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids or piles are basically swollen veins in the anus or rectum that can bleed or get infected. If you are suffering from Hemorrhoids it might be important to know how severe your Hemorrhoid is, and what GRADE it is.

The medical professionals at Surgery Group of LA have crafted this sheet in order to help assess your potential Hemorrhoid before walking into your doctor’s appointment.

Grade 1

Essentially what makes a Hemorrhoid Grade 1 is when the swollen vein has not protruded out of the anus. For most Grade 1 Hemorrhoids your doctor will recommend diet and lifestyle changes such as increasing your fiber intake and improving mobility around the hips and anus. Grade 1 Hemorrhoids can be treated with over-the-counter medication. Some effective medications include Preparation H, Protoform, or Tucks, which are all hydrocortisone creams that relieve stress, irritation, and inflammation in the affected areas. 

Grade 2 

Hemorrhoids protrude through the anus during defecation but return inside the anus after the stool movement has been completed. For Grade 2 hemorrhoids, doctors will still often prescribe creams and lifestyle changes to start. If these prove ineffective, your doctor will move towards painless treatment plans that are performed at the doctor’s office.

Painless hemorrhoid treatment plans include rubber band litigation, infrared coagulation, or injection sclerotherapy.  While these treatments can be quite effective at lessening symptoms, they do not cure the hemorrhoids themselves. They last anywhere from 6 months to a year and need to be repeated. However, they do not require anesthesia and you can return to work as soon as the treatment is finished. 

Grade 3 

Hemorrhoids protrude through the anus or rectum during stool movements or any straining of the anus and need to return to their proper position by hand. Because of the chance of it developing into a Grade 4 hemorrhoid, or becoming infected or damaged further, this stage is usually when your doctor will recommend surgery. 

Grade 4

What makes a hemorrhoid grade 4 is when the hemorrhoid has prolapsed to such a degree that will not go back inside the anus even with manual intervention. At this point, surgery is the only option in order to possibly treat this level of hemorrhoid.

The most common surgical hemorrhoid treatments are surgical hemorrhoid excision or hemorrhoidectomy, where the hemorrhoid is surgically removed or surgical hemorrhoid stapling procedure or stapled hemorroidopexy where the hemorrhoid is cut down into a more manageable size and stapled back into the proper resting place. 

Conclusion

While hemorrhoidectomies have the best curative results, they can be extremely painful and can put the patient out for 2 weeks. Hemorrhoid stapling procedures were developed to be less invasive and easier to recover from. While hemorrhoid stapling procedures are far less painful, they also come with higher chances of infection and of your hemorrhoids reoccurring. There have also been cases where the staples associated with the procedure can damage the small bowels or the vagina if placed poorly.

The truth is at any grade, hemorrhoids can be a common but disruptive part of life. To find out how you or a loved one can develop a treatment plan for hemorrhoids, speak to a medical professional today.

August 17, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to enjoy your summer post-surgery!

Summer is a great time to schedule your surgery. With vacation time kicking in and everyone out at the beaches, it might be a great time to take some time off and get that surgery you really need to maximize your long-term health.

But then there’s the humidity, kids are out of school, and outdoor activities that all your friends and family want to do. You may be encouraged to get started on these before you’re ready.

It is imperative to respect and understand your surgeon’s instructions to ensure a comfortable and safe recovery. But that doesn’t mean staying in lockdown forever! Here are a few tips from the Surgery Group of Los Angeles on keeping cool and keeping safe as a surgery patient this summer.

Enjoying the Sunshine the RECOVERY WAY!

While Sun can be a great source of vitamin D, energy, and optimism for your recovery, there are some definite downsides. Too much sun exposure can lead to dehydration and make any swelling or irritation after your operation worse.

So when you head out there, make sure there is plenty of shade and you’re wearing light, breathable clothes with lots of room to let the breeze in.

As soon as you are given the okay to wear topical products on your skin, make sure to apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or above every day to prevent your scars from getting exposed or darkening.

Stay cool but stay out of the water (WE MEAN IT!)

It seems like a great idea, cool down in a beautiful lake in the middle of July, and let the water relax you. But with any body of water comes challenges for post-operated patients. Pools mean chlorine can irritate the skin around your surgery scars. Even the cleanest of bodies of water can have microorganisms and bacteria that while harmless for most people can cause infections for people healing from surgery.

So when can you get back in the water? 30 minutes ain’t going to cut it here. While estimates vary on the operation from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months the key factors in deciding whether to move into a new phase of freedom of movement for a post-operative patient are:

  • Has your surgeon had a chance to recently observe your recovered incisions and okayed you?
  • Does your wound cause any pain or irritation?
  • Is your wound completely healed?

The great news is that for most surgeries, a nice cooling shower is usually allowed one to two days post-operation.

Hydration + Nutrition = Complete Quick Recovery

With everyone moving and starting their summer body workout plans, it may be tempting to jump out there and join in the competitive desire to stay or get in shape. But there’s no reason why surgery has to stop you from getting your summer body and staying on track for recovery.

Summer is a great time for nutrition as grilling season means opportunities to try out smoked salmon recipes, or grilled chicken burgers. The season is perfect for watermelon, berries, and squashes, which when paired with enough water, can help you stay healthy and still participate in the amazing foods summer has to offer.

Final Tip!: Give your body time!

Look we get it. Summer is not meant to stay on the sidelines, but time and rest are some of the key components of the healing process. Let your body be your guide. If your exercise, your walk, or even your drive feels odd or uncomfortable, most likely it’s time to chill on that for now. The goal right now is optimal healing, and if that is your main focus you’ll be out there swimming in Lake Arrowhead in no time!

If you or a loved one have questions about a potential surgery or recovery, speak to Surgery Group of Los Angeles, or any medical professional today!

August 9, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Is Robotic Surgery actually performed by my surgeon? 5 misconceptions about Robotic Surgery

Based on your point of view, this image above can seem fascinating or disturbing. Dr. Yosef is a surgeon and former member of the Cedar Sinais robotic steering committee, and he understands your concerns. A robot performing surgery? Then what is my surgeon doing? Watching videos on their phone?

Not exactly, Dr. Yosef says. Robotic surgery implies automation. A robotic “surgery assistant” might be a better name, a way to describe the many amazing ways robotics have assisted surgeons with their operations, but not simply doing the surgery for the surgeon. 

Surgical robotic systems are comprised of miniature cameras and mechanical arms with surgical instruments. The Surgeon controls these arms and uses the cameras for feedback and information, usually while seated at a nearby computer.

Why do things this way? In short, it allows Surgeons to perform more complex, less invasive, surgery for longer periods of time. Mechanical arms mean smaller incisions needed for surgery. Miniature cameras allow surgeons to see areas invisible to the naked eye. The design of the robotics has been perfected for years to make sure the surgeon can stay alert and focused for longer. 

Smaller incisions and more focused surgeons mean shorter recovery times, less chance of complications, and shorter hospital stays.

Some people however still may have very valid concerns. Does robotic surgery mean that I’m getting less surgeon attention and care? Is this all a clever ruse for my surgeons to get lazy with their practices and still charge exorbitant fees?

Doctors like Dr. Yosef understand people’s fears and encourages those who have them to see for themselves. “Come see for yourself,” Dr. Yosef says, “ You’ll see that no robot is performing a surgery automatically.” Instead, robotic surgery aides are like cutting-edge formula one cars, allowing surgeons to perform the most advanced and groundbreaking techniques their field has to offer. 

And like those f1 drivers, Dr. Yosef and others like him have been training for years so that these new technologies are like an extension of themselves, as comfortable and in tune with them as their own hands might be.

Have questions about robotic surgery and want to talk about it? Speak to a medical professional today about how robotic surgery may be a treatment option for you.

July 26, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Pros and Cons of each form of Pilonidal Cyst Treatment

Around 70,000 people in the US will need to be treated for Pilonidal Cysts every year. A pilonidal cyst is a liquid-filled bump or sac that forms near the crease of the buttocks. While some are not visible, others look like a small pit or a dimple. These bumps can cause: 

  • Pain and swelling around the infected region

  • Fever and inflammation

  • Pus and blood leaking from openings within the cyst (Sinus Tract)
Pilonidal Cyst

Pilonidal cysts are usually formed when loose hair and dead skin become trapped under the skin. This happens because the skin in the tailbone region is very flexible. Hair and dead skin can break off only to be pushed back under the skin during movement. This hair and dead skin is treated as an infection by your immune system leading to the growth.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a Pilonidal Cyst, use this handy guide to decide which treatment option works best for you.

Nonoperative Treatment

While most Pilonidal cysts will require surgery at some point but there are some options for you if you decide to not go the surgery route.

  • Army Method – Studies show that patients who treat their cyst by shaving a 5cm strip region between the anus and rectum and proper and consistent hygiene, can get back to normal status quickly. Other studies dispute this however and argue that regular shaving increases the chance of cyst reoccurrence.
  • Laser Treatment – Laser epilation has been tried on pilonidal cysts, and while the treatment did lead to less reoccurrence of cysts, can be costly and require multiple treatments.
  • Drugs and New Methods – Phenol (sore throat spray) has been used as a first-line treatment drug since the 1970s. Phenol has been proven to reduce pain, work impairment, and time needed to clean the wound. Some medical specialists have considered treating cysts with platelet-rich plasma to increase recovery time.

Surgical Treatments

The truth is however that the majority of pilonidal cysts are still treated surgically. Surgeries make reoccurrence less likely, and can you get back to work the same day. They are also less likely to need other treatments, and 76% of surgical treatments lead to a cure.

Surgical treatments vary greatly depending on the size and nature of the pilonidal cysts. However, most cyst surgeries result in small incisions and quick cleanup of blood, pus, and other debris. Fortunately, the after-surgery pain is minimal and you should feel better in a few days.

If you or a loved one has questions about treatment options for your pilonidal cyst, speak to a medical professional today!

July 6, 2022

Surgery Group LA
3 Facts you Need to Know about your Parathyroid

Your Parathyroid is a crucial part of your whole body. 100,00 people develop primary Hyperparathyroidism each year! Like its cousin Hyperthyroidism, it tends to occur due to a nutrient or vitamin deficiency that affects your hormonal glands’ ability to do their job. Hyperparathyroidism is very common for people over the age of 40. Symptoms include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression/Muscle Weakness

However many cases of Hyperparathyroidism do not have symptoms so it is important to see your doctor for your routine checkups. Before your checkup here are some quick facts to know about Parathyroid.

Parathyroid vs Thyroid

The thyroid and parathyroid both live close to the neck and control hormones but they actually do very different jobs. The thyroid is in charge of regulating iodine in the body, while the parathyroid is in charge of regulating calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are crucial for everything to your mood, your metabolism, and even the strength of your bones

How to keep your Parathyroid STRONG!!!

The key numbers to remember for Parathyroid health is 1200-1500 mg of Calcium a day and 1000 units of Vitamin D. While supplementation could be an option you can get your daily recommended supply of Vitamin D by standing outside at noon for 6-12 minutes!

For your calcium needs try going natural by eating:

  • yogurt
  • milk
  • dark green leafy green vegetables

How your doctor treats your parathyroid

If one of these routine checkups flags you for primary hyperparathyroidism, or other parathyroid illnesses, your doctor may recommend removing the abnormal parathyroid glands. The great news is that your body has four parathyroid glands and removing one can be the best to ensure your other glands work properly. The operation has minimal risk of complications and you should be back to normal in about 1 -3 weeks depending on your situation.

Parathyroid surgery could relieve you of bone and muscle pain, reverse osteoporosis symptoms and improve the quality of your life. If you or a loved one would like to get tested for parathyroid issues speak to a doctor today.

July 6, 2022

Surgery Group LA
What to consider before selecting a hernia surgeon?

Hernias are small gaps in the abdominal wall where intestines and other internal organs have popped through. When these internal organs get trapped in the gap, it can cause a tugging sharp pain and an unseemly bulge around the stomach or groin region. Other symptoms include:

  • Aching and sharp pain
  • Pain that worsens with physical activity
  • A feeling of pressure in the painful region
  • Burning sensation (for women)
  • A bulge at the site of pain (for abdominal hernias)

Hernia requires surgical treatment in order for symptoms to subside. However, in order to make certain that you are making the right decision, it is important to ask these questions before selecting your hernia surgeon.

When do I need to get hernia surgery?

While all Hernias require surgery at some point, there is usually no need to call 911. Most cases of Hernia’s, especially Hernias that are small and stay the same size, won’t require surgery right away. However, if your Hernia becomes strangulated by the muscle around your hernia, it can cause serious complications.

If you develop these symptoms call a doctor right away:

  • A bulge that is worsening in pain and does not reduce in size while resting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Racing heart rate
  • Fever

What questions should I ask prior to surgery?

Important questions to ask before any surgical treatment include what type of surgery your surgeon recommends. Important details to ask about include:

  • What are the risk factors associated with my surgery?
  • What are the potential complications with my surgery?
  • How long will my surgery take to heal?

While it might seem embarrassing or even insulting to ask your surgeon about their experience level and how risky the surgery is, but you’re the one getting the surgery. Any good surgeon should handle these questions in a friendly and honest manner to keep your mind at ease that you’re getting the best possible treatment you can. 

How to determine what makes a good Hernia Surgeon?

Nearly all Hernia Specialists will be able to provide you with adequate care for your Hernia. However, perks to look out for in a Hernia Specialist include:

  • Access to weight loss specialists and coaching in the case of obesity-related hernias
  • Experience with minimally invasive surgical techniques
  • Education and Experience

What makes Surgery Group of LA a good choice for Hernia Repair?

Surgeons at the Surgery Group of LA work out of the Cedar Sinai’s West Tower in Los Angeles, one of the most accredited and respected organizations around the world. They have access to the cutting edge in research in a variety of surgical specialties including Hernia Repair and working to develop safer and stronger surgical repairs every day.

If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of a hernia, talk to a medical professional today.

June 17, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to tell if you have a hernia?

You’ve been dealing with a nagging pain in your stomach. It’s been a few days now, and it doesn’t necessarily feel like a gas of indigestion or cramps. You feel a sharp tugging pain, and no matter how much you stretch, drink water, or sleep the pain just won’t go away. This might be a sign that you actually have a hernia.

What is a hernia? What are its symptoms?

Hernias are small gaps in the abdominal wall where intestines and other internal organs have popped through. When these internal organs get trapped in the gap, it can cause a tugging sharp pain and an unseemly bulge around the stomach or groin region. Other symptoms include:

  • Aching and sharp pain
  • Pain that worsens with physical activity
  • A feeling of pressure in the painful region
  • Burning sensation (for women)
  • A bulge at the site of pain (for abdominal hernias)

Differences between Belly (Ventral) or Groin (Inguinal) Hernia?

Generally speaking, Ventral hernias are more common in women, and usually come with an unseemly bulge that starts to form around where is pain is coming from. A type of Ventral hernias common for patients who have had surgery on their abdomen is known as an Incisional Hernia. Nearly 30% of patients who undergo open abdominal surgery will at some point develop an Incisional Hernia. 

Inguinal Hernias are more common in men and do not form a bulge. Inguinal Hernias, however, can actually be underdiagnosed in women due to how different the symptoms of Inguinal Hernias manifest in men vs women.

Do Hernia’s require emergency room visits? 

No, almost all cases of Hernia do not require an emergency room visit. However, in the rare case of the bowels leaking through the hernia and getting trapped, this can cause serious complications that need to be treated immediately. If you have these symptoms it might be time to see a doctor right away:

  • A bulge that is worsening in pain and does not reduce in size while resting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Racing heart rate
  • Fever

How do I prevent Hernias?

To prevent hernias, however, medically professionals recommend: 

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Eating enough fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain to avoid straining at the toilet
  • Use correct form when lifting weights or exercising
  • Speak to a doctor about persistent coughing and sneezing

The good news is that nearly all hernias can be surgically repaired. If you or a loved one have questions about Hernias, speak to a medical professional today.

June 17, 2022

Surgery Group LA
3 key terms to understand about your thyroid cancer prognosis
882 Thyroid Cancer Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock
Thyroid

In the hurry to give you all the facts about your case, your doctor might have inadvertently thrown out some words or concepts during your prognosis discussion that may have gone over your head. 

For those who need a little more clarity, here is what doctors mean when they are explaining these concepts to you in person.

Types of Thyroid Cancers

Papillary – Most common and most likely to respond to treatment even in deeper stages

Follicular and Medullary – Less common than Papillary but responds well to treatment

Anaplastic – The fastest growing of the four and least likely to respond to treatment

Types of Treatment

Surgery – Used to remove a part of all of the thyroid, most thyroid cancer patients will undergo some surgery at some point depending on the size and spread of cancer. These surgeries, while crucial, have a risk of infection, and bleeding, and will need you to avoid strenuous activity for 2 – 4 weeks.

Radiation Therapy – Used for Papillary and Follicular cancers. Radioactive iodine is ingested to kill cancerous thyroid cells, including thyroid cells that remain after surgery. Can cause dry mouth, mouth pain, eye inflammation, and altered taste of sense or smell.

Targeted Therapy Drugs – For aggressive cancers, your doctor will often prescribe targeted drug treatments that work by blocking specific chemicals that the cancer cell needs to survive. Can be ingested orally or through injections. The most common side effects of TKIs, the most common Targeted Therapy drugs are diarrhea, skin rash, and bleeding. Side effects of other drugs may vary.

5-year survival rates

5-year survival rates for cancers are based on the number of patients who have your cancer who survive in 5 years relative to the number of people generally who survive 5 years of your gender and age. Factors such as race, income factor, and genetic health also play a factor.

How your five-year rate is determined is based on the spread of cancer such as:

Localized – Cancer hasn’t grown outside of the thyroid

Regional – Cancer has spread to tissue near the thyroid

Distant – Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones

As well as the individual circumstances of your cases. However, for Stage IV cancer the 5-year survival rate of each type of cancer is:

Papillary – Regional 99%, Distant 78%

Follicular – Regional 96%, Distant 63%

Medullary – Regional 90%, Distant 39%

Anaplastic – Regional 12%, Distant 4%

Conclusion

Every patient is different and every situation is unique but hopefully, this information is a decent overview of the how-to decipher your Thyroid Cancer prognosis.

If you or a loved one wants more information on thyroid cancer, speak to a medical professional today.

May 22, 2022

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About Surgery Group LA

Surgery Group LA is a team of professional and board-licensed surgeons, who specialize of their respective fields. The institution’s project to offer sufferers with advanced and complete surgical care.

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Los Angeles, CA 90048
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