How to Prepare for Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal

Gallbladder removal (or “laparoscopic cholecystectomy”) is one of the many commonly performed surgical procedures that patients undergo. Even though gallbladder removal is a minimally invasive type of surgery, there are still a few ways you will need to prepare:

Step 1. The first step involves blood work and a medical evaluation. Getting your blood drawn is necessary prior to surgery, as this can indicate to your surgeon that you may require special attention.

Step 2. Once your surgeon reviews your blood work and other medical documents, and goes over any risks and benefits, they will need to provide you with a letter of written consent for the procedure.

Step 3. Have a conversation with your doctor before the surgery. During this conversation, bring up any questions or concerns, as this can help to ease any anxiety you might have about the procedure.

Step 4. It’s important to stop any medications or blood thinners, such as Advil, the night before the operation unless your doctor suggests otherwise. The same also goes for food and water. However, if you must take medications, be sure to only swallow with a sip of water. 

Step 5. Learn about recovery. Although laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a minimally invasive procedure, it still helps to know what to expect after the operation. Not only is it important to know what steps you can take to feel 100 percent recovered, but it’s also essential to know what you can and cannot do afterwards.

If you have more questions about gallbladder removal, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide the best minimally invasive surgical solution for gallbladder removal. 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.

How to Shake the Pre-Surgery Jitters

Anytime you have to undergo a surgical procedure it’s completely normal to be nervous. In fact, there are millions of people out there that deal with hospital and surgical anxiety, so know that you’re not alone. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you deal with pre-surgery anxiety and calm your nerves before operation day:

Have faith in your surgical team. Choosing a surgeon can be nerve wracking in itself, since you need to find someone who you trust completely. Do your research and consult with as many surgeons as you have to until you find the right one. Then, allow yourself to trust them. Trust is the number one weapon when dealing with pre-surgery anxiety. You need to remind yourself that your doctor is an expert and be confident in his or her abilities.

Know the details and voice your concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your procedure. Knowing exactly what is going to happen and why will help you cope while you prepare for surgery. Many times the fear of the unknown can cause more stress, so ask and research away. Should you have any outstanding fears or concerns, speaking with your surgeon can be a big help.

Meditate and listen to music. Deep breathing exercises and other meditative activities can help relax the body and put your mind at ease. A daily dose of yoga is a great way to keep your mind and body centered, and out of “fight-or-flight” mode. Music is also incredibly powerful when it comes to calming nerves. In fact, according to FoxNews.com, “a study in the journal Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica found that people who listened to relaxing music right before surgery were more relaxed than those who opted for medication to calm their nerves.”

Plan for pre-and-post-surgery. Who will drive you and pick you up? What will you need to bring for your hospital stay? Who will handle your obligations while you recover? Making a plan puts you in control of the situation, which can help you keep calm. Enlist the support of your family members to help out and support you before, during and after surgery.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we understand that your nerves can sometimes get the best of your. That’s why we believe in fostering very personal, trusting relationship with all of our patients. Rest assured that when you choose one of our surgeons, you’ll be in the best, most capable and caring hands.

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.

Meet Dr. Sophia Fu!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we believe in serving our patients with the highest level of consideration and professionalism, which is our surgical team is made up of only the best and most skilled doctors in the field. Undergoing any sort of medical procedure, no matter the size, can be nerve-wracking.

To help settle those pre-procedure butterflies, we’ve developed a way for our patients to get to know our doctors a bit better - through our “meet the doctors” blog series!

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Sophia Fu, one of our top-notch surgical professionals!

Originally from right here on Long Island, Dr. Fu began her educational career at Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia University. At Barnard, Dr. Fu earned a degree in biochemistry with a concentration in pre-medical studies, graduating with prestigious cum laude honors.

As her concentration and current position as a member of the Great South Bay Surgical Associates team allude, Dr. Fu went on to pursue a degree in medicine after receiving her Bachelor of Science, studying at New York Medical College of Valhalla NY and SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn NY.

But that’s not all! During her time in medical school, Dr. Fu was very also actively researching pancreatic diseases, pursuing and earning a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University

Today, Dr. Fu is just one of our many experienced professional surgeons, specializing in general surgery with a focus in breast and laparoscopic procedures.

To learn more about how Dr. Fu can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

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.

Meet Dr. Edward Timmins!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we’re proud to have a team of superior surgeons who are leading doctors in their respective fields, with prestigious educational backgrounds from colleges, universities and surgical training programs throughout the country. These distinguished members of the medical field provide top notch healthcare service through the execution of high quality procedures for patients in need of open and minimally invasive general and vascular surgery.

We know the worry that most people face when they learn that they need a surgical procedure, which is why we’d like our patients to be able to know our doctors a little bit better beforehand. We want to ease your fears and help you find comfort in knowing that no matter the procedure, with the surgeons at Great South Bay Surgical Associates, you’re always in good hands!

With that being said, today we’d like to introduce you to another one of our surgical professionals, Dr. Edward Timmins!

Dr. Timmins grew up in Brooklyn NY and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon completion of his degree, the doctor returned to Long Island to pursue a degree in medicine at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) in Old Westbury NY and completed his surgical training at Nassau University Medical Center.

Following his residency, in 1998 Dr. Timmins joined forces with Great South Bay Surgical Associates, working hand-in hand with our extraordinary surgeons for more than 17 years. During his time with the practice, Dr. Timmins has developed an expertise in various types of general surgery, with a particular interest in hernia repair and minimally invasive surgery. As a board certified general surgeon, Dr. Timmins specializes in advanced laparoscopic surgery, dealing mainly with benign and malignant breast diseases, as well as gastrointestinal and abdominal related issues.

In addition to his prestigious hands-on medical background, Dr. Timmins also serves as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been president of the eastern Long Island chapter since 2010. He also serves as the Director of Performance Improvement for the trauma program, one of a select group of surgeons providing trauma care, at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.

To learn more about how Dr. Timmins can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

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.

Meet Dr. Michael Sacca!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we take pride in our exceptional level of quality healthcare services, provided by the best and most knowledgeable surgeons in the field. Our extraordinary team of doctors perform a multitude of open and minimally invasive procedures in general and vascular surgery. We understand the fear and discomfort that might result from learning that you have to have a procedure done, which is why we’ve developed our “Meet the Doctors” blog series. We want our patients to get to know our doctors before their surgery so that they can feel calm, comfortable and confident that they’re in the best hands.

So, today we’d like to introduce you to another one of our expert surgeons, Dr. Michael Sacca!

Dr. Sacca studied as an undergraduate student at Brown University before completing his medical school training at Albany Medical College. After receiving his degree from medical school in Albany, he returned home to Long Island to complete training in vascular surgery at Stony Brook University.

In 1998, Dr. Sacca became a valued member of the Great South Bay Surgical Associates team, where he has performed hundreds of surgeries over the past 17 years. The doctor’s training and dual board certification in both general and vascular surgery allows him to perform a variety of complex surgeries with ease and precision, including laparoscopic and open GI surgery as well as endovascular and open arterial reconstruction procedures. Dr. Sacca has also performed a number of minimally invasive varicose vein procedures in-office.

In addition to his role as a surgeon at Great South Bay Surgical Associates, the doctor is also the current Chairman of the Surgical Peer Review Committee at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, and holds a position as Associate Director of Vascular Surgery at Southside Hospital.

To learn more about how Dr. Sacca can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

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.

Varicose Veins: Causes and Risks

Varicose veins are unfortunately something that many of us face as our bodies age, and can be unsightly if left unmanaged. So what exactly are they? Varicose, or spider veins, form when veins become swollen and twisted, making them visible underneath the skin. Typically these veins form in the legs, but other parts of your body are susceptible as well.

What causes varicose veins to form?
Your veins work to pump blood throughout the body and back to the heart. When blood is pumped from your legs specifically, the veins must work double-time against the force of gravity to send the blood all the way up to your heart. Veins are made up of one-way valves that open to let blood flow through, but if these valves are weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins causing them to swell and create spider veins. Damaged or deformed valves can cause blood to flow backward as well, which causes the veins to bulge and swell.

Who is at risk for developing varicose veins?
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “many factors may raise your risk for varicose veins.” Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind and watch out for when it comes to varicose veins:

• Family History: If this condition runs in your family you’re more likely to develop varicose veins.
• Age: Since veins tend to weaken with age, the older you become, the more susceptible you are to having vein complications.
• Gender: Due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause and the like, women are generally more likely to develop spider veins than men.
• Weight: Obesity is a huge factor in vein related conditions because being overweight can cause extra strain on your veins.
• Physical Activity: As for most health conditions, a proven record of physical activity can help prevent this condition. Sitting or standing for a long time, especially with legs crossed or bent, can cause spider veins to form more rapidly.
• Leg Trauma: Blood clots or severe damage to your veins can cause weakening and make you more at risk for blood pooling and vein swelling.

How can Great South Bay Surgical Associates help?
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 click here to visit us on the web.

Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgeries We Perform

Your digestive tract is a complex system that can easily be disrupted by a number of diseases, a poor or insufficient diet, and even the presence of emotional stress. While some digestive problems can be remedied by taking prescription medicine and employing lifestyle changes, others require a surgical procedure to get things back on track. At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we perform procedures to treat many types of stomach, small intestine and appendix disorders, using both open and laparoscopic techniques.

Here are some of the gastrointestinal and colorectal procedures that we provide:

Colorectal Surgery: Colorectal Surgery is performed to treat disorders pertaining to the rectum, anus and colon. It can be performed using either laparoscopic or robotic da Vinci techniques. The da Vinci technique is similar to the traditional laparoscopic procedure and “features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist.” Some of the more common colorectal surgeries include laparoscopic colectomies, proctocolectomy and bowel diversion surgery.

Hemorrhoid Surgery and Laser Treatments: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus that can potentially cause extensive pain and bleeding. Although many cases of hemorrhoids are treatable with topical medications, it is recommended that large hemorrhoids be treated with surgery. In addition to the traditional methods of surgical hemorrhoidectomy, we also practice laser, rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy procedures.

Pelvic Floor Procedures: Your pelvic floor is a very complex layer and usually functions very well, but it can be damaged if too much stress is placed upon it. If damage does occur, these procedures can be done to treat pelvic and rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, and anal or rectal pain complications.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, 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.

Meet Dr. John Simon!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we believe in serving our patients with the highest level of consideration and professionalism. That’s why we hire only the best and most skilled surgeons in the field to perform our procedures. We know that it’s difficult to undergo any sort of medical procedure, big or small, which is why we want our patients to feel calm and comfortable with their doctor before, during and after the surgery.

With that in mind, today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. John Simon!

As a board certified surgeon, Dr. John Simon has been serving the community for over 25 years. He joined us at Great South Bay Surgical Associates in 1988, where he has practiced our tradition of care and precision for the past 27 years and counting. He is extremely skilled and committed to providing top notch surgical services to all of his patients.

In his time as a surgeon, Dr. Simon has performed thousands of procedures. He has successfully executed over 1000 colon surgeries, 1800 hernia repair procedures, and 1000 laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries. He has also performed a wide range of a open and minimally invasive abdominal procedures.

In addition to his position as a surgical doctor, he has also held many highly esteemed positions within the surgical field. Most notably, Dr. Simon served as a Department Chair in Surgery and a past President of the Suffolk County Medical Society. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is held in high regards as the president and founder of the Long Island Laparoscopy Society. Aside from his prestigious positions and demanding work schedule, Dr. Simon also finds time to serve as an adjunct clinical professor at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) and a clinical assistant professor at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

To learn more about how Dr. Simon can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

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.

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Here at Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we specialize in several types of laparoscopic surgery. So, what does that mean? Commonly called minimally invasive or keyhole surgery, laparoscopy is type of surgical procedure where the surgeon is able to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis through small incisions.

But, what if the surgical site is not directly in your belly? The beauty of a minimally invasive laparoscopy is that the surgeon will be able to feed small surgical instruments through the existing incision to reach the operational site. If you’re wondering how in the world surgeons are able to operate without being able to see the surgical site, the credit is due to a handy tool called a laparoscope. This is a small tube, equipped with a light source and camera, that’s weaved through the body displaying images of the patient’s insides on a television monitor for the surgeon to view. Amazing isn’t it?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of a laparoscopic procedure:

1. The patient receives a general anesthetic, which will allow them to sleep peacefully and painlessly through the procedure.

2. The surgeon makes small incisions around the patient’s belly button.

3. Carbon dioxide is pumped into the abdomen through the incision to allow for more room to work, and more visibility during the procedure. At this point, the laparoscope is inserted through the small tube as well.

4. The surgeon inserts the necessary instruments and carries out the operation.

5. After the procedure has been completed, the abdomen is relieved of excess gas and the small incisions are stitched up.

And there you have it! Just like that, the procedure is finished. The advantages of having a laparoscopic surgery include a shorter anticipated hospital stay, less postoperative pain and discomfort, minimal scarring and an expedited recovery time.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we want our patients to be completely comfortable knowing that they are in only the best, most knowledgeable hands of leading surgeons in the field. Hernia repairs, appendectomies and gallbladder surgeries are some of the many laparoscopic procedures that our doctors specialize in. For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.

About Us!

Established in 1909 by founding partner Dr. Charles Murphy, Great South Bay Surgical Associates and  Vascular Lab has been serving the community with the tradition of caring and quality for over 100 years.  For generations we have provided high quality services using state of the art technologies in general and vascular surgeries, both open and minimally invasive.

Our practice is comprised of eight outstanding doctors that double as directors, department chairs of surgery and chairmen of the Surgical Peer Review Committee at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, presidents and fellows of the American College of Surgeons and other elite medical societies, and hold various additional positions as innovative leaders within their fields.

These surgeons specialize in a variety of general, vascular and colorectal surgical procedures such as:

• Hernia Surgery
• Gallbladder and Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Hemorrhoid Surgery
• Pelvic Floor Procedures
• Laser Varicose Vein Surgery
• Sclerotherapy Injection Treatments
• Carotid Artery Surgery
• And more!

We also specialize in surgical oncology, covering areas including:

• Breast Cancer (Lumpectomy and Breast Reconstruction)
• Gastrointestinal Cancer (Stomach, Small Bowel, Colon and Rectal)
• Melanoma and Skin Cancer
• Sarcomas (Tumors of the Muscle)

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates and Vascular Lab, we understand our patients’ necessity for knowledgeable, friendly doctors that provide convenient procedures with effective results.  Choose us for all of your surgical needs and rest assured that you’ll always be in good hands - the best in the field!

For more information about the services we offer visit us on the web or give us a call directly at 631-321-6801.  Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to get up to date information and health tips!