The gall bladder is a hollow organ located just under the liver. Its function is to store bile and release it when stimulated by the intake of food. Bile is used by the body help us digest our food. 
Sometimes the concentrations of cholesterol and bile salts in the bile lead to formation of crystals, which can become sludge or stones (calculi).

Gastroesophageal reflux – sometimes called heartburn – occurs when stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing.

A hernia is a condition in which abdominal contents bulge through a weak area in the muscles. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called “inguinal,” because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin.

A hernia is a defect in the muscle lining of the abdomen that allows abdominal contents to bulge through. These defects may be congenital or at the site of a previous surgery. A ventral hernia is one that occurs on the front wall of the abdomen. A hernia in the belly button or an umbilical hernia is a type of a ventral hernia.

The colon or large bowel is the part of the intestine that transfers waste material from the small bowel to the rectum. Removal or resection of a portion of the colon (or the entire organ) can be indicated for infectious or inflammatory problems, such as complications of diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis, poor blood supply, bleeding lesions, polyps, and cancers.

The adrenal glands are small but important organs located just above the kidneys. They release hormones that regulate salt levels in the blood, the body’s response to stress, and blood pressure amongst other things. In addition, the adrenal glands make some of the sex hormones.

The spleen is a solid organ located in the left upper abdomen. It functions to remove old red blood cells and to assist the immune system in fighting infection.

While we do emphasize Laparoscopic surgery here at Surgical Consultants of San Antonio, Dr. Dana L. Reiss is a committed general surgeon and can perform open surgeries when needed. Patients who need treatments for abscesses, thyroid surgery, skin mass, and more, can make an appointment for a one-on-one consultation to discuss surgery and post-operative care. […]