Colorectal & Minimally Invasive Surgery

The primary symptom of GERD is heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid travels through the esophagus and stimulates nerve fibers. Heartburn is felt as a burning pain in the middle of the chest that can stretch from the abdomen to the neck and even extend into the back. Other more common symptoms of GERD may include regurgitation, a dry cough, nausea, trouble swallowing, ulcers, sore throat, burping, or hoarseness/change in voice.

The causes of GERD are unknown, but it is believed that the abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows liquid to pass back up to the esophagus, may contribute. Other risk factors for GERD may include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, medication use, scleroderma, hiatal hernia, and swallowing disorders/slow stomach emptying.

GERD is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but there are numerous treatment options available that may reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding lying down after eating and wearing loose-fitting clothing, can be effective in reducing symptoms. Medications are also helpful in reducing acid production or relieving the symptoms of GERD. A combination of medications that work to address different symptoms may help to relieve the symptoms of GERD.

Surgery may be recommended for those patients who do not respond to other forms of treatment. Nissen fundoplication is the standard treatment for GERD, but it is also known as reflux surgery. This procedure can repair complications of a hiatal hernia and tighten the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Surgical oncology involves treating, managing, and preventing various types of cancers. Dr. Harmouch has experience with lymph node biopsies, gastrointestinal tumor removal, fecal incontinence, and many other procedures to avoid the potential spread and further risk of the diagnosed disease. Dr. Maamoun Harmouch is committed to providing the highest standard of care by offering patients the most advanced, leading-edge surgical technology in Southeast Texas. Using the sophisticated robotic da Vinci Surgical System, Dr. Harmouch is able to perform complex, minimally invasive surgery, which provides 3D vision showing more details and helps avoid surrounding tissue to minimize and control bleeding resulting in better patient outcomes.

A hernia is a bulge that occurs through the muscles of the abdominal wall—it can be a bulging intestine or other organs, or even fat. Weakness in the muscle wall allows these bulges to push through. In adults, the most common types of hernia are inguinal and hiatal.

Hiatal hernias can cause reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, or vomiting. Inguinal hernias can cause the sensation of pressure or a dull ache that worsens over the course of the day or with strenuous activity. There may or may not be a visible bulge. Rarely may patients notice more intense pain or even obstructive symptoms such as nausea, emesis, or new constipation.

Robotic surgery is the use of a robotic platform as an instrument to perform minimally invasive surgery. It utilizes an advanced set of components that translate Dr. Maamoun Harmouch’s hand movements in real time to the bending, rotating, or other essential motions of the instruments.

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more and more popular due to the many benefits it offers patients. Some of these benefits include smaller incisions, faster recovery times, reduced pain, and scarring. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery also offers a higher accuracy rate compared to traditional open surgery.