Gastrointestinal Surgery in Mumbai

Dr. Harsh Sheth is a well-known surgeon for bariatric surgery in Mumbai and a reputed laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeon, who is well trained in treating gastrointestinal disorders through medical treatment as well as GI surgeries.
Considered as one of the best gastroenterologist and bariatric surgeon in Mumbai,

Considered one of the best gastroenterologist in Mumbai, Dr. Harsh Sheth is available for consultation at Saifee hospital, Bhatia Hospital, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, and Apollo Spectra Hosptial, Tardeo in Mumbai.

Gastrointestinal disorders and treatment

Diseases in the stomach, esophagus (food pipe), small and/or large intestine, gall bladder, liver, pancreas, and rectum, as well as those concerning the abdominal wall (such as hernia’s) need to be treated by a gastrointestinal doctor.

Gastrointestinal disorders include gall bladder stones, appendicitis, reflux, gastric& duodenal ulcers, cancers of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder et al., liver cysts, liver abscesses, hernia, fistula, constipation, perineal abscesses, fissures, hemorrhoids, colitis, and so on.

The gastrointestinal doctor could prescribe medical treatment or surgical procedures based on the patient’s presentation, ability to tolerate surgical intervention, and the type and extent of the disease.

Types of gastrointestinal disorders –

  • In esophagus - esophagitis, stricture, achalasia cardia, cancer etc.
  • In stomach - gastric ulcers, gastritis, stomach cancer etc.
  • In esophagus & stomach – GERD - Gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia etc.
  • Gall Bladder - acute or chronic cholecystitis or any of its attendant complications, gall bladder cancers etc.
  • Liver - Hydatid Cyst of the Liver, Liver Cancer, Simple Liver Cyst, Liver abscess etc.
  • Pancreas –Acute and chronic pancreatitis, pseudocyst of the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic neuro-endocrine tumor etc.
  • Intestines -Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, colonic polyps and cancer, diverticulitis, intestinal ischemia, short bowel syndrome, malabsorption etc.
  • Rectum - Hemorrhoids, fissures, rectal prolapse, proctitis and other disorders of the rectum and anal canal.

Diagnosis

Gastroentrologist in Mumbai is available to guide and treat patients suffering from these disorders, After a thorough history taking and physical examination, he may need suggest further investigations as deemed appropriate such as,

Imaging modalities - X-rays, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT scans MRI, PET scans or other diagnostic modalities.

Diagnostic modalities - upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and diagnostic laparoscopy

Type of Gastrointestinal surgery

There are three types of gastrointestinal surgeries –

  • Foregut surgery - Foregut surgery is performed on the organs located on the upper tract of the digestive system, i.e., the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder.
  • Hindgut surgery -Hindgut surgery is performed on the organs located in the lower region of the digestive tract such as the small intestine, the colon and the rectum.
  • Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) surgery – Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) surgery is recommended to address the weakened muscles and tissues of the abdomen due to previous surgeries causing formation of abdominal wall (incisional/ventral) hernia.

These surgeries can be performed as an open surgery or using the laparoscopic approach. These days, the laparoscopic approach is preferred as it promises less trauma and a speedier recovery.

About Laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery -

Laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery is an advanced form of keyhole surgery that involves small cuts or incisions over the abdomen. The length of these cuts is between 5 mm to 12 mm or alternatively a single 1.5-2 cm single cut in the navel to perform what is known as Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) or scar less surgery.

A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a tiny camera attached to its tip, which is inserted in one of the cuts. Through the laparoscope, the surgeon can view the surgical area and operate through the other cuts.

Types of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery:

  • Laparoscopic hindgut surgeryLaparoscopic hindgut surgery - Laparoscopic hindgut surgery is recommended for various conditions such as diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rectal prolapse, Crohn's disease, and cancer in the colon, appendix, rectum or anal canal. It is likely that in case of select conditions, the patient may require an external opening (known as stoma) of the small or large intestine on the skin for better healing, which is reversed in 4 – 6 weeks. Patients who have avery low rectal cancer have to stay put with a stoma permanently. Dr. Harsh Sheth and his team perform colorectal procedures routinely with emphasis on safety and faster recovery. Anorectal surgery -Patients suffering from chronic constipation, bleeding and/or pain while passing stools are suggested to go for anorectal surgeries. After examination, the patient may be recommended surgery for fissure-in-ano, piles, fistula-in-ano and related conditions.
  • Laparoscopic foregut surgeryLaparoscopic foregut surgery: Laparoscopic foregut surgery is recommended to treat mainly GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease), para-esophageal hernia, and achalasia cardia along with other foregut diseases. The procedure performed for GERD and hiatus herniais laparoscopic fundoplication and for Achalasia cardia islaparoscopic cardiomyotomy. Other illnesses such as esophageal cancers, stomach cancers etc. can also be treated by the laparoscopic approach. Apart from medical evaluation, the gastrointestinal surgeon will suggest additional diagnostic tests such as esophago-gastro-endoscopy, manometry, 24-hour pH study, and barium swallow to name a few of them. The results of these tests are helpful to ascertain the extent of the disorder and which surgical procedure to perform. Dr. Harsh Sheth,best gastroentologist in Mumbai is an expert at treating all these types of diseases by the keyhole (laparoscopic) approach.
  • Abdominal wall reconstructionLaparoscopic Adrenalectomy -Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is recommended to remove the adrenal glands, if they are detected with pheochromocytoma and adenomas (tumors). The size of the tumor could be between one cm and eight cm.
    This procedure has to be performed by a well-versed team of GI surgeons and endocrinologists, and anesthetists as there is a high risk of erratic blood pressure levels during the procedure. Dr. Harsh Sheth and his team are well versed with such procedures and can ensure a safe and smooth experience with this surgery.
  • Laparoscopic gall bladder surgeryLaparoscopic gall bladder surgery and surgery for other biliary diseases: Gallstone diseases such as stones in the gall bladder, rupture of the gall bladder, stones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis), infection (empyema), choledochal cysts, and treatment of bile duct injuries can be resolved through laparoscopic gall bladder surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the stones in the gallbladder is one of the most commonly performed surgeries globally and is preferred over an open surgery to remove stones from the gall bladder. Dr. Harsh Sheth has performed a large number of laparoscopic and single incision laparoscopic gall bladder surgeries with excellent results
  • Laparoscopic liver surgeryLaparoscopic liver surgery - Laparoscopic liver surgery can be performed in patients with cystic liver conditions, including simple cyst or treating tumors in the liver such as hemangioma, sarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma hydatid cyst liver condition. Dr. Harsh Sheth and his team are one of the few centers in the country that perform these surgeries by the keyhole approach (laparoscopically).
  • Laparoscopic surgery for appendicitisLaparoscopic surgery for appendicitis- Laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis is performed to remove the inflamed appendix. Patients suffering from appendicitis complain of pain in the right lower area of the abdomen and fever and vomiting. However, people with severe appendicitis require an extensive procedure depending upon the medical condition of the patient. Dr. Harsh Sheth is an expert at laparoscopic appendicectomies, as also single incision laparoscopic surgeries for appendicectomies.
  • Laparoscopic SplenectomyLaparoscopic Splenectomy -Laparoscopic splenectomy is recommended to treat blood-related disorders such as hereditary spherocytosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, tumors, and conditions such as hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension. As a precautionary measure, the patient is immunized with pneumococcal, influenza, and meningococcal vaccine to prevent overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). It is important to consult the doctor in case the patient develops fever after the splenectomy procedure. The main advantage of laparoscopic splenectomy is that it is less painful and promises an early recovery period and minimal scarring. Dr. Harsh Sheth a practicing gastroentrologist in Mumbai and his team are well trained to perform this procedure with a high success rate.
  • Laparoscopic abdominal wall hernia surgeryLaparoscopic abdominal wall hernia surgery - abdominal wall reconstruction -AWR - An abdominal wall hernia occurs due to a tear or weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is noticed as a swelling or bulge over the abdominal wall. The most common abdominal wall hernias are umbilical hernia in the navel, inguinal hernia in the groin, or incisional hernia over previous surgical scars. Hernia can be painless or painful with/without swelling and discomfort. However, surgery is the only way to treat a hernia. Untreated hernia can lead to complications such as obstruction (intestines get stuck in the hernia) or strangulation (intestines get stuck in the hernia for a prolonged period of time resulting in ischemia of the intestines) and requires treatment by emergency surgery.
  • Laparoscopic Pancreatic surgeryLaparoscopic Pancreatic surgery -Laparoscopic Pancreatic surgery is recommended to treat select pancreatic diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, benign tumors in the pancreas, cancerous growth, or cysts in the pancreas. The severity of the disorders in the pancreas determines whether a laparoscopic procedure is advisable or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

1When should the patient approach a surgical gastroenterologist?
The patient should visit a surgical gastroenterologist in case of abdominal pain, difficulty in swallowing, and unexplained blood in the stool. If the patient is above 50 years of age, then it is advisable to undergo a checkup for colon cancer and its preventive measure as a routine procedure.
2Which GI disorders can a gastroenterologist treat?
As gastroentrologist in Mumbai, Dr Harsh Sheth is qualified to treat GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, liver disorders, pancreatitis, colon cancer, fissures, and hepatitis conditions, and so on.
3What is abdominal wall reconstruction?
Abdominal wall reconstruction repairs the issues in the abdominal wall. The surgeon will treat open wounds in the abdominal walls, restructure the damaged tissues, and strengthen the integrity of the abdominal muscles.
4In which conditions, it is advisable to perform abdominal wall reconstruction surgery?
This procedure is recommended for patients with an incisional hernia or recurring hernias. Also, it is advised in the cases of infection post-surgery or wound after a hernia repair.
5Why are laparoscopic GI surgeries preferred over open GI surgeries?
Laparoscopic GI surgeries are procedures that seek the assistance of tiny video cameras during surgery for accuracy. They require small incisions resulting in less pain, blood loss, and quick recovery. On the other hand, open GI surgeries use conventional surgical procedures. The size of the scar and blood loss depends upon the condition of the patient. It does mean more blood loss, more trauma, and a longer recovery period. However, laparoscopic surgeries do have certain limitations and cannot be performed for patients with severe heart or lung disease and in those who may not easily tolerate general anesthesia.
6In which conditions is a laparoscopic splenectomy suggested?
If the patient suffers from auto-immune thrombocytopenia purpura, hemolytic anemia, genetic conditions such as spherocytosis, sickle cell disease or thalassemia, malignancy due to cancer of the cells, then the GI surgeon recommends laparoscopic splenectomy.
7Is laparoscopic surgery risk-free?
If performed by a competent laparoscopic surgeon with adequate training in laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgeries are safe, albeit not ‘risk-free’. Every surgery can have its fair share of complications, and laparoscopic surgery is no exception. Complications can include, cardiac and lung compromise due to insufflation of carbon dioxide in the abdomen to perform the procedure, injury to vital structures while placing the ports inside the abdomen to perform the procedure etc. However, these mishaps can be avoided in the hands of a well-trained laparoscopic surgeon.