Our Team
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Conditions & Services
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
- Appendectomy
- Bowel Obstructions
- Breast Biopsy
- Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
- Gastrectomy
- Hiatal Hernia
- Infusaports
- Inguinal Hernia
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Liver Ablations
- Lymph Node Biopsies
- Mastectomy
- Nissen Fundoplication
- Pancreatectomy
- Paraesophogeal Hernia
- Peripheral Vascular Procedures
- Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
- Splenectomy
- Sports Hernias
- Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy
- Umbilical Hernia
- Ventral Hernia
- Whipple
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Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Texas Health Surgical Specialists is committed to providing patients with the latest technology in minimally invasive surgery. We use the da Vinci Robot to treat a range of conditions, including gallstones, heartburn, hiatal hernias, achalasia, and diverticulitis.
Some patients with abdominal and groin hernias also benefit from a robotic approach. Robotic surgery, similar to laparoscopic surgery, involves making smaller incisions with a goal of minimizing pain and expediting recovery. The da Vinci Robot is controlled by the surgeon, and features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments to achieve precision and dexterity comparable to the surgeon's hand. This allows more complex and delicate procedures, such as a Nissen fundoplication for reflux, to be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. When performing a single-site cholecystectomy, the robot allows us to remove the gallbladder through a single incision in the belly button. Robotic surgery is an additional tool available to us as we seek to offer each individual patient the best care possible.
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Hernia Repair: Advanced Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
An abdominal wall hernia forms when an internal organ or soft tissue protrudes through a weak area or hole in the abdominal muscle. Unfortunately, abdominal hernias can recur and become more complex and difficult to repair.
The physicians at Texas Health Surgical Specialists have been performing complex abdominal wall reconstructions of difficult hernias for more than a decade. This includes comprehensive evaluation and treatment of inguinal, hiatal, incisional, umbilical and ventral hernias using both open and laparoscopic hernia repairs. We also have the expertise to treat recurrent hernias.
Our goal through surgical treatment is not just to “patch a hole” but to reconstruct the muscles and soft tissue to optimize function and durability while providing you with pain relief. Reconstruction of large and complex hernias requires sound preoperative planning, solid surgical experience and diligent postoperative care. Expect no less from our skilled physicians and staff.
About Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Our abdominal wall reconstruction program starts with a thorough assessment and examination by one of our board-certified physicians with experience in the affected area to determine what type of abdominal wall reconstruction will be the most beneficial. The entire range of treatment options and modern techniques are available, including complex abdominal reconstruction with component separation and muscle transfer flaps to minimally invasive procedures using mesh materials that can be performed robotically or laparoscopically. When appropriate, we provide coordination with plastic surgeons to promote an optimal outcome.
Inguinal Hernias
Most inguinal hernias happen when an opening in the wall of the groin muscle does not close properly before birth. That leaves a weak area in the belly muscle. Inguinal hernias are fairly common, and Texas Health Surgical Specialists has experience in the management of primary, recurrent and complicated inguinal hernias. We believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to hernia repair. For this reason, we use open and minimally invasive robotic repairs for inguinal hernias based on factors such as size, location and any preexisting conditions.
Hiatal Hernias and Anti-reflux Procedures
When a hiatal hernia is present, part of the stomach moves up through the hiatus (the opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus connects to the stomach) and into the chest cavity. The condition raises the risk for symptoms of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Hiatal hernias require appropriate preoperative testing to decide the optimal approach for surgical treatment. Recommended tests include but are not limited to EGD, UGI and esophageal manometry. We work with your primary physician to coordinate testing and appropriate surgical treatment. Texas Health Surgical Specialists has extensive experience in the repair of primary and recurrent hiatal hernias using minimally invasive robotic assistance. This preferred treatment approach allows for smaller incisions, less pain and a shorter hospital stay.
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What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your driver’s license or other photo identification
- Your insurance cards
- Physician referral forms if required by your insurance
- A list of current prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medications you are taking, including doses and frequency
- Information about your medical and surgery history
- Any recent labs, x-rays, MRI’s CT’s or other records you may have. You may also be required to bring the actual disc from your studies as well as the written reports
- Any copay and/or deductible amounts
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Preparing for Reconstructive Surgery
Most people with hernias have surgery to repair them, even if they do not have symptoms. Surgery typically offers a less dangerous course than the risk of strangulation, a serious problem that can occur when part of the intestine gets trapped inside a hernia.
Preoperative Care
Preoperative planning is very important to a successful outcome from abdominal wall reconstruction. One of the Texas Health Surgical Specialists physicians will review your case and any imaging test results with you. Once a decision for surgery is made, the following steps should be taken to help promote a good outcome:
- If diabetes is present, practice good control of the disease (ideally to an A1C of 7.5 or less)
- No smoking for 4 weeks prior to surgery
- Weight loss as appropriate
- Skin preparation as prescribed by Texas Health Surgical Specialists to minimize risk of MRSA
The Surgical Procedure
Texas Health Surgical Specialists physicians perform surgical procedures at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.
Physicians perform reconstructions on large complex hernias using muscle releases such as external oblique, transverse abdominus and retrorectus to allow for closure of the defect. We may also used Botox® in select cases to assist with abdominal wall closure in large defects. Mesh materials may be inserted during the procedure to reinforce the abdominal wall closure. The type, size and placement of the mesh are tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
Skin and soft tissue coverage of the hernial defect is also critically important to maximize wound healing. Physicians at Texas Health Surgical Specialists are trained in the use of Spy Elite laser-assisted fluorescent imaging to aid in the visualization and assessment of blood flow to the skin during some surgical procedures. This technology helps reduce tissue and skin involvement to promote skin and wound healing. When skin coverage is more complex, plastic surgery may be recommended.
Postsurgical Care
Enhanced recovery protocols used by Texas Health Surgical Specialists during your postoperative hospital stay help to minimize pain and shorten inpatient care. A surgical drain is necessary with abdominal wall reconstruction. The duration of its use can vary and you may be discharged with it. Proper drain care will be taught to you or a family member, or home health will be arranged.
Our staff will follow your progress closely for the first four to six weeks after surgery, but long-term management is our ultimate goal to ensure ongoing improved health. All of our hernia patients are entered in the American Hernia Society Quality Collaborative to support and continually improve the hernia care we deliver.
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Patient Forms
At Texas Health Surgical Specialists, we understand patients want to have their office visit run as smoothly as possible. To help facilitate this process, we have provided our patient forms online for you to download and complete before your visit.
Use the links below to find the patient form(s) you need, then click on the link to download, fill them out on your computer, print and bring them to your appointment. In order to protect your privacy, please do not email these forms.
- New Patient Registration Form: English | Español
- New Patient Registration Form (Large Print Version): English | Español
- Patient History Form: English | Español
- Consent To Treat Form: English | Español
- Medical Release of Information Form: English | Español
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Insurance Information
We believe in enabling our patients to focus on maintaining good health and receiving quality care. Texas Health Surgical Specialists accepts most major insurance plans and will verify benefits prior to your appointment. Please call us at 214-369-5432 with any questions.
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Pay a Bill
In order to use the payment portal to pay your bill, please have your statement and billing information readily accessible. For question or payments by phone, call us at 800-890-6034.
Referrals
The physicians and staff at Texas Health Surgical Specialists are committed to providing your patients with the highest level of care, and returning them to your practice with a positive medical outcome.
Please call us at 214-369-5432 to refer your patient to our practice.