Blog Archive

7 Signs You're Suffering from Acid Reflux Mar 1st, 2022

Heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but it sure feels like it. That’s because your esophagus is situated in your chest near your heart, so when stomach acid backflows into your esophagus, the location of the burning sensation can be confusing.  This acidic backflow can occur occasionally, after...

How to Avoid a Repeat Hernia Surgery Jan 1st, 2022

If you’ve had a hernia, you know the telltale symptoms, such as a visible lump in your abdomen or groin, pain and discomfort, heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. Although it’s not a life-threatening condition, you know it’s something you’d rather avoid going through again if possible. Unfortunately, hernias have...

How to Avoid Discomfort After Gallbladder Removal Dec 13th, 2021

Every time you digest a meal, you can thank your gallbladder. It’s only about four inches long, but it’s big enough to perform its very specific job — concentrating bile from your liver and releasing it into your small intestine to break down your food. When it malfunctions, becomes inflamed,...

Are You a Candidate for Acid Reflux Surgery? Sep 7th, 2021

You’re not alone if you suffer from the pain and misery of acid reflux. Between 18% and 28% of Americans have the chronic form of acid reflux, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For them, severe heartburn and other symptoms like a sore throat and difficulty swallowing become a part...

Increased Cancer Risk with Obesity Apr 6th, 2020

Did you know that in addition to increasing your risk of high blood pressure, Diabetes, and heart disease, obesity increases your risk of cancer? A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) of over one million obese patients, suggested that obese patients who did not...

7 Strategies to Prepare Yourself for Surgery Feb 11th, 2020

Regardless of how seemingly minor or serious a particular upcoming surgery may be, it’s normal to be a little anxious. You can allay some of your fears and set yourself up for a successful outcome by doing your homework ahead of time and using these 7 strategies to prepare for...

November Dates for Surgical Weight Loss Information Sessions Oct 8th, 2019

Please join us for a unique opportunity to meet Dr. Amanda Pysher, one of the skilled bariatric surgeons at Reston Hospital, and learn all about surgical weight loss.  Dates Tuesday, November 5, on Facebook Live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Follow the event details on Facebook.  Wednesday, November 13, at Reston...

How To Prevent A Hernia Oct 1st, 2019

In some cases preventing a hernia is out of our control, like a family history of hernias, having had a previous abdominal surgery, or simply muscle weakness from birth, but there are ways to lower your risk for triggering the development of one. What Causes a Hernia? To understand how...

Understanding the Stages of Colon Cancer Sep 2nd, 2019

Like most other cancers, colorectal cancer has clinical and surgical stages set by the American Joint Committee On Cancer. These stages outline and determine how serious the cancer is and how best to treat it, making the identification and understanding of the stages of colon cancer helpful not only for physicians,...

The Difference Between Laparoscopic and Robotic Hernia Surgery Repair Aug 4th, 2019

Although they may be a common health issue, hernias can be painful and cause disruption to your daily life. Because of that, people will often quickly seek treatment, often in the form of either laparoscopic or robotic hernia repair. But what exactly are the differences between the two? What’s A...

How Red and Processed Meats Can Increase Your Colorectal Cancer Risk by 20% Jul 8th, 2019

The old phrase “better safe than sorry” comes to mind when considering how red and processed meats can increase your colorectal cancer risk by 20%. Unfortunately, the latest statistics and studies seem to increasingly indicate that this statement is true. First, Consider Some Stats Colorectal cancer is the third leading...

How A Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair Works Jun 12th, 2019

Though similar, a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair works differently than an open hernia repair. It requires several tiny incisions versus one larger one to repair the hernia. A laparoscopic repair is a minimally invasive surgery which provides a faster recovery and less pain. A hernia will not go away by...

How Your Weight Can Influence the Formation of a Hernia May 14th, 2019

Most of us know that our weight can have a positive or negative impact in our lives. Being overweight, for example, brings with it a number of health issues including cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and an increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Formation of a Hernia Hernias occur when...

Common Hernia Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment for Them Apr 11th, 2019

A hernia is a noticeable bulge which can develop between the stomach and pelvis. It occurs when a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall allow organs to protrude, and a lump appears. This bulge is the most common symptom of a hernia. Occasionally, there is no pain or discomfort, but over...

Weighing The Pros and Cons of Losing Weight Mar 3rd, 2019

Yes, there are both pros and cons of losing weight. Shedding unwanted pounds certainly increases self esteem and aids in getting to a more healthy physical state, but what are the negatives? The positive consequences are overwhelming, but many have discovered that there may also be some negative consequences both emotional and...

How is GERD Related to Esophageal Cancer? Feb 1st, 2019

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated as GERD, is a common condition that involves stomach acid frequently flowing up into the esophagus. GERD can also cause other related conditions, such as Barrett’s esophagus, which is a condition that results in healthy esophageal tissue to become damaged to the point where it more...

What’s the Connection Between Exercise and Acid Reflux? Dec 21st, 2018

If you frequently suffer from acid reflux, you already know all about the uncomfortable pains and burning in your chest that come with this common condition. These symptoms normally occur when you consume something you know will bring them on, yet you proceed to scarf down that delicious food, deciding...

Hiatal Hernias And How To Spot Them Nov 28th, 2018

Spotting a hiatal hernia can be confusing since some of the symptoms mimic other conditions. The only way to know for sure is to note the symptoms and when they occur.  For a proper diagnosis, a full physical examination is always the best practice. What Is A Hiatal Hernia? In...

8 Factors That Increase Your Risk For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Nov 9th, 2018

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder that normally starts in early adulthood and affects 20% of the population, yet no one really knows what causes it. It’s perplexing for sure since we don’t not know exactly why someone experiences the symptoms, but we can learn about 8 factors that increase...

5 Surprising Truths About The Gallbladder Sep 26th, 2018

It’s hardly surprising that most people never even mention their gallbladder, or even know it’s there unless it gives them problems. Gallstones would be one of those problems, and they are quite painful. Our gallbladder helps us digest fatty foods, but we don’t really need it. While that certainly seems...

Could Your Baby Have an Umbilical Hernia? Aug 24th, 2018

There are many reasons as to why an individual can develop a hernia. Typically, hernia patients are of an older age, but certain types of hernias are actually more common in infants, such as an umbilical hernia. What is an Umbilical Hernia? An umbilical hernia is a bulge that protrudes...

How To Reduce The Risk Of Opioid Abuse After Surgery Jul 31st, 2018

It is no secret that opioid abuse and addiction is a growing problem in the U.S.  More than two million Americans abuse opioids today according the CDC, and 90 addicted patients die every day. Those numbers are staggering. Several recent studies have concluded that there are ways to control the...

Is It A Ventral Hernia? Jun 18th, 2018

A ventral hernia is sometimes referred to as an “incisional” hernia, meaning it forms at the site of a past surgical incision. This is true, but can be misleading since there are many other factors involved in why a ventral hernia occurs.   The fundamental cause of a ventral hernia is...

8 Silent Signs You Have A Hernia May 18th, 2018

Most of us think of a hernia as a visible bulge in the abdomen. This is certainly true, but there are other symptoms of a hernia that can present as something entirely different. Be cautious, and don’t ignore them or self-diagnose thinking your symptoms are insignificant. Some untreated hernias can...

Risk Factors And Causes For Inguinal Hernia Apr 19th, 2018

A Inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestines pushes through a weakened spot in the abdomen near the right or left inguinal canal. Men and women can both experience hernias, but it is much more common in the male population. The hernia can appear as a bulge at the groin or...

Preparing for Surgery Feb 22nd, 2018

There are many reasons to have surgery. Some operations can relieve or prevent pain. Others can reduce a symptom of a problem or improve some body function. Here are a few things you should know on how to prepare for an upcoming surgery.   Before Your Surgery Before your surgery, a...

Foods That Trigger Heartburn Jan 15th, 2018

Almost everyone has experienced pain and discomfort in your chest after eating certain foods, which is known as heartburn. Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid. In spite of the name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It usually creates a...

Are You Up-to-Date on Your Colorectal Cancer Screenings? Dec 14th, 2017

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Did you know that recommended screenings could prevent 60% of these deaths? People at increased risk because of a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or because they have inflammatory bowel disease or certain inherited conditions may be advised to start screening before age 50...

Exercises to Prevent a Hiatal Hernia Nov 14th, 2017

What is a Hiatal Hernia? A hiatal hernia is when the stomach presses into the chest cavity. Symptoms can vary widely. A hiatal hernia enters the esophagus and passes its way onto the stomach. Larger hernias may require surgery, but typical hiatal hernias can heal with exercises and stretches that can...

Diet After Colorectal Cancer Surgery Oct 17th, 2017

It’s common to have questions about diet after every surgery, especially after colorectal cancer surgery. A colectomy, which is commonly used to treat colon cancer, involves removing the part of the colon that’s affected. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidelines after colon cancer surgery.  Typically, Dr. Brett Sachse will recommend...

How Can I Prevent a Hernia? Sep 24th, 2017

What is a Hernia? A hernia occurs when the internal organs or fat tissue of the body squeeze through a weak spot or hole in the muscular wall. These typically occur in the abdomen, but they can also be found around the hips and pelvic floor.  The most common hernias include:...

Are Food Additives Linked to Colon Cancer? Sep 6th, 2017

Of the cancers that affect men and women in the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common. According to the most recent colorectal cancer statistics, over 139,992 Americans were diagnosed with the disease in 2014.  Research suggests that the prevalence of this common cancer may be due in part...

How Is Stress Affecting Your Health Jul 11th, 2017

Nearly everyone will experience some type of stress in their lives. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors including, work, money, health, family and a laundry list of other items that are often unavoidable. You may know that long periods of stress and anxiety can leave you feeling...

Colorectal Cancer Increasing in Younger People Jun 5th, 2017

Colorectal cancer is something that is typically thought to be an issue that only people aged 50 or older should worry about. While there has been a drop in the rate of new colon and rectal cancer diagnoses in those aged 50+, incidence rates are increasing for those under 50. Traditionally, routine colonoscopies...

Tips for Seniors to Stay Active Apr 17th, 2017

Staying healthy and getting moving is important at every stage of life, and especially for seniors. While it may seem difficult, it’s something that can be accomplished. After all, age is just a number, and a healthy and active lifestyle can be achieved despite the presence of disability, past injury or...

Colon Cancer Awareness Month Mar 8th, 2017

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the U.S. Approximately 140,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, and 50,000 die from it. Since 2000, March has been designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month with blue as its ribbon color. Each year, many organizations including...

World Cancer Day 2017 Feb 2nd, 2017

Cancer is the leading cause of death around the world. Every year, approximately 12.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million of them will die from the disease. For World Cancer Day in 2017, individuals and organizations are adopting the “We can. I can” approach to cancer. This means...

Holiday Hours Nov 20th, 2016

We will be observing the holidays on the following dates: Closed on 11/14/2016 Closed on 11/25/2016 Closed on 12/26/2016 Closed on 1/2/2017 Check back here for any updates to these days or hours, and Happy Holidays from Surgical Consultants of Northern Virginia!

How Smoking Affects Colorectal Health Nov 6th, 2016

Toxins and carcinogens in tobacco smoke are believed to damage DNA and tissues in the body over time which can cause an array of health issues. While most people know that smoking can have negative effects on your lungs, heart and other components of the respiratory system, many are unaware...

New Website Launch Aug 26th, 2016

We are proud to announce the launch of our new website!

What You Need to Know About Choosing Outpatient Facility Surgery Aug 9th, 2016

There are certain surgical procedures that may not be as invasive as others or they may have a shorter recovery time where you are up and walking around within hours. Often, these types of procedures are performed at an outpatient facility. These facilities specialize in certain types of procedures. When...

Recognizing a Gallbladder Attack Jul 11th, 2016

We’ve all experienced stomach pain and heartburn after over-indulging in unhealthy, greasy foods. Most of the time, this pain passes once the food has time to settle. But some people become so concerned about their symptoms that they end up going to the ER. More often than not, the diagnosis...

Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery May 9th, 2016

Your gallbladder is an organ that stores bile to help you digest fat. Sometimes the gallbladder can become inflamed, infected or blocked. If these ailments occur, Dr. Sachse may suggest minimally invasive gallbladder surgery. Process of Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery During minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, surgeons remove the gallbladder with precision...

Facts About Colorectal Cancer Apr 7th, 2016

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with more than 50,000 Americans dying from the cancer each year. Here are a few important facts to know about colorectal cancer: 1. Risk increases if you are more than 50 years old. More than 90 percent...

Is My Abdominal Pain a Concern? Jan 5th, 2016

Everyone experiences abdominal pain from time to time. It can be mild or severe, acute or chronic, and contagious or non-contagious. But, what do you do when it’s more severe than a stomachache or minor cramp? When to See Your Doctor About Abdominal Pain… Seek medical help immediately if: Your...

Everything You Need to Know About Appendicitis Nov 8th, 2015

Bad stomach pain? Nausea? Abdominal swelling? Though most people brush these symptoms off as a bad stomach ache, they can also be the symptoms of appendicitis, which should be taken seriously. Causes of Appendicitis Appendicitis is a medical emergency in which the appendix, a finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine,...

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Robotic Surgery Sep 1st, 2015

Surgical procedures have come a long way. Today surgery can be done with much more precision. Through robotic surgery, surgeons are now able to reach the minutest areas and increase their visual field. Through robotic arms, the surgery itself is clean and precise. Before you undergo robotic surgery, you should...