Gallstones are typically formed in the gallbladder and are classified as cholesterol or pigment stones. For the most part, asymptomatic gallstones do not require surgery. However, when patients have symptomatic gallstones surgery is often advised. A typical gallbladder attack involves upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and perhaps some back pain. Ultrasound, CT scan, HIDA scan or MRI (MRCP) may be used to confirm the diagnosis. The surgery is normally performed laparoscopically, with most patients going home the day of surgery or the following day.

A hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall where there shouldn’t be one. Common areas are in the groin (inguinal or femoral), at the belly button (umbilical), ventral and incisional (from prior surgeries). Although there may be circumstances when hernias are treated non-operatively most hernias are repaired surgically. The reason for this is that there is a risk of a loop of intestine becoming incarcerated in the hole and this might lead to strangulation. The majority of hernias are repaired with mesh (a screen like material) which minimizes the risk of recurrence. Some hernias may be best repaired in a conventional (open) technique whilst others may be better served with a laparoscopic technique. With advent of the robot we are increasinly able to perform complex repairs  The majority of patients will go home the same day following a hernia repair.

Peritoneal Dialysis can be a good alternative to hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis works by instilling fluid into the abdomen and then draining the fluid, which contains toxins, out a later time. The procedure involves inserting a small tube into the abdomen. This is done as an outpatient procedure. Once functioning, patients can perform peritoneal dialysis at home thus avoiding going to a dialysis center, on their own schedule and avoiding needle sticks.

Today a lot of procedures can performed in a minimally invasive fashion. These operations are being performed laparoscopically and robotically. With the robot we are now able to perform complex abdominal wall hernia repairs that previously would not have been possible from a minimally invasive technique. This means smaller incisions are used with potentially less post-op pain, faster recovery and better cosmetic results. Examples of procedures that are now routinely performed using a minimally invasive surgery
techniques are gallbladder, hernia, incisional hernia. Dr. Agolini has expertise in all of these procedures