Frequently Asked Questions

Think of it like this: Traditional open surgery is like opening your entire hood to change a spark plug. Laparoscopic surgery is like reaching in through a small opening with specialized tools.

We use a high-definition camera and specialized instruments to perform the same procedure with far less trauma to your body.

For most abdominal conditions, laparoscopic surgery is actually safer than open surgery. Here's why:

• Smaller incisions = lower infection risk
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Faster recovery = less time for complications
• Reduced hospital stay = lower hospital-acquired infection risk

That said, not every case can be done laparoscopically. If your anatomy is complex or there are significant adhesions from previous surgeries, we may need to convert to open surgery mid-procedure. This is rare (less than 2% of cases) but always a possibility.

Bottom line: Laparoscopic is the gold standard for most abdominal surgeries when performed by experienced surgeons.

This is the most important question, and it depends entirely on your condition:

Conditions that often resolve with medication:

• Mild gastritis or acid reflux
• Early hemorrhoids
• Small kidney stones (under 5mm)
• Mild diverticulitis (first episode)

Conditions that usually require surgery:

• Symptomatic gallstones (pain, infection, jaundice)
• Most hernias (they don't heal on their own)
• Appendicitis
• Bowel obstructions
• Most cancers

Here's my philosophy: If surgery can be avoided safely, I'll tell you. I don't operate unnecessarily. But if delaying surgery means you'll end up in the ER at 2 AM with an emergency, I'll be honest about that too.

Every surgery carries risks. Honesty matters, so here they are:

Common (but usually minor):

• Temporary nausea from anesthesia (manageable with medication)
• Shoulder pain from laparoscopic gas (resolves in 24–48 hours)
• Mild incision site pain (controlled with oral medication)
• Fatigue for the first week

Rare but serious:

• Bleeding requiring transfusion (< 1%)
• Infection at incision sites (< 2%)
• Injury to nearby organs (< 0.5% in experienced hands)
• Blood clots in legs (prevented with early walking)

The truth: In my 10+ years and 1,000+ surgeries, serious complications are exceptionally rare. Most patients have textbook recoveries.

Absolutely — and I encourage it for major surgeries.

Getting multiple perspectives is smart medicine. If you're uncertain, consult another surgeon. Bring your reports, scans, and imaging. A good surgeon won't be offended; they'll respect your diligence.

If you're coming to me for a second opinion, bring:

• All medical records
• Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound reports + actual films/CDs)
• Previous doctor's treatment plan

I'll review everything and give you my honest assessment — even if that means agreeing with your first doctor or suggesting a non-surgical approach.

This is called "silent gallstones," and it's common.

The short answer: If you're truly asymptomatic (no pain, no digestive issues, no jaundice), we can often monitor rather than operate immediately.

But here's the nuance:

• About 20% of silent gallstones become symptomatic within 5 years
• Once symptoms start, they rarely go away on their own
• Emergency surgery (when stones cause infection or pancreatitis) is riskier than planned surgery

When I recommend surgery even without symptoms:

• You have diabetes (infection risk is higher)
• Your gallbladder wall is thickened (pre-cancerous changes)
• You have large stones (> 3cm, higher complication risk)
• You're planning pregnancy (gallstone attacks during pregnancy are complicated)

Gallstones don't go away on their own. They either stay quiet or cause problems. Here's what "problems" can look like:

Acute Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Infection):

• Severe pain lasting hours or days
• Fever and chills
• Requires emergency surgery (which is riskier than planned surgery)

Pancreatitis:

• Stone blocks the pancreatic duct
• Excruciating pain, vomiting, hospitalization
• Can be life-threatening

Jaundice (Bile Duct Obstruction):

• Stone escapes into bile duct
• Yellowing of skin/eyes
• Requires emergency intervention

The pattern I see: Patients who delay planned surgery often end up needing emergency surgery under worse conditions. Don't be that patient.

Yes — with a brief adjustment period.

Weeks 1–2: Stick to low-fat, easily digestible foods (rice, boiled vegetables, lean proteins, fruits).

Weeks 3–4: Gradually reintroduce normal foods. Listen to your body.

Month 2 onwards: Most patients eat completely normally with no restrictions.

A small percentage (5–10%) experience:

• Mild diarrhea after very fatty meals (usually temporary)
• Occasional bloating (manageable with dietary tweaks)

The majority (90%+): Eat whatever they want with zero issues. Many patients actually feel better because they're no longer living in fear of gallstone attacks.

Day 0 (Surgery Day): Groggy from anesthesia, mild soreness, walking short distances in recovery

Days 1–2: Manage pain with medication, walk around home, eat light foods

Days 3–4: Significantly better, most pain gone

Days 5–7: Back to desk work, light activities, driving (if off pain meds)

Week 2: Almost back to normal, can resume most activities

Week 6: Fully cleared for heavy lifting, gym, sports

No. Hernias are structural defects in your abdominal wall. They only get bigger over time.

What happens if I wait:

• The bulge gets larger
• Pain increases
• Risk of incarceration (bowel gets stuck in the hernia — surgical emergency)
• Risk of strangulation (blood supply cut off — life-threatening emergency)

Mesh is a medical-grade synthetic material (usually polypropylene) that acts as a scaffold to reinforce your weakened abdominal wall.

Is it safe? Yes. Modern surgical mesh has been used for decades with excellent safety profiles. Your body grows tissue over and through the mesh, creating permanent reinforcement.

Will I feel it? No. Within weeks, the mesh integrates with your tissue. The vast majority of patients forget it's there.

What about the lawsuits I've heard about? Those involved transvaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse — completely different product and application. Hernia mesh used in abdominal wall repair has a strong safety record.

Yes — and here's why this is so important:

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but only if we catch precancerous polyps early.

Recommended screening:

• Age 45+: Everyone should get a baseline colonoscopy
• Age 50+ with no findings: Repeat every 10 years
• Family history of colon cancer: Start screening 10 years before the youngest case in your family

I'll be honest: The prep is the worst part of the entire procedure.

What it involves:

• Clear liquid diet the day before
• Drinking a large volume of bowel-cleansing solution (PEG)
• Frequent bathroom trips (stay home, stay near a toilet)

Pro tips to make it easier:

• Chill the prep solution (tastes better cold)
• Drink through a straw (bypasses taste buds)
• Suck on lemon wedges between glasses
• Use flushable wipes (you'll thank me)

The good news: The actual procedure is easy. You're sedated, you feel nothing, and it's over in 20–30 minutes. The prep is one bad day for potentially life-saving information.

Two easy ways:

• Call directly: +91 99701 34179 or +91 95299 52700
• Walk-in during clinic hours (see website for locations/times)

Helpful:

• All previous medical records related to your condition
• Imaging CDs (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs)
• Blood test results from the last 6 months
• List of current medications (including supplements)
• List of questions you want answered

Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it.

Medical discussions can be overwhelming. Having a family member helps:

• They can ask questions you might forget
• They hear the same information (avoids miscommunication later)
• They provide emotional support