For Caitlin Peterson of Knoxville, 32, eating had become nearly impossible last year. She suffered from severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and threw up every day.

Caitlin can now eat normally after Dr. Michael Antiporda treated her with robotic-assisted GERD surgery.

“I lost almost 90 pounds,” she said. “I was vomiting multiple times a day and my body was rejecting meat. I was pretty much eating pizza and ice cream and that was it,” said Peterson. “It was not an eating disorder. People could see I was physically trying to eat, and it would come back up.”

Peterson’s GERD was caused by a severe hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the opening (called the hiatus) in the diaphragm, a large muscle that separates the abdomen and chest cavities.

A small hiatal hernia isn’t usually a problem, but a large one can let food flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn, reflux, vomiting and chest pain.

“I had the hernia and a lot of reflux for over 10 years, but it had always been smaller,” said Peterson. With time and the usual strains of life from coughing, having a bowel movement or vomiting, it had enlarged. “Also, I have always thrown up a lot. I learned at a young age how to deal with it. I always know where the bathrooms are,” she said.

Anxious for relief, in March 2023 Peterson went to see Premier Surgical general surgeon Michael Antiporda,  MD, who is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive esophageal and stomach surgery. He conducted several tests to confirm her diagnosis of hiatal hernia and GERD, and evaluate the overall function of her esophagus and stomach. The tests also helped him determine the best anti-reflux operation for her particular case.

Dr. Michael Antiporda, Foregut Surgeon

“I’m glad I went through the testing because it led to a different type of surgery,” Peterson said. “I had the TIF procedure. I’m an IT manager, so I love the idea of having a type of surgery that’s the latest and greatest in technology.”

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a reconstruction of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus using an endoscope and without extra incisions. The procedure is done through the mouth and esophagus. The top tissues of the stomach (the fundus) are used to re-create a valve by folding the tissue over and essentially wrapping it around the esophagus in a uniform and ideal fashion.

At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Dr. Antiporda used a state-of the-art robotic surgical suite to perform Peterson’s surgery.

While viewing 3D, high-resolution images on a computer screen, Dr. Antiporda used micro-surgical instruments powered by robotic arm technology. “For Caitlin, we took advantage of the most technologically advanced procedures available,” he said. “We were able to conduct a minimally invasive procedure to construct an anti-reflux valve for her that is more uniform and better able to consistently stop her reflux.”

Peterson spent one night at the hospital and went back to her work-from home job as an IT project manager after just one day off work.

“My experience at Fort Sanders Regional was great,” she said. “Everyone was very nice. They want you to feel comfortable. My dad took me to the hospital, and he couldn’t believe how fast it all was.”

Recovery involved a month of liquid foods before Peterson could swallow well again. She also had a follow-up noninvasive procedure in July to adjust the tightness of her new valve, a step that is occasionally performed after definitive anti-reflux surgery.

“Ever since then everything’s been perfect,” she said. “I’ve gained 15 pounds back. I feel like I have more energy, and I’ve got a good sleep schedule now. It definitely has affected my life! I’m not afraid to go out to eat because I might get sick. I’m not afraid to do a long road trip.”

Dr. Antiporda stressed that persistent GERD should always be evaluated thoroughly. “The most important thing is to meet with a specialist with extensive experience treating conditions of the esophagus or stomach, either a gastroenterologist or a foregut surgeon, because treatment can be complex,” he said. (A foregut surgeon specializes in the anterior part of the digestive tract.)

“There are options besides pills that are extremely effective for treating GERD. If we don’t treat it, reflux can increase the chances of esophageal cancer. There are many options for such treatments at Fort Sanders Regional.”

Peterson said she would recommend Fort Sanders Regional and Dr. Antiporda to anyone who needs a similar surgery. “He spends time with you. He truly cares for his patients.

“I’m very “I’m very happy with everything Dr. Antiporda did for me, and everyone at Fort Sanders Regional was super nice. It was great care. Now I’m able to eat anything I want, as often as I want!”

For more information about surgical options for treating GERD, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/specialties/acid-reflux-relief/ Dr. Michael Antiporda specializes in GERD and fore-gut surgery. He is located at the Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional office in Knoxville.To request an appointment with Dr. Antiporda call (865) 524-3695 or visit: https://www.premiersurgical.com/fort-sanders-appointment-request/

The post No More Reflux: Knox Woman’s GERD Relieved by Robotic-assisted Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

“When I decided to become a general surgeon, my dream was to move back home and work with my father,” smiles Cutshall. “I’m excited to finally be here.”

His father, Kenneth Cutshall, MD, FACS, has been a general surgeon in Johnson City for nearly 3 decades. He also teaches young surgical residents and medical students as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Quillen College of Medicine.

Cutshall says growing up with a surgeon dad influenced him to pursue a career in medicine.  “It was definitely a driving factor. I would visit my dad’s office as a kid and remember him genuinely enjoying his work. In college I studied biology on a pre-med track and really found an interest in it.”

During medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, Cutshall was drawn to surgery. “I enjoy being hands on and love anatomy. During my surgical rotations, no matter how tired I was, I always looked forward to getting in the operating room and learning how to care for surgical patients.”

Throughout residency, Cutshall broached the subject of joining his father’s practice and decided to join the Premier Surgical Lawson Group office with his father after graduating.

“He was ecstatic!” says Cutshall. “He never pressured me to make any career choices I didn’t want, and he was very excited I decided to come back to join his practice.”

As young Dr. Cutshall settles into his new practice in Johnson City, he wants patients to know that his goal is always to be honest with his patients.

“My philosophy is to be completely honest and transparent with patient care, so my patients can understand their illness and the available treatment options well enough to guide their own care. Although there are no guarantees in medicine, I want to provide the best care possible for my patients, and I want them to feel good about their care.

Cutshall, who is fluent in Spanish, hopes to eventually share his medical knowledge and skills with underserved patients in other parts of the world. “My goal is to get involved with global outreach and partner with surgeons in underdeveloped countries to provide equipment and transfer knowledge about the newest techniques and treatments.”

In his rare spare time, Cutshall enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two young children visiting parks, lakes, and hiking.

General Surgeon Dr. Michael Cutshall is now accepting new patients at the Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City. To request an appointment with Dr. Cutshall, please call (423) 975-5650.

The post Meet Dr. Michael Cutshall first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids – a term that can evoke a sense of discomfort just by its mere mention. They’re a common health issue that millions of people deal with at some point in their lives. However, due to the stigma and embarrassment associated with this condition, many individuals lack the necessary knowledge about hemorrhoids. This lack of awareness can sometimes lead to a delay in treatment, thereby complicating the condition. In this article, the team at Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Knoxville, TN, aims to help you understand hemorrhoids, their causes, symptoms, and various treatment options.

What are Hemorrhoids? 

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. They can either be internal, occurring inside the rectum, or external, developing under the skin around the anus.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids:

• Straining during bowel movements: This is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. Continuous straining puts pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to swelling.
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea: These conditions can result in increased straining during bowel movements, promoting the development of hemorrhoids.
• Age: Hemorrhoids are more common in individuals who are aged 45 and older due to the weakening of the tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids due to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the rectal veins.
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle: These factors increase the risk of hemorrhoids due to the additional pressure on the pelvic veins.

 Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can manifest a range of symptoms. These can include: 

• Itching or irritation in your anal region
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling around your anus
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• A lump near your anus, which may be sensitive or painful

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

Thankfully, hemorrhoids are generally not serious and are treatable. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. For milder cases, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and over-the-counter remedies can effectively treat hemorrhoids. This can include high-fiber diets, increased water intake, regular exercise, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. 

However, for persistent or more severe cases medical treatment such as Infrared Coagulation may be recommended for long term relief. 

Infrared Coagulation (IRC): This non-invasive procedure uses infrared light to cause small, bleeding, internal hemorrhoids to harden and shrivel. The Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center specializes in IRC. It is effective in eliminating more than 90 percent of troublesome hemorrhoids. IRC is covered by most insurance plans.

We are the only dedicated hemorrhoid treatment center in the southeastern region.  Our skilled and compassionate professionals prioritize your comfort and privacy, offering top-notch treatment options, including the minimally invasive IRC method. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, don’t let discomfort or embarrassment hold you back from seeking help. Contact our Confidential Hemorrhoid Hotline at (865) 588-9952 or submit our PREMIER HEMORRHOID CENTER APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards eliminating your hemorrhoids for good.

With our help, you can regain your comfort and peace of mind. Remember, there’s no shame in having hemorrhoids, but there’s a great deal of victory in overcoming them!

The post Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Understanding the Differences Between Gallbladder Disease and Acid Reflux

When it comes to abdominal discomfort, two terms often come to mind – gallbladder issues and acid reflux. At Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN, we understand that distinguishing between these two can be tricky as they share similar symptoms. In our mission to educate and empower our patients, we’re diving deep into this subject to explain the differences between gallbladder problems and acid reflux.

What is Gallbladder Disease?

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath your liver, responsible for storing bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallbladder diseases are primarily characterized by gallstones, tiny hardened deposits that can cause blockages and inflammation.

Symptoms often include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally fever or chills. This pain is usually felt in the upper right section of the abdomen and may radiate to the right shoulder or back.

What is Acid Reflux? 

Acid reflux, medically termed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining. It’s marked by a burning discomfort, known as heartburn, typically felt behind the breastbone.

The symptoms often worsen after eating, bending over, or lying down. Other common symptoms include a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth, frequent belching, and sometimes chronic cough or laryngitis.

Key Differences Between Gallbladder and Acid Reflux

Although gallbladder disease and acid reflux may present with similar symptoms, especially upper abdominal pain, they have distinct differences.

Location of Discomfort: While gallbladder pain is typically concentrated in the upper right abdomen and may radiate to the back or right shoulder, acid reflux causes discomfort in the middle of the chest, often radiating up towards the throat.

Triggers: Gallbladder pain often occurs after a fatty meal and may wake you up at night. On the other hand, acid reflux symptoms are often aggravated by specific food and drinks such as citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee, spicy or fatty food, and alcohol.

Other Symptoms: Acid reflux may also cause a sour taste in the mouth, frequent belching, or even a chronic cough. These symptoms are less common with gallbladder disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis of these conditions involves different methods. For gallbladder issues, an ultrasound or a HIDA scan is often employed, while acid reflux is usually diagnosed using an upper endoscopy or a 24-hour pH monitoring test. The treatment plans for these two conditions also differ significantly.

Get Expert Care at Premier

While gallbladder disease and acid reflux can cause significant discomfort, understanding their differences can assist you in seeking the right treatment. It’s always best to consult with healthcare professionals if you experience persistent symptoms of either condition. At Premier Surgical, our team of surgeons are experienced in the surgical treatment of gallbladder issues and acid reflux. Contact us today to request an appointment with one of our physicians.

The post Understanding the Differences Between Gallbladder Disease and Acid Reflux first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Patricia “Patsy” Hill, 81, says age is just a number and “you’re only as old as you feel.” Hill has lived a rich life and enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After having surgery to remove a cancerous mass from her colon in early 2023, she is living cancer-free.

Earlier this year, the Knoxville resident felt weak and was unable to keep down food and water. She went to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, her hospital of choice, where she knew she would be treated well. A CT scan in the emergency room revealed a mass blocking her colon. After further testing, it turned out to be cancer.

Patricia is grateful that Premier Surgeon Dr, Joseph Thurman was able to successfully remove a cancerous mass from her colon.

“I was surprised to hear I had cancer, but I couldn’t fall apart for my family,” she says. “When you’re sick, you pray to God – you just have to turn it over to Him and then not worry about it.”

Hill was admitted to Fort Sanders Regional in March. She stayed almost a month, first undergoing surgery, followed by rehabilitation in the hospital’s Transitional Care Unit. She had lost a dangerous
amount of weight from not being able to eat or drink, and was very weak. After surgery, her hospital team helped her regain strength through exercises and practicing walking in the hallway.

At Fort Sanders Regional

Hill’s surgeon was Joseph B. Thurman, MD, FACS, of Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional. As a general surgeon, Dr. Thurman treats a wide array of diseases and conditions, including gallbladder disease, hernias and gastrointestinal issues.

He says, “The biopsy showed adenocarcinoma, the most common type of colon cancer. This required a procedure called a left hemicolectomy with diverting ileostomy. That means in addition to removing the part of the colon that contained the cancerous mass, the patient needed an ostomy bag for six weeks to give the colon time to heal and avoid leaking. Then she had the ostomy reversed.”

Dr. Thurman explains the surgery was emergency intervention. “She was hit with several ‘gut-punches’ at the same time. She came to the ER for belly pain, only to find that not only was her colon obstructed, but that it was caused by cancer. We knew that because of the blockage, she would need not only a resection but also the ostomy, and therefore require two surgeries. It’s a lot to process in just a few days.”

After the ostomy reversal procedure in April, Hill has normal GI function, is healing at home and feels great. “I’m an early riser,” she says. “I like to get on with it. I have had to slow down, because even though my scars have healed, Dr. Thurman says my insides are still healing.”

Hill hopes to soon return to being “healthy as a horse” and to get her energy back, living cancer-free.

Compassionate Care

Because she stayed a month as an inpatient and in rehab, Hill got to know many of her caregivers. She says, “The bedside manners couldn’t have been better, especially with Dr. Thurman. I told him I would adopt him and claim him as my son. He is just wonderful.”

She described the nursing staff who brought her coffee and checked on her constantly. She cherishes the souls who cared for her in her weakest moments.

“As a senior citizen, I appreciated the friendliness and willingness to explain things to me,” Hill says.

Dr. Thurman says Hill is the “poster child” for how good health going into surgery can benefit the ultimate outcome. “It makes a difference in recovery at all ages, but especially at her age,” he says. “Ms. Hill is an active 81-year-old and was motivated and engaged with her recovery. She had a great attitude throughout everything. She did fantastic, recovered extremely well and has a good long-term prognosis.”

A Lesson for Others

Hill says, “I bet this [cancerous mass] would have shown on a colonoscopy, but I haven’t had one. If this story helps just one person do the screening, it will be worth it – because it could save a life.”

Dr. Thurman concurs. “This is an example of why you should get a screening colonoscopy,” Dr. Thurman says. “This patient was a non-smoker, followed a healthy diet, was doing all the right things, and still got colon cancer. It’s a lesson to keep up with your health and to get those screenings.”

He recommends adults start getting colonoscopies at age 45 as recommended by the latest guidelines if there is no family history of colon cancer, and sooner for higher-risk individuals. Always check with your primary care physician for advice on cancer screenings.

Dr. Joe Thurman is a general surgeon with the Premier Surgical Associates office at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville. To learn more about colon cancer treatment visit  https://www.premiersurgical.com/specialties/colon-and-rectal-surgery/

The post 81-Year-Old Has Curative Colon Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Last December, Lisa Dockery of Knoxville, woke up with stomach cramps that she had never felt before. After a trip to the emergency department at Parkwest Medical Center, she discovered she had appendicitis and underwent emergency surgery to remove her appendix. Two months later, she has fully recovered and is thankful for the excellent care she received in her moment of need.

An appendix attack led to emergency surgery for Lisa.

December Plans

The day she woke up with stomach cramps, Dockery recalls the dull ache subsiding during
the day. “I laid down to rest, and we were watching the Dallas Cowboys game,” she recalls. “I woke up later in the evening, around 6 p.m., with throbbing pain. I thought my stomach was going to explode.”

Lisa’s husband Donnie took her to the emergency department at Parkwest around 7 p.m. that night. She was examined and given IV fluids while diagnostic tests were administered. A CT scan revealed appendicitis, or a condition in which a blockage or inflammation of the appendix causes internal inflammation and can result in abdominal pain around the belly button area.

Surgery at Parkwest

Dockery was admitted overnight and underwent surgery the next morning. She met Shannon Beierle, MD, a Premier Surgical acute care general surgeon at Parkwest Medical Center.

“I see patients all over the hospital, depending on where I’m needed that day,” Dr. Beierle says. “I perform emergency surgery on hernias, gallbladders, appendixes, perforated ulcers and colon obstructions. I see a lot of GI issues and am there when someone needs emergency surgery due to these types of conditions.”

Making a Game Plan

“Once they knew what was wrong, we had a plan, and I was good,” Dockery says. “I was still in pain, but I was constantly being checked on. I remember when the surgeon introduced herself, I was very comfortable with her.”

Dockery underwent an appendectomy, a minimally invasive procedure using three small incisions to remove the appendix. Dr. Beierle says, “This laparoscopic procedure includes dissolvable stitches and patients go home the next day, or in some cases the same day as surgery. After some limited movement and no heavy lifting for a few days, they can get back to normal lives after one or two weeks.”

Dr. Shannon Beierle, Acute Care Surgeon

Dr. Beierle reports that appendicitis is common, in fact one in 10 adults will experience it in their lifetime in the U.S. She says it’s one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain and often results in emergency surgery.

“When someone is hurting, and comes to the hospital, I love that I’m able to have the tools to relieve the pain,” she says. “I like to work quickly to help people feel better.”

Compassionate Care

Dockery spent one night at Parkwest and went home the next day following her surgery.
“We had already missed the Dallas Cowboys game and luckily we were home in time for the
Tennessee football game,” she jokes.

Dockery recalls, “I couldn’t have been more pleased with Dr. Beierle. When I came back two weeks later for my follow-up, I got to spend more time with her and I enjoyed our conversation.

“The operating room staff were fantastic,” Dockery says. “All the nurses spoke to me, and I remember the anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist were wonderful. Everyone made sure there were no complications.”

The Power of a Positive Mindset

Dockery says “I believe our mindset is powerful. After going through a lot, including this emergency surgery, I decided my word of inspiration for going into the new year would be ‘warrior.’ I want to remind myself that I can face whatever is out there.”

Dr. Beierle also has a specific mindset in her approach to medicine, including making sure her patients understand what’s going on and are treated like family.

“I encourage family members to ask questions and be present. I want my patients to feel empowered and know what’s happening with their bodies.” She adds, “I always treat people how I would want my family members to be treated. Anytime someone comes in for an emergency surgery, it can be scary, so my colleagues and I always want to assure people we are here to care for people in the best way possible.”

Dr. Shannon Beierle is an Acute Care General Surgeon with Premier Surgical Associates at Parkwest Medical Associates in Knoxville. To learn more about Dr. Beierle visit: https://www.premiersurgical.com/physicians/shannon-beierle-md-facs/

The post Surgery “Game Plan” Leads to Successful Appendectomy Recovery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Judy’s diverticulitis pain is gone since she underwent a robot colon resection with Dr. Sung Lee at Fort Sanders Regional.

Judy Caldwell moved to East Tennessee after becoming enchanted with the Smoky Mountains. She enjoys tending the flowers on the property she recently purchased, playing music and buying and selling antiques. Most of all, she enjoys being surrounded by her friends and family in the place she now calls home.

Caldwell maintains a balanced, healthy lifestyle and has not had any major health crises in her life. But
two years ago, she began experiencing discomfort in her colon which worsened over time.

Eventually, she was diagnosed with diverticulitis. Diverticulitis, or inflammation of the lower colon, occurs when weakened intestinal tissue becomes inflamed or perforates, which can lead to an abscess or blockage in the colon.

At Fort Sanders Regional

After several hospital visits from issues stemming from diverticulitis, Caldwell was introduced to Colon and Rectal surgeon Sung Lee, MD, a Premier Surgical surgeon at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Dr. Lee specializes in colon and rectal surgery with interest in minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

“Mrs. Caldwell had been in and out of the hospital with pain and bleeding from complications of diverticulitis,” Dr. Lee reports. “We had scheduled her surgery for a later date, but after she presented at emergency department with GI pain and complications, we moved up the surgery date.”

Last December, Dr. Lee performed a robotic colon resection where he removed a portion of her lower colon called the sigmoid colon. Dr. Lee says, “Because she only had a portion resected, I reconnected the descending colon to the rectum, so she did not did not require an ostomy bag. She did very well and went home after staying a few nights in the hospital.”

Caldwell says, “Dr. Lee and his nurse, Leisa, were just wonderful. He explained what would happen in surgery and he put my mind at ease. I’ve never had major surgery before, so it was nerve wracking. I was scared about being under anesthesia and worried about healing, but everything went great.”

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Dr. Sung Lee, Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Dr. Lee explains that any minimally invasive procedure, whether robotic-assisted or laparoscopic, allows the patient to have a faster recovery. Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedures are recommended over open surgeries when possible because patients can return to normal functions faster. Typically with robotic-assisted technology, patients have better outcomes, shorter hospital stays and less pain.

“For this procedure, we make a few little cuts and use a robot to access the inside of the abdomen,” Dr.Lee explains. “The longest cut we make is about four centimeters. With the magnified 3D vision, we can see five to ten times more than the naked eye can, so we can spare nerves and make careful dissections.”

“Fort Sanders Regional was phenomenal,” Caldwell says. “I have such a heart for the nurses now, seeing everything they do. They were all wonderful, as was Dr. Lee when he checked on me after surgery.”

Despite the high recurrence rates of diverticulitis, the procedure was curative and Caldwell has had no discomfort since the procedure.

Faith, Friends and Family

Dr. Lee explains that patients experiencing GI distress from diverticulitis may have fever or chills, and may notice a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, GI bleed, or pain in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen. If these symptoms persist, he says a medical provider should be contacted. “Once the colon becomes inflamed,it may not go back to normal without medical intervention,”

Dr. Lee says. As spring approaches, Caldwell is looking forward to resuming her active lifestyle of walking on trails and antiquing. The retiree says her faith in God has been an important part of her recovery, and she would recommend Dr. Lee and Fort Sanders Regional to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. “I am so thankful!” she says.

Dr. Sung Lee is a Colon and Rectal Surgeon with Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville. To request a consultation with Dr. Lee or Premier Surgical surgeon, visit:  https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-an-appointment/

The post Diverting from Diverticulitis: Robotic-Assisted Surgery Gives Local Woman Reprieve from Abdominal Pain first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Millions of Americans experience acid reflux every day. Most don’t know if it’s severe enough and lasts long enough, in the worst cases acid reflux can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

When that happens, the symptoms usually become apparent as a slow but distinctive change in one’s usual reflux symptoms, or new difficulties with eating or swallowing.

William enjoys hiking again after esophageal cancer surgery with Dr. Michael Antiporda.

William Emert is one such patient who had years of reflux and found out the hard way. “I thought I was healthy,” Emert says. “I didn’t listen to my body.”

Since his cancer diagnosis in May 2021, cutting-edge treatment including robot-assisted surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center took Emert from a life-threatening illness to the restored quality of life he enjoys today.

Prolonged gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can damage the lining of the esophagus, making it easier for abnormal cells to take over and possibly transform into a type of tissue called Barrett’s esophagus, a condition which raises the risk of esophageal cancer

“I was feeling run-down at work, just feeling bad, weak and tired all the time. I kept ignoring it and ignoring it,” Emert says.

Emert’s wife encouraged him to see a doctor, and when he finally did, he was shocked by the news that came from his blood work.

“The doctor said ‘We’ve got to send you to the emergency room immediately. You’ve got internal bleeding, and I think you might have cancer,’” Emert recalls. “It blows you away.”

A very large tumor had engulfed the lower third of Emert’s esophagus, draping down onto his  stomach. After the diagnosis of cancer was confirmed, he underwent preoperative chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumor. Surgery was planned to complete the treatment.

William’s tumor was about 12 cm long, involving 1/3 of his esophagus.

Michael A. Antiporda, MD, is a fellowship-trained foregut surgeon (specializing in procedures for the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine) with Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He recommended robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct Emert’s GI tract in the most minimally invasive way possible.

“This is major surgery in potentially treacherous territory involving the chest, abdomen and neck,” Dr. Antiporda says. “It’s a highly complex operation that’s not done in high volume in many places, but at Fort Sanders Regional we’re able to do many complicated cancer surgeries like these with good outcomes.”

The Right Hospital

Fort Sanders Regional was the first hospital in East Tennessee with robotic-assisted surgery. The medical center has continually updated and added to its robotic program since then. This technology allows surgeons to offer the most advanced and minimally invasive procedures for a wide array of
indications.

“Mr. Emert underwent robotic transhiatal esophagectomy, which I performed using multiple very small abdominal incisions and one small left-neck incision. The robot is clutch for doing an operation like this because it permits a surgeon to use tiny incisions to operate comfortably and safely in what would otherwise be a very tight and limited space,” Dr. Antiporda says.

Dr. Michael Antiporda, Foregut Surgeon

“The alternative to this type of surgery would have been to make large painful incisions in the upper abdomen or between the ribs, which take significantly longer to recover from.”

The tumor was removed in August 2021. Although it was major surgery, Emert was able to go home in less than a week, fully realizing the advantage of faster recovery that is often seen with robotic surgery. He was pronounced “cancer-free” on August 14.

Lessons to Learn

Today Emert has a smaller stomach space that limits the amount of food he can eat in one sitting, but there are no restrictions on his diet. His quality of life has returned and he and his wife go on adventures from fishing to foraging mushrooms.

“I feel great. I had forgotten what it was to be healthy because I just got so used to feeling bad,” he says.

Through it all, Emert has learned some important life lessons. Among them are the importance of taking time to enjoy and appreciate life, along with the importance of self-awareness when it comes to good health.

“Listen to your body, because your body knows when something’s wrong. I learned the hard way,” Emert says. “I’m just glad to be here, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the doctors that I had. I don’t think I’ve met a better doctor – or person – in my whole life than Dr. Antiporda.”

Dr. Antiporda says uncontrolled GERD is the most common underlying cause of esophageal type of cancer and it’s important to see a doctor for ongoing reflux that causes pain or trouble swallowing. In the event that a cancer diagnosis does come as a result of GERD,

Dr. Michael Antiporda is a General Surgeon with Premier Surgical Associates at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Antiporda, call (865) 524-3695.

The post Robot-assisted Esophageal Surgery Helps Doctors Restore Lives first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Your gallbladder may be small (only about four inches), but it plays a vital role in digestion. Located just under the liver, the gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver.

Responding to certain signals, the gallbladder squeezes the stored bile into the small intestine through a series of tubes. Bile is a fluid that has two main functions – carry away wastes and break down fats during digestion. The expert surgeons at Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, and Cleveland TN, want you to be familiar with the symptoms of gallbladder disease if you suspect you might have it.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
Any condition affecting the gallbladder can cause:

• Pain
It’s the most common symptom of gallbladder disease. The pain is usually felt in the mid- to upper-right abdominal area. The intensity and frequency could vary. It can be mild, severe, intermittent, or frequent.

In some cases, the pain may also be felt in other areas of the body such as the chest and the back.

• Nausea or vomiting
This is another common symptom of gallbladder disease. In chronic cases, one may experience digestive issues such as gas or acid reflux.

• Jaundice
Yellowish discoloration of the sclera (the white outer layer of the eyeball) or the skin can be a sign of a common bile duct issue.

• Unusual color of the urine or stool
Gallbladder disease may also cause dark urine and light-colored stools.

What to do if you suspect you have a gallbladder disease
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If your doctor suspects you have gallbladder disease, he/she may perform some diagnostic tests and refer you to a specialist, like the surgeons at Premier Surgical Associates.

Unmanaged gallbladder disease can have serious medical consequences. So, it’s better to err on the side of caution and have your symptoms get checked.

Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville and Cleveland, TN has board-certified surgeons who have years of experience in diagnosing and surgically treating gallbladder disease. Our team is happy to help you find the treatment option most suitable for you. To request an appointment, please visit this link https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/.

The post Gallbladder Disease: Signs and Symptoms first appeared on Premier Surgical.

How you prepare for your upcoming surgery can impact its outcome. The physicians of Premier Surgical in Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, want you to know that you can increase your chances of a successful outcome by preparing in the days or weeks before your scheduled surgery:

Have a more wholesome diet
In the weeks or days before your surgery, try to eat more nutrient-dense food. Many doctors refer to them as the ‘clean’ food. These foods, which include fruits and vegetables, are the ones rich in vitamins and minerals.

As much as possible, try to cut back on your intake of heavily processed food, red meat, and other foods which are more difficult to break down. This will help reduce the inflammation in your body, which could impact your speed of recovery.

Note: Every procedure is different so it’s important to consult with your surgeon to know exactly what food to eat and what to cut back on.

Get into a habit of regular exercise
Regular exercise can benefit you in a multitude of ways, including preparing your body for surgery.

Getting into a habit of regular exercise weeks before your procedure increases your chances of successful recovery, including the chance to walk sooner after it.

You don’t have to get crazy with working out to make the most of its benefits. Even something as simple as walking most days of the week can make a difference. For better results, aim to get at least 5,000 steps a day.

Quit bad habits
Take this time to kick habits that are doing you more harm than good.

Smoking is a good example. It compromises different systems of your body, especially the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Studies have shown that smokers have a higher chance of post-operative complications compared to non-smokers.

Drinking alcohol regularly is another thing you may want to think about. Just like smoking, alcohol drinking also increases your chances of complications and can even affect the anesthesia.

Check with your doctor about your medications
From prescription medications to your daily vitamin supplements, check with your doctor which ones you can continue taking and which ones you should stop taking temporarily as some drugs can interact with other medications.

There are also drugs that can have an effect on bleeding. Medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs are often stopped days before surgery as it can affect the body’s ability to clot.

Make sure you have someone who can drive you home after surgery
If you’re scheduled for a procedure that requires general anesthesia, it’s important that you have someone who can drive you home after surgery.

And if it will likely take a while for you to recover, it’s important to plan your meals ahead of time, how you can move around/do your errands, etc. If possible, have someone who can help you with these, until you’re back on your feet.

Each procedure is different but these simple preparations can make a difference regardless of the surgery you’ll be having.

Premier Surgical Associates is the largest multi-specialty surgery practice in East Tennessee. To request an appointment with one of our surgeons, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/.

The post How to Prepare for Your Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.