Obesity
Eating habits form early.
See More
Colon Conditions
We use laparoscopic surgery to treat a number of different colon conditions, including Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and colorectal cancer. The symptoms associated with most of these conditions will not go away on their own and require surgery in order to correct. Compared to traditional open surgery, undergoing a procedure using minimally invasive methods generally leads to better patient outcomes, as well as significantly reduced recovery times and less pain.
See More
Hernia
A hernia occurs when a section of the abdominal wall becomes weakened and internal organs begin to push through. This can be a very painful experience for many patients. Hernias will not go away on their own and in certain cases, can cause severe health problems. Most patients that have been recommended for hernia surgery are candidates for a laparoscopic procedure. Minimally invasive techniques have many advantages over traditional open surgeries, and can provide a wealth of benefits for the right hernia patients.
See More
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease causes chronic inflammation of sections of the gastrointestinal tract, impairing its ability to function properly. In advanced or complex cases, or when complications arise (intestinal bleeding or blockage), surgery is necessary. The surgeons at the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York have been performing minimally invasive colon resections for years and their focus is on reducing pain and promoting rapid recovery so that the patient can return to work and regular activities with minimal postoperative complications.
See More
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease involving the inflammation and ulceration of the colon, or large intestine. Symptoms usually arise slowly, rather than suddenly. Sufferers often report feeling abdominal discomfort, and can experience bleeding, diarrhea, or pain when using the bathroom. While there is no definitive cure, some patients turn to surgery for much needed relief from symptoms, and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
See More
Restorative Proctocolectomy
A restorative proctocolectomy is a surgical technique that can retain or restore the function of the anus, allowing patients to pass stool voluntarily. Also known as a ileo-anal pouch, a restorative proctocolectomy is essentially a surgically-constructed reservoir between your small intestine and anus. Patients are those who have had their colon removed, whether due to ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, or other conditions. This advanced surgery can eliminate the need to wear a bag to collect stool, freeing the patient to live life on their own terms.
GastroIntestinal Malignancies
Our practice can give hope to patients with a broad range of gastrointestinal malignancies, including, but not limited to the colon, stomach, small bowel, pancreas, liver, and abdomen. As a renowned surgical team with a variety of specialties, we have the depth and scope of experience to deliver an exceptional surgery. We put ourselves on the line every day to ensure that our patients have the best possible experience with us that culminates in outstanding outcomes and an enhanced quality of life.
Liver Tumors
Patients suffering from cancer of the liver often need to have the tumors removed or thermally destroyed. Certain benign tumors may also require surgery. Due to the many blood vessels that pass through the organ, surgery performed on the liver can be a very complex and difficult procedure. Our surgeons have years of experience performing laparoscopic liver surgery, resulting in minimal patient discomfort and a shorter recovery. Similar to other laparoscopic procedures, patients can generally expect better outcomes with a reduced risk of complications.
See More
Achalasia
Achalasia is a condition characterized by uncoordinated muscle movements of the esophagus. In sufferers of the condition, the muscle that joins the lower portion of the esophagus to the stomach fails to relax while eating, causing difficulty swallowing. This can lead to many adverse health concerns including weight loss, heartburn, and pneumonia. The experienced surgical team at our practice treats achalasia by performing a laparoscopic procedure to decrease the pressure on the lower esophageal muscle and facilitate swallowing.
See More
Groin Pain
Groin pain can refer to any feelings of pain or discomfort in the upper thighs to lower abdominal area. All too often, unnecessary surgeries are performed to alleviate symptoms associated with groin pain without actually resolving the problem. The causes of groin pain can be due to hernia, sports injuries, endometriosis, appendicitis, or a number of other conditions. Our doctors perform precise diagnostic tests to determine the real cause of your discomfort, and formulate an effective, individualized treatment plan for each patient.
GI Bleeding
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can be a symptom of many disorders of the upper and lower GI tract. The amount of bleeding can range from so little that it can only be detected by lab tests to severe. If left untreated, severe GI bleeding can result in a life threatening loss of blood. Our doctors will perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the bleeding and shape the most appropriate course of action to treat the condition. If the condition requires a surgical correction, our doctors can perform most GI procedures using minimally invasive techniques.
Diverticulitis
Diverticula are bulging pouches that form on the digestive system's lining, most often the large intestine. Although they are common in older adults, when diverticula become infected, the condition is known as diverticulitis. When diverticula become inflamed, it can cause pain and other symptoms. If changes in diet do not alleviate symptoms, surgical removal of the diverticula may be required. Our doctors are experienced in performing this procedure with minimally invasive techniques, which lead to improved patient outcomes compared to open surgery.
See More
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder affecting the lower muscle of the esophagus. When it is functioning properly, this muscle will close immediately after swallowing. In patients who suffer from GERD, stomach acids will travel back into the esophagus, causing pain and inflammation of the esophageal lining. When medications and changes in diet and lifestyle fail to alleviate these symptoms, it may be time to consider surgery. Our doctors have been performing minimally invasive procedures to correct GERD for years and have developed the specialized skills that make them leaders in the field.
See More
Gallstones
Gallstones are small, hard masses composed of bile, fatty deposits, and calcium that sometimes form in the gallbladder. These deposits can block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, causing swelling, sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, fever, or jaundice. The only permanent treatment available for gallstones is
See More
Ulcer Disease
An ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine caused by a bacterial infection, excessive alcohol consumption, or the overuse of over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Smoking, caffeine, and stress have also been found to exacerbate symptoms. Complications can occur when ulcers become perforated, cause an obstruction, or bleed profusely. When complications arise, a surgical intervention is often necessary. Our experienced surgeons perform ulcer surgeries laparoscopically to quickly restore the patient's health. As minimally invasive procedures are becoming more common for ulcer treatment, patients should choose highly trained, experienced surgeons.
Peutz-Jegher Syndrome
Surgery is frequently required for patients with this genetically inherited condition of small intestinal polyps. The polyps may lead to Intussusception or Bowel Obstruction. In Peutz-Jegher patients with abdominal pain, intussusception is a very common cause of the pain. There are usually multiple polyps.
Dr. Lester B. Katz has done many laparoscopic removals of these polyps and is considered a world expert on this. When indicated, Dr. Katz works very closely with a world-renowned gastroenterology specialist to assist with endoscopic removal of multiple polyps. Combined, both laparoscopy and endoscopy help attempt to make the patient polyp free and reduce the incidence of intussusception and the possibility of requiring an intestinal resection.
Please contact Dr. Lester Katz ((212) 879-6677) if you have this condition and wish to discuss your situation further.
See More
