Are you preparing for a surgical procedure, but are not sure what your responsibilities are? Don’t panic! Here’s a quick list of some common do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while preparing for the big day:
Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Your physician may give you specific instructions regarding what you can and can’t eat or drink in the days leading up to your surgery, so be sure to follow them.
Don’t smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol before your surgery. Smoking can cause respiratory and anesthesia complications, and alcohol can affect the outcome of your surgery as a whole.
Don’t take our insulin or diabetic pill the morning of your surgery if you’re diabetic, but do bring it with you and notify the doctor of your condition at check-in.
Do bring any prescription and over-the-counter medications that you take regularly if your surgery requires an overnight stay, and provide a detailed list including frequency, dosage and strength for each.
Do wear comfortable, loose-fitting and easy-to store clothing on the day of your surgery, but don’t bring any jewelry or valuables with you.
Do wear hearing aids on the day of your surgery if you need them for everyday hearing. That way, you’ll be able to hear and understand everything that is said to you prior to your procedure.
Don’t forget to bring a denture cup with you if you wear dentures regularly. All non-permanent dental work must be removed prior to surgery.
Do opt to wear glasses on the day of your surgery instead of contacts if needed. In the event that you’re unable to wear glasses, don’t forget to bring a lens case and solution.
Do wear your hair loose and free of any bobby pins, clips or restrictive hair bands. Also remember to remove and wigs, hairpieces or extensions before surgery.
Don’t wear any makeup, perfume, creams, lotions or deodorants on the day of your procedure.
Still have pre-surgery questions? Just give us a call at 631-321-6801 and we’d be happy to help. If you’re worried about pre-surgery jitters, click here to see some tips on how to overcome them!
At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any vascular or general health issues you may face. If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are in need of a surgeon, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.
A hernia is characterized by a break in an organ wall, usually in the abdomen, where a piece of an adjacent organ is protruding through. This causes a visible lump that can sometimes be accompanied with pain and swelling. Hernias can occur in people of all ages with little to know warning. Here are a few known causes and risk factors that can help you take the measures necessary to prevent a hernia from occurring.
What causes a hernia to develop?
- Obesity: Those who are overweight will have a higher level of internal pressure acting on their organs.
- Cystic Fibrosis: This disease can cause chronic coughing in some patients, which increases the internal pressure of the person. It can also be accompanied by weakening of the muscles and body tissues, leaving them susceptible to hernias.
- Ascites: This condition occurs when there is a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, leading to increased internal pressure.
- Irregular Bowel Movements: Constipation and straining can put pressure on your insides, specifically the “corset” tissues.
- Pregnancy: In its later stages, pregnancy can cause umbilical hernias due to the abdominal pressure built up by the mature fetus.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: This disease causes a decrease in collagen and weakness in the body’s connective tissue, leaving opportunity for organs to push their way through.
What are the risk factors, and who is most susceptible?
- Age: Though babies can be born with hernias and it’s not unheard of for children to develop them, adults and elderly people are more susceptible since their tissues tend to weaken over time.
- Gender: Depending on the type of hernia, different genders may be more susceptible to different conditions based on their natural body makeup. For example, men are more prone to inguinal hernias, while women are more prone to femoral and umbilical hernias.
- Family History: Like many medical conditions, hernias can be hereditary. In addition, hereditary diseases that weaken muscles and organ tissue can also put a person at a higher risk rate.
- Lifestyle: Doing heavy lifting on a daily basis, whether exercise or work related, can put excessive strain and pressure on the body.
- Medical History: Those who have had surgical procedures or medical conditions in the past that affect body tissue have a higher chance of developing hernias than those that have not.
At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, our surgeons are experts in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hernia correction procedures. Rest assured that our doctors will always handle your surgery with precision and care. For more information, call 631-321-6801.
Research has shown that skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among people of all ages. Though we all know how important it is to cover up and use sunscreen when heading to the beach or sitting out in the sun, there are also a ton of alternative dietary methods to keep your skin protected. Want to eat your way to healthy, and happy skin? Incorporating these five foods into your daily meals can help your body stay protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
1. Citrus Fruits: According to a study performed by the University of Arizona, the limonene found in lemons, limes, oranges and other citrus fruits helps to lower the risk of skin cancer by a resounding 34%.
2. Green Tea: Beneficial to your body in more ways than one, a cup of green tea is full of helpful antioxidants called EGCGs. Focusing on these EGCGs, a study at the University of Wisconsin showed that drinking green tea helps minimize damage to skin cells after exposure to UV rays.
3. Carrots: Like other red, yellow and orange fruits and veggies, carrots contain a high concentration of carotenoids that have been proven to reduce the damaging effects of sunburn.
4. Spinach: The healthy antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are found in spinach and other leafy greens. Animal studies have discovered that these antioxidants help to prevent irregular cell growth that can be caused by exposure to UV rays.
5. Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a great healthy alternative that helps keep skin damage-free. Studies show that fish oils, like those found in salmon, are beneficial when it comes to protecting skin from sunburn and preventing cancerous cell growth.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so make sure you treat and protect it with care!
At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, our doctors are trained to treat melanoma and other skin cancers with sentinel node techniques. If you or someone you know suspects that they may need skin surgery, or have already been diagnosed with melanoma, our surgeons can help.
For more information call 631-321-6801 and schedule your consultation today.
The idea that eating healthy foods, keeping active and staying hydrated are the first steps to fighting any sort of illness is nothing new. However, there are a ton of additional helpful habits that you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle to significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer.
1. Always use a water filter. Depending on your area, the tap water you’re drinking may be filled with tons of suspected carcinogens and harmful chemicals, so investing in a fully-functioning water filtration system is key. A quality faucet-mounted filter, like Pur Vertical or Brita, should do the trick.
2. Marinate your meat. The old wives’ tale that cooking anything “burns away the germs” is only half true. Though the germs may be gone, there might still be cancer-causing heterocyclic amines and aromatic hydrocarbons that are created during the cooking process. To be safe, marinate your meat with antioxidant-rich rosemary and thyme for at least an hour prior to grill-time.
3. Drink caffeine daily. A British study in 2010 showed that those who drank at least 5 cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop brain, oral and throat cancer than their decaf counterparts. Not a coffee lover? Drinking tea can have a similar protective effect, though it’s not as potent.
4. Choose your outfits wisely. Skin cancer is arguably one of the most common forms of cancer. Of course it’s always important to cover up when going out into the sun, but did you know that the color you wear can help keep you safe as well? Research has shown that blue and red fabrics offer the most protection from U.V. rays, while white and yellow ones offer the least.
5. Pick an experienced doctor. Your best bet at beating the odds when it comes to developing or fighting cancer is choosing a doctor that’s well-known and knowledgeable. Studies have shown that choosing a doctor with at least 25 years of experience is key.
Established in 1909, Great South Bay Surgical Associates has been serving the community with the tradition of caring and quality for over 100 years. Every one of our surgeons has countless years of experience in the industry, performing open and minimally invasive general and oncological surgeries with precision.
For more information about our practice and the procedures that we offer, click here or call 631-321-6801.
Statistics show that up to 10% of the population will develop some type of hernia within their lifetime, causing over a half million hernia surgeries to be performed each year in the U.S. alone. If you are one of the many unfortunate victims of hernia damage, here’s everything you need to know about the condition.
What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when a piece of organ tissue pushes against or protrudes through a weak spot in another organ or tissue in the body. This causes a visible lump in the abdomen that can sometimes be accompanied with pain and swelling.
Are there different types?There are tons of different types of hernias that can occur in both men and women. From the pelvic floor and abdominal wall to the diaphragm, hernias can affect many different parts of the body in different ways. To see a full breakdown of the different types of hernias, click here to view our past blog post.
What causes a hernia to occur?
Hernias form from a weakened spot in the abdominal wall. These weakened spots in the tissue may be present at birth, but can also be formed over time due to aging, injury, surgical and medical procedures, family history, pregnancy, obesity and any type of activity or exercise that causes strain on the body.
How do I know if I have a hernia?
Some experience no physical symptoms except for a lump in the groin or abdomen, while others will feel pain or pressure when bending, coughing or sneezing. Hernias can also be accompanied by a heavy feeling in the groin or abdomen, pain when lifting heavy objects or while making a bowel movement, and pain towards the end of the day when a lot of standing or physical activity took place.
How is a hernia diagnosed?
A hernia is diagnosed by a physical examination from your physician. The doctor will look for obvious lumps and will feel the abdominal and groin area for those that are not so apparent. In some cases the doctor may order an ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan to determine whether or not a hernia is present and its severity.
How are hernias treated and repaired?
Depending on the severity of a hernia, it may be reducible or irreducible. Those that are reducible are sometimes treated with abdominal binding methods to correct the hernia and push it back into the body without surgery, while irreducible hernias almost always require surgery.
Are there ways to prevent hernias from occurring?
Though there is not much that can be done to prevent the abdominal wall from weakening, a person can reduce the amount of pressure on the abdomen wall. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating foods that are high in fiber, drinking plenty of water daily, strengthening your abdomen with exercise and lifting heavy objects correctly are all ways to help reduce your risk of developing a hernia.
If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous effects of a hernia, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801. Our surgeons are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hernia correction procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.
Hemorrhoids; everyone’s worst nightmare. With little warning, these swollen veins around the anus can cause extensive pain, bleeding and discomfort to an unsuspecting victim. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, know that there are some self-help steps that you can take to ease the pain and make bowel movements more bearable.
Increase your fiber intake. A fiber-rich diet can make all the difference. Try to eat foods that are high in fiber, like whole grains, or incorporate dietary fiber supplements into your daily routine.
Have some mineral oil. When mixed with your morning yogurt or afternoon applesauce, a tablespoon of mineral oil can help to lubricate your stool, allowing it slide past hemorrhoids more easily.
Don’t fight the feeling. The number one cause of straining is holding in a bowel movement. Whenever you feel the urge to go, go!
Elevate your feet. Resting your feet on a step-stool while on the toilet can help open the rectal passage, allowing bowels to move more freely.
Try some over-the-counter remedies. There are a ton of remedies out there, from soothing creams to witch hazel infused pads. Test some out to see what works best for you.
Take a dip in a sitz. Purchase a basin that fits right under the toilet seat and soak the inflamed area 2-to-3 times a day in warm water for 10-15 minute intervals.
Though there are many home remedies to help ease the discomfort that hemorrhoids create, the only true way to rectify a severe hemorrhoid issue is with surgery.
Luckily, the expert surgeons at Great South Bay Surgical Associate are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal procedures. From laser treatment and sclerotherapy, to rubber band ligation, our team is guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.
To learn more about our hemorrhoid removal procedures, click here or call 631-321-6801.
The formation of varicose and spider veins are unfortunately something that many people will have to come to terms with as their bodies age. Though they are similar and their terms are generally used interchangeably, varicose veins and spider veins are actually two distinctly different conditions. To help you better distinguish between the two, here’s a quick overview of the differences in appearance, origin and treatment for each vascular disorder.
Difference in Appearance: Though both vein irregularities are typically found on the legs, there are significant differences when it comes to visible symptoms.
- Varicose veins are the larger of the two and are often bulky and protruding from underneath the skin in a ropelike formation.
- Spider veins on the other hand are smaller, flatter and are typically visible just below the skin. They are linear like a spiderweb and blue or purple in color.
Difference in Cause: It’s true that each vein condition is caused by similar circumstances, but generally speaking their specific origins vary.
- Varicose veins generally develop as a result of inactive or improperly functioning valves within the circulatory system. Their thick, stretched out appearance is due to pooled blood within the vein that causes it to expand.
- Spider veins can form as a direct result of varicose vein formation. They can also indicate poor circulation within the legs.
Difference in Treatment: Though there are multiple vascular procedures available, both open and minimally invasive, some work better for one condition over the other.
- Varicose veins can be treated multiple different ways, depending on their severity. Though they can sometimes be treated with sclerotherapy, more aggressive open surgical procedures are sometimes necessary.
- Spider veins are easier to treat and can usually be eliminated with laser or sclerotherapy treatments programs.
At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we understand our patients’ needs for varicose vein removal, which is why we offer three types of treatments: Laser, sclerotherapy injections and inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement.
To learn more about our vascular surgery options, click here to view our past blog post, or call 631-321-6801 to schedule a consultation today.
Though researchers are still searching high and low for a cure and definitive cause for cancer, studies have been able to nail down a few great preventatives that may already be right in your fridge. That’s right! We’re talking about cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables. Experts agree that a daily dose of five-to-nine servings of fruits and veggies do the body good, especially when you incorporate these six foods into your meals:
Broccoli - In comparison to other cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, cabbage and kale, broccoli is the leader in sulforaphane content. That means it has the most cancer-kicking power, boosting protective enzymes and working to eliminate harmful chemicals from the body. When it comes to broccoli more is better, so incorporate this green treat any time you can.
Blackberries - A high concentration of phytochemicals called anthocyanins make blackberries a sweet treat and the perfect cancer preventative. These powerful phytochemicals work to slow the growth of tumors and prevent them from becoming malignant. So, snacking on a half-cup of blackberries can really make a difference.
Tomatoes - Sweet, juicy and full of lycopene! Tomatoes and their high concentration of lycopene can help you put a wall up against endometrial cancer, a disease that kills nearly 8,000 people each year. Cooking tomatoes enhances the effect that lycopene has on your body, so get that pasta sauce up on the stove!
Walnuts - Kick breast cancer’s butt with an ounce of walnuts a day. These simple snacks contain phytosterols that work to block the growth of breast cancer cells.
Garlic - ..Not just for vampires! While you’re cooking up some lycopene (aka: tomato sauce) chop up a clove of garlic and add it to the mix. The phytochemicals in garlic act as a deterrent for the formation of nitrosamines in the stomach that can potentially cause colon cancer.
Beans - Black and navy beans have been proven to prevent the development of colon and breast cancer. Consuming a half-cup of legumes a week can help increase your body's levels of butyrate, a fatty acid that works to prevent cancer growth.
Sticking to a healthy diet can help significantly lower your risk of developing cancer, so get to the supermarket and fill up on your favorite cancer-fighting snacks.
At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we pride ourselves in the multitude of services and procedures that we offer to our patients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Comprised of eight leading doctors in the surgical field, our team is committed to providing exceptional services by using state of the art technologies while upholding our traditional values of caring and quality.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.
Gastrointestinal Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus migrates within the body, affecting the GI tract. Though this condition is most common in women due to their monthly menstruation period, it is possible for men to be affected as well. Here’s all you need to know about GI Endometriosis, and how it is treated.
What causes endometriosis? Though it is unclear why exactly the endometriosis process occurs, endometriosis is usually brought on during female menstruation when the endometrium, or the outer uterine wall, sheds excess tissue. Sometimes this tissue migrates or becomes misplaced, causing growths or lesions to form in the bladder or bowels, leading to GI Endometriosis.
What are the symptoms and signs? Most women experience worsened pain during their menstrual periods. With GI Endometriosis it’s common to feel pain while sitting, passing gas, having a bowel movement or during sex. Many patients have mistaken this condition for appendicitis because of the similar symptoms.
According to Livestrong.com, “around 70-percent of endometriosis affects the lower part of the intestine, the large intestine, known as the colon, or the sigmoid colon.” Some other common symptoms of GI Endometriosis are rectal bleeding during menstruation, diarrhea or constipation.
How is is diagnosed and treated? The good new is that GI Endometriosis is both diagnosed and treated with a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, which means you’ll be feeling better in no time!
If you or someone you know is in need of corrective surgery for GI Endometriosis, the professional surgeons at Great South Bay Surgical Associates can help! We strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any colorectal or gastrointestinal issues you may face.
If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are having complications with your digestive tract that require surgery, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.
