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EXCELLENCE & COMPASSIONATE CARE

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WORLD-CLASS CARE CLOSE TO HOME

TOP-RATED FOR SURGICAL
EXCELLENCE & COMPASSIONATE CARE

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

MEET YOUR SPECIALIST

WORLD-CLASS CARE CLOSE TO HOME

TOP-RATED FOR SURGICAL
EXCELLENCE & COMPASSIONATE CARE

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

MEET YOUR SPECIALIST

WORLD-CLASS CARE CLOSE TO HOME

TOP-RATED FOR SURGICAL
EXCELLENCE & COMPASSIONATE CARE

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

MEET YOUR SPECIALIST

WORLD-CLASS CARE CLOSE TO HOME

TOP-RATED FOR SURGICAL
EXCELLENCE & COMPASSIONATE CARE

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

MEET YOUR SPECIALIST

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About South Bay Reflux and Esophageal Specialists

Gastric Procedures Specialist

Gastric issues like ulcers, polyps, cancer, and gastroparesis can be effectively diagnosed and treated by the experienced surgeons at Association of South Bay Surgeons. Treatment includes minimally invasive laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery that allows for a fast recovery.

GERD Specialist

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD, causes major problems with digestion and overall health. The Association of South Bay Surgeons helps patients deal with the most severe cases of GERD that require specialized surgical correction. To learn more about how surgical intervention can help GERD, contact the offices today.

Esophagus

Our board-certified & fellowship-trained surgeons are skilled at diagnosing and treating esophageal diseases, including:

  • Neuro-muscular diseases (achalasia, nutcracker esophagus, esophageal spasm)
  • Barrett’s Esophagus

SERVICES

Gastric Procedures Specialist

Gastric issues like ulcers, polyps, cancer, and gastroparesis can be effectively diagnosed and treated by the experienced surgeons at Association of South Bay Surgeons. Treatment includes minimally invasive laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery that allows for a fast recovery.

Gastric Procedures Q & A

Gastric ulcers are ulcers that develop due to stomach acid. An ulcer causes damage to the gut lining, and it typically looks like a tiny crater. Ulcers are often caused by an infection, and are thus typically treated with an acid suppressant medication and antibiotics. However, ulcers can be far more serious. A serious gastric ulcer causes bleeding or internal perforations. Ulcers of this type usually require surgical treatment for a satisfactory resolution.

In gastroparesis, the stomach isn’t able to empty food properly. This can cause a number of serious problems in the long term, including poor control of blood sugar, unwanted weight loss, fermentation of food stuck in the stomach, hardening of food into a bezoar that can’t be passed into the intestines, and regular vomiting of food that hasn’t been digested yet. People who suffer from gastroparesis can sometimes be treated with conservative therapy like dietary changes and medication. However, serious cases of gastroparesis may require surgical correction.

Gastric cancer causes malignant cells to develop within the stomach lining. There are many possible types of gastric cancer, including adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, carcinoid tumors, and stromal tumors. Gastric cancer develops quietly, often causing no major symptoms until it’s very advanced. Surgical gastrectomy (resection) is the most effective treatment for gastric cancer. A subtotal (partial) surgical gastrectomy is a procedure in which the lower part of the stomach is removed. This procedure is used only if the gastric cancer is isolated near the intestines. In a total gastrectomy, the entire stomach is surgically removed, and the esophagus is then surgically connected to the small intestine. If it’s caught early enough, this surgery can be a cure. If the cancer isn’t diagnosed until later, it still offers significant symptom relief.

Many gastric surgeries can be performed as minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. The advantages of these procedures include faster recovery, less pain, less bleeding, and smaller incision size. The team of radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and medical and radiation oncologists at Association of South Bay Surgeons work together to find the best surgical treatment option for each patient.

Our board-certified & fellowship trained surgeons are skilled at diagnosing and treating complex gastric diseases including:

  • Ulcers
  • Gastroparesis, dysmotility, functional disorders
  • Polyps and Cancer

Team Work & Individualized Therapy

  • Our team includes surgeons with advanced training (Fellowships) in Minimally Invasive Surgery and also Gastric Surgery & Surgical Oncology.
  • The best care requires radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and sometimes medical and radiation oncologists.
  • We work closely with these and other specialists to individualize a treatment plan for you.

Minimally Invasive / Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery

  • Minimally Invasive / Laparoscopic surgery reduces your pain, reduces your risk of complications, and speeds your recovery.
  • Endoscopic surgery takes place through the mouth and is completely scar-less.

We are experienced in minimally invasive / laparoscopic & endoscopic gastric surgery such as:

  • Laparoscopic Gastric Resection
  • Laparoscopic D2 Lymph Node Dissection for cancers
  • Laparoscopic Pace Maker placement for gastroparesis
  • Endoscopic resection of large gastric polyps

Unparallelled Experience

GERD Specialist

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD, causes some major problems with digestion and overall health. The Association of South Bay Surgeons helps patients deal with the most severe cases of GERD that require specialized surgical correction. To learn more about how surgical intervention can help GERD, contact the offices today.

GERD Q & A

GERD otherwise known as reflux or heartburn is a common condition affecting one of every five Americans. Reflux is when acid from the stomach enters the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). There can be many conditions that cause this. Most commonly is lower esophageal sphincter weakness that does not provide an adequate pressure valve preventing stomach fluid from entering back into the esophagus. (Please see the diagrams below) There are many medications that can treat the symptoms of reflux disease. Medications like Tums, Zantac or Prilosec do help symptoms however these medications do not correct the problem. These medications you will have to take life long and are not without long-term risks. Long term acid exposure to the esophagus can lead to cancer. If you have symptoms of reflux or heartburn or are on medications seeking another treatment please give us a call for a prompt evaluation. There is a way to live without medications and symptoms of heartburn.

Conditions associated and/or increase your risk of GERD:

  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Autoimmune diseases/Connective disease disorders
  • Hiatal hernias (slipping of the stomach into the chest)
  • Smoking
  • Eating too much and too quickly
  • Lying down too soon after eating
  • Taking nonsteroid medications like Advil, Motrin, Aspirin
  • Drinking coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol
  • Burning sensation in the back of the throat or chest
  • Hoarse voice
  • Bitter taste
  • Dry cough
  • Nausea, vomiting and regurgitation
  • Worsening asthma symptoms

Medical management with the use of medications such as Zantac or Prilosec. Long term use of these medications can lead to osteoporosis, dementia, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, kidney disease, and increase risk for serious bowel infections (C. Dif Colitis)

Surgical repair. Depending on whether the stomach is in its normal position or has slipped into the chest will determine how to recreate the valve preventing acid from escaping the stomach into the esophagus. The goal of surgery is creating the valve. This can be done by wrapping the stomach around itself called a fundoplication or with titanium-link magnet beads called LINX.

Reflux surgery is done by laparoscopic (keyhole) technique with small incisions and a video camera. Surgery takes about 1-2 hours and requires 1 to 2 days in the hospital.

Patients usually return home 1-2 days after surgery. All patients will be on a modified liquid diet for 1-2 weeks during the recovery process and the diet advanced to normal shortly thereafter. Most patients have mild surgery incision site pain and muscle discomfort lasting 3-5 days and usually resume full physical activity within 4 weeks.

Esophagus

Our board-certified & fellowship trained surgeons are skilled at diagnosing and treating esophageal diseases including:

  • Neuro-muscular diseases (achalasia, nutcracker esophagus, esophageal spasm)
  • Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Benign Tumors & Malignant Cancers

Team Work & Individualized Therapy:

  • Our team includes surgeons with advanced training (Fellowships) in Minimally Invasive Surgery and also Esophageal Surgery & Surgical Oncology.
  • The best care requires gastroenterologists, radiologists, and sometimes medical and radiation oncologists.
  • We work closely with these and other specialists to individualize a treatment plan for you.

Minimally Invasive / Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery:

  • Minimally Invasive / Laparoscopic surgery reduces your pain, reduces your risk of complications, and speeds your recovery
  • Endoscopic surgery takes place through the mouth and is completely scar-less
  • We are experienced in minimally invasive / laparoscopic & endoscopic esophageal surgery such as:
  • Laparoscopic Esophageal Myotomy (Heller procedure)
  • Per-Oral Esophageal Myotomy (POEM procedure, which is scarless)
  • Laparoscopic Fundoplication
  • Endoscopic ablation of Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Endscopic removal (resection) of polyps and masses
  • Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (avoiding any incisions on your chest)

Unparallelled Experience:

OUR SPECIALITIES

South Bay Breast Center

Welcome to the Center for Comprehensive Breast Care Since 1995

At the Comprehensive Center for Breast Care at ASBS we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Our Center brings together the South Bay’s premier multidisciplinary breast cancer team. Specialists from medical, radiation and surgical oncology work together to provide the most advanced individualized treatment plans. We treat close to 500 women each year and offer comprehensive screening, diagnostic, medical and surgical breast services, nutrition and genetics counseling, and a full array of psycho-social support for patients and families.

South Bay Metabolic and Weight Loss Institute

Our Surgical Weight Loss Team

At the Association of South Bay Surgeons, we’ve harnessed the collaborative power of multiple specialists and sub specialists into one comprehensive team of expert surgeons. For more than 10 years, we’ve provided quality care for our patients while paving the way for future medical innovations. Since the practice was formed in 1995, our surgeons have performed countless procedures. You can feel confident that our physicians have the experience needed to provide patients with the best possible care. And now, many of these surgeries can be performed using minimally-invasive techniques. This benefits patients in many ways – smaller scars, less bleeding, less pain and quicker recovery.

Center for Liver, Pancreas, and Complex Cancers

Pancreatic Surgery Specialist

Surgery is a highly effective means of dealing with many common types of cancer. The doctors at Association of South Bay Surgeons are experienced in the diagnosis and staging (determining the extent) of cancer, and surgically treat many cancers safely and effectively.

Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist

Advanced laparoscopic surgery is the new era of modern surgery. The highly experienced physicians at Association of South Bay Surgeons use this surgical technique to deal with a wide variety of diseases and illnesses. With the tiny incisions, recovery is much faster and easier than it would be with open surgery.

Liver Surgery Specialist

Liver malfunctions may be caused by cysts, cancer, or something else. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical to maintaining good health. The Association of South Bay Surgeons are experienced in this area, and they’re here to help. Call the office today for an appointment or consultation.

General Surgery – Our Approach

General surgery, despite its name, is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal organs, e.g. intestines including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland (depending on the availability of head and neck surgery specialists). They also deal with diseases involving the skin, the breasts, and hernias.

Robotic Surgery Institute

Many surgery patients now opt for robotic surgery. This type of surgery is much less invasive than open surgery and allows for faster recovery. The team at Association of South Bay Surgeons helps patients consider their surgical options. Contact the office today for an appointment or consultation.

South Bay Hernia Institute

Our expertly trained surgeons provide the most up to date treatment for a variety of hernias ranging from the simple to the more complex. In addition to traditional methods of repair, we also offer minimally invasive techniques, including the Da Vinci Robot, for most types of hernias allowing for a faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

South Bay Colon and Rectal Specialists

Colon issues can include large bowel obstruction, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, and more. The highly skilled surgeons at the Association of South Bay Surgeons offer both open and laparoscopic colon resections to help their patients get normal function back.

Endocrine Specialists

Parathyroid Specialist

Parathyroid glands are tiny glands on the corners of the thyroid gland within the neck. The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium levels, which allow the nervous and muscular systems to function at their peak. When the parathyroid gland is diseased, the surgeons at Association of South Bay Surgeons are experienced, help with specialized surgery.

Thyroid Specialist

The thyroid gland can develop a number of different diseases that cause serious symptoms, and surgical treatment is often the best solution. The Association of South Bay Surgeons are experienced, offers a variety of treatment options customized to the patient.

Adrenal Specialist

The adrenal glands are responsible for producing important hormones, and when there are problems, it causes serious medical issues. The experienced team at the Association of South Bay Surgeons effectively deal with adrenal gland cancer and other issues. Call the offices to schedule a consultation today.

South Bay Skin Cancer and Melanoma Institute

Skin Specialists

Here at South Bay Skin Cancer & Melanoma Institute, our surgeons treat a variety of skin cancers ranging from Basal Cell carcinoma, Squamous Cell carcinoma, Melanoma and rare ones like Merkel Cell carcinoma. We work closely with our Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Oncology and Radiation Oncology colleagues to provide the most tailored treatment for our patients.

South Bay Reflux and Esophageal Specialists

Gastric Procedures Specialist

Gastric issues like ulcers, polyps, cancer, and gastroparesis can be effectively diagnosed and treated by the experienced surgeons at Association of South Bay Surgeons. Treatment includes minimally invasive laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery that allows for a fast recovery.

GERD Specialist

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD, causes major problems with digestion and overall health. The Association of South Bay Surgeons helps patients deal with the most severe cases of GERD that require specialized surgical correction. To learn more about how surgical intervention can help GERD, contact the offices today.

Esophagus

Our board-certified & fellowship-trained surgeons are skilled at diagnosing and treating esophageal diseases, including:

  • Neuro-muscular diseases (achalasia, nutcracker esophagus, esophageal spasm)
  • Barrett’s Esophagus

OUR SPECIALITIES

South Bay Breast Center

Welcome to the Center for Comprehensive Breast Care Since 1995

At the Comprehensive Center for Breast Care at ASBS we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Our Center brings together the South Bay’s premier multidisciplinary breast cancer team. Specialists from medical, radiation and surgical oncology work together to provide the most advanced individualized treatment plans. We treat close to 500 women each year and offer comprehensive screening, diagnostic, medical and surgical breast services, nutrition and genetics counseling, and a full array of psycho-social support for patients and families.

South Bay Metabolic and Weight Loss Institute

Our Surgical Weight Loss Team

At the Association of South Bay Surgeons, we’ve harnessed the collaborative power of multiple specialists and sub specialists into one comprehensive team of expert surgeons. For more than 10 years, we’ve provided quality care for our patients while paving the way for future medical innovations. Since the practice was formed in 1995, our surgeons have performed countless procedures. You can feel confident that our physicians have the experience needed to provide patients with the best possible care. And now, many of these surgeries can be performed using minimally-invasive techniques. This benefits patients in many ways – smaller scars, less bleeding, less pain and quicker recovery.

Center for Liver, Pancreas, and Complex Cancers

Pancreatic Surgery Specialist

Surgery is a highly effective means of dealing with many common types of cancer. The doctors at Association of South Bay Surgeons  are experienced in the diagnosis and staging (determining the extent) of cancer, and surgically treat many cancers safely and effectively.

Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist

Advanced laparoscopic surgery is the new era of modern surgery. The highly experienced physicians at Association of South Bay Surgeons use this surgical technique to deal with a wide variety of diseases and illnesses. With the tiny incisions, recovery is much faster and easier than it would be with open surgery.

Liver Surgery Specialist

Liver malfunctions may be caused by cysts, cancer, or something else. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical to maintaining good health. The Association of South Bay Surgeons are experienced in this area, and they’re here to help. Call the office today for an appointment or consultation.

General Surgery – Our Approach

General surgery, despite its name, is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal organs, e.g. intestines including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland (depending on the availability of head and neck surgery specialists). They also deal with diseases involving the skin, the breasts, and hernias.

Robotic Surgery Institute

Many surgery patients now opt for robotic surgery. This type of surgery is much less invasive than open surgery and allows for faster recovery. The team at Association of South Bay Surgeons  helps patients consider their surgical options. Contact the office today for an appointment or consultation.

South Bay Hernia Institute

Our expertly trained surgeons provide the most up to date treatment for a variety of hernias ranging from the simple to the more complex. In addition to traditional methods of repair, we also offer minimally invasive techniques, including the Da Vinci Robot, for most types of hernias allowing for a faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

South Bay Colon and Rectal Specialists

Colon issues can include large bowel obstruction, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, and more. The highly skilled surgeons at the Association of South Bay Surgeons offer both open and laparoscopic colon resections to help their patients get normal function back.

Endocrine Specialists

Parathyroid Specialist

Parathyroid glands are tiny glands on the corners of the thyroid gland within the neck. The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium levels, which allow the nervous and muscular systems to function at their peak. When the parathyroid gland is diseased, the surgeons at Association of South Bay Surgeons are experienced, help with specialized surgery.

Thyroid Specialist

The thyroid gland can develop a number of different diseases that cause serious symptoms, and surgical treatment is often the best solution. The Association of South Bay Surgeons are experienced, offers a variety of treatment options customized to the patient.

Adrenal Specialist

The adrenal glands are responsible for producing important hormones, and when there are problems, it causes serious medical issues. The experienced team at the Association of South Bay Surgeons effectively deal with adrenal gland cancer and other issues. Call the offices to schedule a consultation today.

South Bay Skin Cancer and Melanoma Institute

Skin Specialists

Here at South Bay Skin Cancer & Melanoma Institute, our surgeons treat a variety of skin cancers ranging from Basal Cell carcinoma, Squamous Cell carcinoma, Melanoma and rare ones like Merkel Cell carcinoma. We work closely with our Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Oncology and Radiation Oncology colleagues to provide the most tailored treatment for our patients.

South Bay Reflux and Esophogeal Specialists

Gastric Procedures Specialist

Gastric issues like ulcers, polyps, cancer, and gastroparesis can be effectively diagnosed and treated by the experienced surgeons at Association of South Bay Surgeons. Treatment includes minimally invasive laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery that allows for a fast recovery.

GERD Specialist

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD, causes major problems with digestion and overall health. The Association of South Bay Surgeons helps patients deal with the most severe cases of GERD that require specialized surgical correction. To learn more about how surgical intervention can help GERD, contact the offices today.

Esophagus

Our board-certified & fellowship-trained surgeons are skilled at diagnosing and treating esophageal diseases, including:

  • Neuro-muscular diseases (achalasia, nutcracker esophagus, esophageal spasm)
  • Barrett’s Esophagus

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Patients Say

*All opinions expressed are the sole viewpoint of the individual patient, and as such should not be treated as medical advice. Results will vary for every individual.*

Patient Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery time can vary, but the typical bariatric surgery patient stays 2-3 days for the laparoscopic gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, and 4-6 days for revisional surgery or the open gastric bypass. The band patients are usually home the same day and do not need to stay overnight.

An exercise regimen is key to maintaining weight loss, and your team at the South Bay Metabolic and Weightloss Institute will help you develop a plan. You’ll start by walking soon as soon as you can after surgery, and continuing to walk more once you go home. Patients with knee or ankle problems are encouraged to swim or bicycle, once cleared by their surgeon.

Patients must stop smoking before any weight loss surgery. Smokers risk having lung problems or infections after surgery. It also slows the healing process. Smoking after surgery can also lead to complications such as ulcers after the bypass or sleeve, or erosion of the band in those patients.

Your doctor and dietician will help you with your specific eating plan, but you can expect to be on a liquid diet right after surgery. After two weeks you can then begin eating pureed or semi-solid food. Most patients resume eating solid food after about four weeks. Again, your doctor and care team will outline your specific diet plan.

National guidelines suggest that bariatric surgery should only be performed on patients 18 years of age or older. Patients should be mature enough to handle the commitment and hard work needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery.

Each policy is different, though many insurance providers understand that this is a medically necessary and lifesaving procedure. Your team at the South Bay Metabolic and Weightloss Institute will help you to work with your insurance company to determine your bariatric surgery coverage.

If you’re planning to become pregnant, your surgeon will advise you on how long you should wait. Patients are typically told to wait about 18 months, or when your weight loss and nutritional status has stabilized.

No problem. The specialists at the South Bay Metabolic and Weightloss Institute have over 30 years experience with revisions and caring for patients with prior historical procedures/surgeries not performed anymore.

0.9 Stars on Google
0+ Cancer Surgeries per Year
0 Expert Surgeons
0% Quality
0.9 Stars on Google
0 Cancer Surgeries per Year
0 Expert Surgeons
0% Quality

SURGEONS

Neil H. Bhayani

Neil H. Bhayani

MD, MHS, FACS, DIRECTOR

Oncologic Surgeon and Reflux / Esophageal Specialist

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FAQ

Have Questions?

  • Open surgery – An open operation means a large incision cutting the skin and tissues so the surgeon has a full view of the structures or organs involved.
  • Minimally invasive surgery – Minimally invasive surgery refers to surgery that does not require a large incision. Another term is “Key Hole Surgery”. This usually involves the use of a video camera and small slender instruments. These instruments can be directly held by the surgeon (laparoscopic) or controlled by a machine through a console (robotic). This approach allows for faster recovery with less pain. Not all conditions are suitable for minimally invasive surgery.

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