Dr Affiliations &
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Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat specific medical conditions. It can also prevent ailments from worsening and prolong an individual’s life expectancy.

However, any surgical procedure comes with the risk of complications. It is important that you understand what each type of surgery involves, what to expect from it, and how it can benefit you. More importantly, you should choose only the right surgeon to handle your surgical procedure.

Our team of specialists at the Khalili Center is committed to minimizing these risks. Each of our doctors are experts in their specific fields, and work with their patients using the latest surgical innovations to minimize scarring and recovery time. Aside from bariatric surgery, our medical center offers robotic surgery and general surgery.

The Khalili Center uses the da Vinci Si surgical system in its robotic surgical procedures. High-definition 3D vision and a magnified view result in better translation of our surgeons’ movements.

Why Choose the Khalili Center

Located at Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, California, the Khalili Center is led by award-winning and renowned surgeon Theodore Khalili, MD, FACS.

He is the founder and Director of Weight Loss Surgery of Southern California. Formerly the director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Khalili spearheaded the center’s weight loss program. Our surgery center values the actual surgery as much as the surgical care given to clients after a procedure.

The Khalili Center serves patients from all over Los Angeles county and surrounding areas, including Santa Monica, Torrance, Burbank, Pasadena, and other areas in Los Angeles county.  The Khalili Center is one of the centers you can truly trust for surgical procedures and exceptional patient care. Even medical professionals with obesity come to us for their surgery.

Click here to find out more about our team and learn how our doctors can help with your condition.

Choosing the Best General Surgeon

The Khalili Center is home to some of the brightest general surgeons in Los Angeles. It was founded by doctors who are passionately committed to providing their ill patients the best and most comprehensive care possible. The Khalili Center general surgeons excelled in their medical education before being part of our team. Dr. Khalili has led programs in Cedars Sinai to assist students in completing their medical school requirements.

The Khalili Center surgeons have their own subspecialties. In addition to being outstanding general surgeons, we have surgeons that have specialist training in: 

General Surgery

  • Hiatal Hernia / Anti-reflux surgery (Nissen Fundoplication)
  • Achalasia (Heller Myotomy)
  • Gallbladder Diseases (Cholecystectomy)
  • Abdominal Wall Hernia (Umbilical, incisional, ventral, inguinal hernias)
  • Stomach diseases (Partial or total gastrectomy)
  • Adrenal gland (Adrenalectomy)
  • Spleen (Splenectomy)

Bariatric Surgery

  • Lap Band
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy

 

Colorectal Surgery

  • Rectal Cancer
  • Colon Cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease)

Gynecology

  • Hysterectomy
  • Fibroid removal (Myomectomy)
  • Ovary removal (Oophorectomy)

Urogynecology

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Sacral Colpopexy

Pediatric Surgery

  • Anti-reflux surgery (Nissen Fundoplication)
  • Gallbladder surgery
  • Abdominal Wall Hernia (Umbilical, incisional, ventral, inguinal hernias)

Urology

  • Prostate cancer (Prostatectomy)
  • Kidney cancer (Partial Nephrectomy)
  • Bladder cancer (Cystectomy)
  • Ureteral Obstruction (Pyeloplasty)

General Surgery and Its Subspecialties

At The Khalili Center, our general surgeons specialise in surgery in the abdominal region, including the stomach, esophagus, colon, liver, pancreas, small bowel, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts. Common surgical procedures performed to diseases involving the breast, soft tissues, hernias, and skin can be classified as general surgery.

The American Board of Surgery says that general surgeons should be knowledgeable of a broad spectrum of diseases requiring surgery. The Khalili Center’s general surgeons are equipped and seasoned to diagnose and treat the full range of these diseases.


Hernia Surgery

A hernia happens when the abdominal muscle’s inner layers weaken, leading to a bulge or tear. Individuals in need of hernia repair experience pain and other potentially serious conditions that call for surgery. At the Khalili Center, our dedicated surgeons use small incisions, a patch (mesh), and telescopes to help fix the tears in your abdominal wall. With our team’s expertise, you can return to work and engage in everyday activities in no time. 

What Are the Risks of Hernia Surgery?

As with any surgery, hernia repair comes with side effects. These include:

  • Inability to urinate
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Bleeding
  • Persistent fever
  • Increased abdominal swelling
  • Inefficacy of painkillers
  • Chills
  • Persistent coughing
  • Development of pus
  • Redness surrounding the incision
  • Inability to drink or eat liquids

Preparing for Hernia Surgery

At the Khalili Center, we make sure you get the proper assessment before any surgical procedure. We also require blood work, chest X-ray, medical evaluation, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) before hernia surgery. Before operation, specific guidelines should be followed. These requirements include avoiding certain medications, such as blood thinners and arthritis medications, days or weeks before surgery.

We recommend that the surgical procedure be performed laparoscopically, as you can engage in normal activities sooner. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive surgery involving a narrow tube’s insertion into the abdomen through a small incision.  


Gallbladder Surgery

This procedure is done on patients with gallbladder diseases. These ailments are often caused by gallstones, hard masses made of bile salts, or cholesterols that collect in the bile duct or gallbladder. Diseases caused by gallstones can be managed by taking medications. However, symptoms may persist until the patient undergoes gallbladder removal. Cholecystectomy, defined as the gallbladder’s surgical removal, is the safest treatment of diseases affecting the organ. We recommend that the procedure be done laparoscopically. 

What Are the Risks of Gallbladder Surgery?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy complications are rare. However, some individuals may experience pneumonia, bleeding, blood clots, infection, or heart problems. Some patients also experience unintended injury to the common bile duct or small bowel.

Preparing for Gallbladder Surgery

Preoperative blood work, X-rays, ECGs, and medical examinations are required before allowing patients to undergo the procedure. Depending on their assessment, our surgeons may require that you cleanse your intestines and empty your colon before a gallbladder surgery. Our team will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the operation. A written consent  is needed before proceeding with any surgical treatment. You will be asked to temporarily refrain from certain medications and activities, including smoking. 


Colon Resection

This type of surgery, also known as colectomy, treats colon diseases, such as colon cancer or colorectal cancer, which starts at the colon or rectum. If an oncologist has not found cancer yet, a colonoscopy can diagnose these medical conditions. The process involves inserting a soft and bendable tube into the anus.  If a patient does not undergo cancer surgery or colorectal surgery, cancer can spread to different organs. For instance, colon cancer can develop into rectal cancer.  

What Are the Risks of Colon Resection?

The Khalili Center ensures that there are no surgery risks. However, clients are made aware of the possible complications that could occur during resection. These include:

  • Lung blood clots
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Colon leaks
  • Injury to related organs, like the ureter, bladder, or small intestine

Preparing for Colon Resection

Standard procedures follow once the Khalili Center’s surgeons list a patient as a candidate for colon resection. These protocols include requiring medical examinations, chest X-rays, blood work, and ECGs from clients. Some surgeons request blood transfusion or blood products during the surgical procedure, depending on your condition. Patients preparing for colon resection should empty their rectum and colon before surgery. Usually, a special cleansing solution aids in this process.

Several days before the operation, your assigned physician will prescribe clear liquids, laxatives, enemas (liquid or gas injected into the rectum), and antibiotics. Patients should complete these preparations, or the procedure will be rescheduled. Individuals should refrain from eating or drinking anything except the prescribed medications. Certain drugs, such as blood thinners, should also not be taken before surgery. Patients are also advised to quit smoking.


Stomach Surgery

The Khalili Center performs this type of surgery to treat stomach diseases, including stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, and gastroparesis (dysfunction of the stomach muscles).

What Are the Risks of Stomach Surgery?

Stomach surgery can lead to the following complications:

  • Injury to adjacent organs
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • A leak in the colon
  • Blood clots in the lungs

Preparing for Stomach Surgery

Before you proceed with stomach surgery, you should pass medical evaluations and undergo blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray. The Khalili Center’s surgeons will prescribe an enema or other preparations if you have a hard time moving your bowels. You should take clear liquids, enemas, and laxatives several days before the operation.

The night before the procedure, you should not drink or eat anything past midnight. Anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners, painkillers, and vitamin E, should be avoided before the surgery. Diet medications and some herbal supplements, like St. John’s wort, should not be consumed two weeks before the surgery. Smokers are also advised to temporarily stop smoking.


Solid Organ Surgery

This procedure pertains to any operation involving the spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, and liver. The whole organ or just a portion of it will be removed due to diseases. Endocrine surgery is the appropriate treatment for diseases affecting the endocrine system, adrenal glands, or pancreas. The Khalili Center performs this type of surgery when the organ has a tumor or is dysfunctional or hyperactive. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically. Some general surgery procedures involve removing specific organs. These surgeries include mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue if a breast biopsy shows breast cancer) and thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland).

What Are the Risks of Solid Organ Surgery?

Solid organ surgery may lead to the following complications:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Lung blood clot
  • Changes in hormone level or neurotransmitters produced by the removed organ
  • Injury to nearby organs

Preparing for Solid Organ Surgery

To be cleared for solid organ surgery, you should pass a medical examination. Chest X-rays, ECGs, and related blood tests may also be required. Consult our surgeons for further preparations on your solid organ surgery. Their guidelines would depend on the organ requiring the procedure.


Reflux Surgery

This surgical procedure is also known as laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Our highly-trained surgeons reinforce the valve between the stomach and the esophagus by wrapping the stomach’s upper portion around the esophagus’ lowest part. Reflux surgery treats digestive problems, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Individuals with GERD experience acid reflux, which happens when stomach acids flow back from the stomach to the esophagus.

What Are the Risks of Reflux Surgery?

Although generally considered safe, reflux surgery is not for everyone. Some problems may occur after surgery, such as the following:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the wound, blood, or abdomen
  • Adverse reactions to general anesthesia
  • Injury to the spleen, stomach, esophagus, or internal organs

Preparing for Reflux Surgery

It is essential to consult with your gastroenterologist or primary care physician to determine if this surgical procedure is appropriate.  Blood tests, chest X-rays, ECG, and blood work are necessary, depending on your medical condition and age. Ask your surgeon for food and medication restrictions. Before surgery, we request clients to temporarily quit smoking.


FAQs

How Long Does It Take for Medical Students to Become General
Surgeons?

Medical students in the United States undergo at least five years of general surgery residency to become general surgeons. Their length of surgical residency depends on the surgical specialty they desire. 

For example, a surgical resident who wants to specialize in thoracic surgery should undergo general surgery training plus two additional years. 

The American College of Surgeons says that general surgeons should have specialized knowledge of surgery’s primary components, like surgical oncology(1).

What Are the Subspecialties of a General Surgeon?

A general surgeon can specialize in the following(2):

  • Cardiothoracic surgery 
  • General surgery
  • Colon and rectal surgery 
  • Gynecology and obstetrics neurological surgery 
  • Ophthalmic surgery
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology (specializes in diseases involving the ears, nose, and throat)
  • Pediatric surgery 
  • Plastic and maxillofacial surgery
  • Urology (deals with urinary tract diseases)
  • Vascular surgery
  • Gynecologic oncology (diagnosis of cancer in women’s reproductive organs)

Other specialties include:

  • Lumpectomy (breast surgery to remove breast cancer tumor)
  • Trauma surgery (after training in surgical critical care)
Is Bariatric Surgery the Most Effective for Weight Loss?

Bariatric surgery modifies the digestive system to induce weight loss. Performed by board-certified general surgeons, bariatric surgery includes gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, and LAP-BAND® surgery.

Bariatric surgery is just one of the many ways to lose weight. Always consult with your doctor for the weight loss procedure most effective for you.

Does the Khalili Center Do Plastic Surgery?

The Khalili Center offers not only bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) but also plastic surgeryAward-winning Ritu Chopra, MD, is our specialist in advanced plastic surgery procedures. He is an expert in body contouring procedures and reconstructive surgery.

Meanwhile, Arash Moradzadeh, MD, is our other go-to surgeon who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is an ears, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who is also an expert in procedures involving the head and neck.

Find out more about Dr. Chopra and Dr. Moradzadeh, some of the most experienced and trusted plastic surgeons in Los Angeles.

Is Plastic Surgery the Same As Cosmetic Surgery?

While these two specialties are closely related, they are not the same. Plastic surgeons need certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Meanwhile, cosmetic surgeons should get certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Plastic surgery is more reconstructive. It aims to correct dysfunctional areas of the body. Procedures include burn repair surgery and scar revision surgery(3).

Meanwhile, cosmetic surgery aims to enhance a patient’s appearance. It includes surgical procedures focused on aesthetics, like breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, and facelift.

With our state-of-the-art facilities and modern surgical technology, you can be assured to receive expert advice from our doctors who are specialists in different types of surgeries. 

Get a consultation at Khalili Center by calling 310-246-9083 now!

 

References

  1. General Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.facs.org/education/resources/residency-search/specialties/general
  2. What are the surgical specialties? Retrieved from https://www.facs.org/education/resources/medical-students/faq/specialties
  3. Cosmetic Surgery vs Plastic Surgery: Cosmetic vs plastic surgeons. (2019, September 04). Retrieved from https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/patient-resources/cosmetic-surgery-vs-plastic-surgery/

Your Journey to Overcoming Obesity Starts Here.

Weight loss surgery is a tool to reset your life.

Our comprehensive program is everything you need to set you up for your new life and to keep the weight off. All you have to to find out if we’re right for you is to book an appointment.