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Elvira Klause, MD, FACS Blog View all posts
5 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore That Could Mean a Hernia

5 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore That Could Mean a Hernia
Hernias often start small, and the initial symptoms are rarely dramatic. Learn how to recognize early warning signs and why you shouldn’t ignore them. Get timely care to avoid complications that are harder to treat later.
Dec 12th, 2025
3 Common Questions About da Vinci Robotic Surgery

3 Common Questions About da Vinci Robotic Surgery
The da Vinci robotic surgery system is reshaping the world of modern surgery. However, there’s a lot of confusion around how it works. Let’s break down the top questions people ask and the real answers you’ve been looking for.
Dec 11th, 2025
When To Consider Hernia Repair Surgery

When To Consider Hernia Repair Surgery
Hernias often start small, but can progress and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Understanding when it’s time to consider hernia surgery can help you make informed choices about your health and recovery.
Nov 13th, 2025
How Does Radiation Therapy Treat Cancer?

How Does Radiation Therapy Treat Cancer?
Hearing the word “cancer” stops you in your tracks. In that moment, every question floods in: What happens next, how treatment works, and what recovery looks like. Radiation therapy is often a vital part of the answer.
Oct 22nd, 2025
What to Expect During and After Your Breast Biopsy

What to Expect During and After Your Breast Biopsy
Finding out that you need a breast biopsy can be scary, but it’s an important step toward clarity and appropriate care. Knowing what the procedure involves and what happens afterward can help you feel more prepared and less anxious.
Oct 17th, 2025
Do Gallstones Go Away on Their Own?

Do Gallstones Go Away on Their Own?
Crossing your fingers and hoping gallstones will pass naturally? You could be setting yourself up for more pain. Discover why they often linger and worsen, and learn about the treatments that can bring relief here.
Sep 26th, 2025
What is Breast Conservation Surgery?

What is Breast Conservation Surgery?
Breast conservation surgery — also known as a lumpectomy — can be a good treatment option for many women with early-stage breast cancer. Find out how this effective procedure removes cancer as it preserves healthy breast tissue.
Sep 3rd, 2025
5 Foods That Help Prevent Hemorrhoid Pain

5 Foods That Help Prevent Hemorrhoid Pain
Hemorrhoids flaring up? The foods you eat could be the key to soothing the burn and stopping the strain. Discover five powerful pantry picks that can help ease pain, enhance digestion, and keep things moving.
Aug 5th, 2025
Diverticulitis Surgery: What To Expect

Diverticulitis Surgery: What To Expect
If you have diverticulitis and your symptoms are severe or recurring, surgery could provide lasting relief and better health. Learn when it’s time to consider diverticulitis surgery and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Aug 1st, 2025
Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery: The Differences

Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery: The Differences
Not all surgical methods are the same. Learn how laparoscopic surgery compares with traditional open surgery and why many patients prefer this minimally invasive option for hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and more.
Jul 1st, 2025
What Is Mesh and How Does It Work in Hernia Surgery?

What Is Mesh and How Does It Work in Hernia Surgery?
Do you need hernia surgery? If the answer is yes, you might be wondering what mesh is and how it’s used in hernia repair. Learn how minimally invasive surgery with mesh can offer stronger healing and faster recovery.
Jun 2nd, 2025
4 Treatment Options For Hemorrhoids

4 Treatment Options For Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can make everyday life feel like a pain in the…well, you know. The good news? You’ve got more options than ever for relief — and most are faster and easier than you think.
May 6th, 2025

4 Signs That It’s Time To Seek Help With Hemorrhoids
Have bothersome, painful hemorrhoids that don’t seem to go away? It might be time to see a doctor. Learn about four signs that mean it’s time to seek treatment for hemorrhoids and how professional care can bring lasting relief.
May 1st, 2025
When Is a Lumpectomy the Right Choice Over a Mastectomy?

When Is a Lumpectomy the Right Choice Over a Mastectomy?
We know how difficult it can be to face decisions about your breast cancer treatment. If you're wondering if a lumpectomy is the right choice, you're not alone. We compare lumpectomy and mastectomy in this month’s blog post. 
Apr 8th, 2025
When Do You Need Surgery For Gallstones?

When Do You Need Surgery For Gallstones?
Gallstones can be painful, but not everyone with gallstones needs surgery. Learn when (and why) we recommend gallbladder removal, along with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, so you can make a more informed decision about your health.
Apr 1st, 2025
What Does a Breast Lumpectomy Entail?

What Does a Breast Lumpectomy Entail?
A breast lumpectomy removes abnormal or cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Knowing what to expect can help ease concerns and prepare you for the procedure and recovery.
Mar 11th, 2025

How to Prepare for Your Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Scheduled for gallbladder removal? Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is minimally invasive, and proper preparation can help you have a smoother procedure and recovery. Here’s what to do before surgery, so you can feel more confident when the time comes.
Mar 6th, 2025
What Causes an Appendix to Burst?

What Causes an Appendix to Burst?
When it comes to abdominal pain, few conditions are as urgent as a burst appendix. Understanding what causes this life-threatening situation and how to recognize its early signs can help you get quick care and avoid serious complications.
Jan 6th, 2025
What to Expect After Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

What to Expect After Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Choosing laparoscopic hernia repair means a minimally invasive procedure, which helps to speed your recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Still, you need to take certain steps as you heal.
Dec 4th, 2024
5 Ways to Ease Hemorrhoid Pain

5 Ways to Ease Hemorrhoid Pain
Hemorrhoids can be incredibly uncomfortable, but there are effective methods to find relief. From simple home remedies to professional treatments like rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy, here are five ways to ease hemorrhoid pain.
Dec 1st, 2024
Here's Why You Can Live Well Without Your Gallbladder

Here's Why You Can Live Well Without Your Gallbladder
Facing gallbladder surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about how life will be without it. The good news is that you can live a healthy and fulfilling life without your gallbladder. Here, we explain how.
Nov 12th, 2024
What Qualifies a Procedure as Minimally Invasive?

What Qualifies a Procedure as Minimally Invasive?
Minimally invasive surgeries are becoming increasingly popular for their faster recovery times and reduced pain. Learn what makes a procedure minimally invasive and why it's an excellent option for many patients.
Nov 7th, 2024
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Robotic Surgery?

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is the most innovative approach to many general surgery procedures — and it’s also one of the safest. With robotic surgery, your surgeon operates a state-of-the-art system, directing robotic arms to expertly perform your surgery.
Sep 22nd, 2024
Successful Hernia Repair: Is It Possible Without Mesh?

Successful Hernia Repair: Is It Possible Without Mesh?
Hernia repair surgery often involves using mesh for added strength and reduced hernia recurrence. But sometimes successful hernia repair can be achieved without mesh, and this method offers patients an alternative approach.
Aug 8th, 2024
Does a Hernia Always Require Surgery?

Does a Hernia Always Require Surgery?

Have you recently learned you have a hernia? One of the first questions that usually comes to mind involves your treatment options. Do you need surgery? Can you try a watch-and-wait approach? Learn the answers here.
Aug 7th, 2024

When Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention
Struggling with hemorrhoid symptoms and desperately wishing the problem would go away? Sometimes, hemorrhoids do resolve naturally. However, in many cases, you need medical treatment.
Jul 22nd, 2024
5 Ways Robotic Assistance Increases Surgical Precision

5 Ways Robotic Assistance Increases Surgical Precision
When it comes to surgery, precision is essential, and in robot-assisted procedures, the precision is simply unmatched. Learn about the five key ways this advanced technology improves surgical outcomes and benefits patient recovery.
Jul 21st, 2024

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery?
Are you in need of surgery? Learn more about the minimally invasive surgical tehniques available at the moment. Advancements in medicine now make it possible for certain surgeries to be done with incisions the size of a keyhole.
Jun 10th, 2024
4 Telltale Signs of Appendicitis

4 Telltale Signs of Appendicitis
Appendicitis — inflammation of the appendix — causes intense abdominal pain, and it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Learn the signs so you can recognize the condition and get the treatment you need quickly.
May 1st, 2024
What to Expect in the Day Following Your Lumpectomy

What to Expect in the Day Following Your Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy is a type of breast cancer surgery that can be a very effective treatment option. But if you’re scheduled for one, it’s normal to have questions. Here’s what happens after a lumpectomy so you can start preparing.
Apr 1st, 2024

3 Reasons Why You May Need Your Gallbladder Removed
Gallbladder surgery is an effective way to treat gallbladder problems, but how do you know if you need your gallbladder removed? Learn about the signs and symptoms of gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and biliary dyskinesia here.
Mar 1st, 2024
When a Mastectomy May Be a Better Choice Than a Lumpectomy

When a Mastectomy May Be a Better Choice Than a Lumpectomy
Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for breast cancer, but choosing the best technique for your circumstances can be overwhelming. Learn about two popular methods here, and find out when mastectomy could be the better choice.
Feb 1st, 2024
Sclerotherapy for Internal Hemorrhoids: What to Expect

Sclerotherapy for Internal Hemorrhoids: What to Expect
If you have hemorrhoids, you know how unpleasant they can be. If you have internal hemorrhoids, sclerotherapy is a way to manage this condition, and if you’re about to undergo the procedure, you should know what to expect.
Jan 4th, 2024
Tips to Help You Recover Quickly After Hernia Surgery

Tips to Help You Recover Quickly After Hernia Surgery
Are you scheduled for hernia surgery? It’s a safe, effective way to treat hernias, but it’s normal to wonder what to expect after the procedure. Get our best tips for a quick, successful recovery from hernia surgery here.
Oct 1st, 2023
Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids
Do you have hemorrhoids? You don’t have to live with the discomfort. Learn about tried-and-true home remedies for hemorrhoids here, and find out when to make a doctor’s appointment for professional hemorrhoid care.
Sep 1st, 2023
4 Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

4 Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Do you need surgery? It’s normal to have questions about which surgical technique is right for you. Learn more about laparoscopic surgery and find out why it’s the gold standard for many of the most common procedures.
Jun 30th, 2023
How Does Chemotherapy Work?

How Does Chemotherapy Work?
Are you starting cancer treatment? It’s normal to have questions. Learn more about chemotherapy, how it works, and how it supports surgical oncology for a more thorough approach to cancer treatment.
Jun 2nd, 2023
I Need a Surgical Breast Biopsy: What Can I Expect?

I Need a Surgical Breast Biopsy: What Can I Expect?
A surgical breast biopsy is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer, especially if other tests are inconclusive. And if you’re scheduled for a surgical biopsy, it’s normal to have questions. Find out what to expect here.
May 1st, 2023
When Do Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention?

When Do Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention?
You’ve tried topical creams, sitz baths, and other remedies, but you still have painful hemorrhoids. These treatments are effective for some people, but they don’t work for everyone. Find out if it’s time to see a doctor about your symptoms.
Apr 1st, 2023
Will My Hernia Heal On Its Own?

Will My Hernia Heal On Its Own?

If you recently learned you have a hernia, it’s normal to have questions. You might be wondering if you really need surgery — especially if you don’t have symptoms — but the truth is that your hernia probably won’t heal on its own. Learn why.
Mar 1st, 2023
Recovering From Gallbladder Surgery: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Recovering From Gallbladder Surgery: Your Step-by-Step Guide
When you’re plagued by painful gallstones, gallbladder surgery can offer much-needed relief. If you’re scheduled for gallbladder surgery, now’s the time to learn what to expect during recovery so you can get back to your life with less pain.
Feb 2nd, 2023
What Is a Mastectomy and When Is It Necessary?

What Is a Mastectomy and When Is It Necessary?
Mastectomy is one of the most common breast cancer treatments. But if you’ve recently been diagnosed, you may wonder what mastectomy really is and whether it’s necessary. Find out more about this surgical procedure here.
Dec 1st, 2022
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Lumpectomy

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Lumpectomy
Surgery is one of the most effective breast cancer treatments, but undergoing surgery doesn’t always mean losing your entire breast. Lumpectomy removes the cancer and a smaller amount of tissue, and it could be right for you. Here's how it works.
Nov 1st, 2022
4 Surprising Advantages of Robotic Surgery

4 Surprising Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Fewer risks? Check. Less pain? Check. Faster recovery? Check. Robotic surgery is a flexible technology that offers a surprising number of advantages over traditional surgical procedures. Learn more about its benefits here.
Oct 1st, 2022
How Do I Know What Type of Hernia I Have?

How Do I Know What Type of Hernia I Have?
A hernia is an abdominal injury in which an internal organ or tissue presses through the muscles in your torso. You may notice the telltale hernia lump and wonder what you should do. Learn the types of hernias and treatment options here.
Sep 1st, 2022
What Treatment Can Get Rid of My Hemorrhoids for Good?

What Treatment Can Get Rid of My Hemorrhoids for Good?
Hemorrhoids are painful, itchy, and embarrassing. The good news is that treatment can effectively eliminate your hemorrhoids. Learn about different treatments for hemorrhoids and how to lower your risk of developing them in the future.
Aug 1st, 2022
Understanding How Robotic Surgery Works

Understanding How Robotic Surgery Works
Robotic surgery combines high-tech robotics and your surgeon’s expertise. It’s generally safe and minimally invasive, but if you’re scheduled for robotic surgery, you may have questions. Learn how it works and what to expect.
Jul 1st, 2022
The Differences Between Hernias in Men Versus Women

The Differences Between Hernias in Men Versus Women
Hernias are usually considered a men’s health issue, but women can get them too. Find out which types of hernias are most common in men versus women, and learn to recognize the signs so you can get the care you need.
Jun 1st, 2022
Why and When Is Gallbladder Removal Necessary

Why and When Is Gallbladder Removal Necessary
Your gallbladder is a nonessential organ that holds bile. You might never pay attention to it, but if you have gallstones, it can be a significant source of pain. Learn why you might need your gallbladder removed and when to consider surgery.
Apr 1st, 2022
What Is Hemorrhoidal Prolapse and How Is It Treated?

What Is Hemorrhoidal Prolapse and How Is It Treated?
Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms. But if your hemorrhoids are prolapsed, they can cause other problems, too. Here’s what you need to know about prolapsed hemorrhoids, including how we treat them.
Mar 2nd, 2022
The Most Common Causes of Ventral Hernias

The Most Common Causes of Ventral Hernias
Do you have an abdominal hernia? Also known as a ventral hernia, it’s a common condition among people of all ages — and you may need hernia surgery to repair it. Learn more about the common causes of ventral hernias and assess your risk here.
Feb 1st, 2022
The Benefits of Robotic Surgery

The Benefits of Robotic Surgery
The thought of surgery can be scary. But with today’s technology, surgery is safer and more effective than ever before. Learn about the benefits of robotic surgery and whether it could be a good option for you.
Jan 1st, 2022
Why Would I Need to Have a Skin Biopsy?

Why Would I Need to Have a Skin Biopsy?
Getting a skin biopsy doesn’t always mean cancer. In fact, skin biopsies are diagnostic tests to identify many common skin conditions, from warts to psoriasis. Learn about the most common reasons your doctor might order a skin biopsy.
Dec 1st, 2021
Healing for Your Hernia

Healing for Your Hernia
Do you have a hernia? Even if it’s painless, you shouldn’t ignore it. Hernias don’t heal on their own, and finding a treatment plan is important to protect your health. Learn how hernias form and what your treatment options are.
Nov 1st, 2021
Understanding the Different Types of Breast Surgeries

Understanding the Different Types of Breast Surgeries
Were you recently diagnosed with breast cancer? You might have been told you need surgery. We may recommend different surgeries based on the stage and type of cancer you have. Now is the time to learn about the most common breast surgeries.
Oct 1st, 2021
What To Do About My Uncomfortable Hemorrhoids

What To Do About My Uncomfortable Hemorrhoids
Itching. Discomfort when you sit down. Bleeding with bowel movements. All of these are signs of a common but embarrassing condition: hemorrhoids. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms of hemorrhoids and how you can get them treated.
Sep 1st, 2021
What Do My Abnormal Mammogram Results Mean?

What Do My Abnormal Mammogram Results Mean?
Mammograms are routine health screenings for women, but what happens if your mammogram results come back abnormal? Abnormal results don’t automatically mean you have breast cancer, but they do mean you need additional testing. Learn what to do here.
Aug 1st, 2021

When Laparoscopy Might Be Necessary
Do you need surgery? The thought of going under the knife can be nerve-wracking, but laparoscopic surgery offers lots of benefits compared to traditional methods. Learn what laparoscopy can do and what to expect.
Jul 7th, 2021

Understanding the Different Ways to Test for Cancer
Cancer takes many forms, so there’s not just one test to identify it. From imaging tests like MRIs to lab tests like biopsies, learn what some of the most common tests for cancer are and how they work.
Jun 8th, 2021

Tips for Recovering From Breast Surgery
If you’re scheduled for breast surgery, you might be wondering how you can prepare. How long will you be in the hospital? What does recovering at home really look like? Here are some tips for self-care and recovery after breast surgery.
Apr 14th, 2021

Everything You Need to Know About IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive diseases. It can cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and more, but you don’t have to live with bothersome symptoms. Learn more about IBS here.
Mar 11th, 2021

Bad Habits That Cause Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be painful and embarrassing. The condition can affect anyone, but did you know that your habits could be making hemorrhoids worse? Learn how your diet, your bathroom habits, and more affect your risk of hemorrhoids.
Feb 11th, 2021

The Early Signs of Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is common — especially in people over 40 — but diverticulitis is a complication that you shouldn’t ignore. Inflammation and infection can cause abdominal pain and bowel changes. It requires expert care for you to feel better.
Jan 12th, 2021

Protecting the Skin You're In
Your skin is your largest organ, so give it love and care. From sunscreen and self-exams to reduce your risk of skin cancer to cosmetic treatments like chemical peels for wrinkles, here’s how to protect and enhance your skin.
Nov 9th, 2020

Preventive Breast Surgery: Here's What You Need to Know
Are you at high risk for breast cancer? Getting the news is scary, but it’s important to learn about your options for prevention. Preventive breast surgery, or prophylactic mastectomy, could significantly reduce your risk of this common cancer.
Oct 1st, 2020

What to Expect at My Upcoming Gallbladder Surgery
Suffering from gallstone pain? Gallbladder surgery could be the best treatment for you. This safe procedure removes the gallbladder to eliminate pain and other complications of gallstones. Find out what to expect if you’re scheduled for surgery.
Sep 18th, 2020

What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia?
Anyone can get a hernia, a medical condition that develops when internal organs push through the abdominal wall. Hernias can create a visible bulge or cause pain, but they don't always have symptoms. Learn how to recognize signs of a hernia.
Aug 14th, 2020

Help! I Have Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common but embarrassing medical issue. If you’ve noticed pain or bleeding with bowel movements, don’t ignore the symptoms. Here are the best treatments, from at-home care to in-office procedures, to eliminate discomfort.
Jul 27th, 2020

General Surgery and COVID-19: What You Should Know
Knowing you need surgery can trigger anxiety. But in today’s world, the coronavirus pandemic has brought on even more uncertainty. If you’re scheduled for general surgery, you may be wondering if you should postpone it. Here’s what you need to know.
Jun 15th, 2020

Recovering From Breast Surgery
The thought of breast surgery is scary, but it can be a safe, effective, and lifesaving treatment for benign and malignant breast conditions. Learn more about what recovery looks like if you need breast surgery.
May 1st, 2020

6 Foods to Prevent Hemorrhoid Pain
Hemorrhoids are often painful, but embarrassment doesn’t have to keep you from finding relief. Adding fiber to your diet with whole grains, berries, and more is a simple way to boost digestive health. Find more hemorrhoid-fighting foods here.
Apr 17th, 2020

What to Expect From a Skin Biopsy
You might need a skin biopsy if you have a suspicious mole or patch of skin. A skin biopsy is a sample of skin for additional testing to rule out skin cancer and other conditions. Here’s what to expect when you get a skin biopsy.
Mar 1st, 2020

Robotic Surgery Vs. Traditional Surgery
If you need surgery, you might wonder whether robotic surgery or traditional surgery is right for you. Confused? You don’t have to be. Here’s information about the benefits of each.
Feb 1st, 2020

What's the Best Treatment for a Hernia?
A hernia is a bulge that protrudes through the muscles in your abdomen or groin. Hernias range in severity, but surgery is the only way to repair them permanently. Learn about the importance of hernia treatment to prevent pain and complications.
Jan 1st, 2020

What Are My Skin Cancer Treatment Options?
One in five Americans will get a skin cancer diagnosis before the age of 70. It’s the most common type of cancer, but it’s also one of the most treatable. Learn more about skin cancer and the types of treatments that are available.
Dec 5th, 2019

5 Tips to Prevent Discomfort after Gallbladder Removal
When you are undergoing a gallbladder removal, you want to do everything you can to have the smoothest procedure and the shortest and easiest recovery period possible. Here are five tips for minimizing discomfort after your gallbladder surgery.
Oct 1st, 2019

What to Expect After a Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a type of surgery that removes only the parts of your breast that contain cancer and abnormal tissue while saving most of your breast. Here’s what to expect following your lumpectomy.
Sep 1st, 2019

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine
Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.
May 23rd, 2024
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