Gallbladder Robotic Surgery

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Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen and collects and stores bile made in the liver.

Gallbladder removal surgery is a common surgery that treats many types of gallbladder disease including:

  • Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
  • Cholecystitis (inflammation)
  • Biliary dyskinesia
  • Gangrene
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Cholangiopathy
  • Pancreatitis caused by gallstones

The most common and recognizable symptom of gallbladder disease is biliary colic. It is a pattern of pain in your biliary tract in your upper right abdomen that occurs in episodes, often with nausea. Biliary colic is usually an early sign of biliary disease that is likely to get worse. When your bile flow stalls completely, you’ll feel intense bladder pain that won’t go away until you get medical care. Other signs of possible gallbladder disease include:

  • Jaundice
  • A swollen abdomen that is tender to the touch
  • Large gallbladder polyps discovered on an ultrasound

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, your healthcare provider will examine you and conduct the necessary tests to diagnose the cause. They will let you know if gallbladder surgery is recommended.

There are three types of gallbladder removal surgery, they include:

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
  • Robotic cholecystectomy
  • Open cholecystectomy

Through the acquisition of the Da Vinci robot surgical platform, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center can now perform minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images inside the abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture to reference as they operate.
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
  • You’ll have a few tiny scars.
  • You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery.
  • A shorter hospital stay.

For more information about robotic surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to learn more about other surgical options, please call (718) 206-7001 to make an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Holiday Driving Safety Tips

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The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends. Depending on where you are, or where you are going, many challenges such as weather conditions, limited daylight, and driving in unfamiliar areas can make driving difficult. Here are some tips to help keep you safe while driving this holiday season:

  • Prepare your vehicle for the winter and keep an emergency kit with you
  • Get a good night’s sleep before leaving to avoid drowsy driving
  • Leave early to avoid heavy traffic
  • Make sure that every person in the vehicle is buckled up properly
  • Practice defensive driving
  • Don’t drive impaired
  • Avoid distractions
  • Check the weather conditions before driving
  • Stick to the speed limit

Taking the proper precautions before and during your drive is for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and other drivers on the road.

If you or any of your passengers are injured due to a car accident, make sure to call 911 right away.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Ear Infections

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An ear infection, or acute otitis media, occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the space behind the eardrum. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults, making them one of the most common childhood illnesses besides colds.

Signs and symptoms of an ear infection common in children include:

  • Ear pain, especially when lying down
  • Tugging or pulling at an ear
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Crying more than usual
  • Fussiness
  • Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
  • Loss of balance
  • Fever of 100˚ F (38˚ C) or higher
  • Drainage fluid from the ear
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite

Common signs and symptoms of an ear infection in adults include:

  • Ear pain
  • Drainage of fluid from the ear
  • Trouble hearing

Ear infections often begin after a cold or another upper respiratory infection. The germs travel into your middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing the Eustachian tube to swell and become blocked. The blockage leads to poor Eustachian tube function and infected fluid in your middle ear.

Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the viruses and/or bacteria that cause them are.

Several factors can cause a risk of ear infections, including:

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Colds
  • Chronic illnesses
  • Ethnicity
  • Poor air quality and smoky environments

Most healthcare providers can tell if you have an ear infection based on symptoms and a physical exam. Other tests include:

  • Tympanometry test
  • Acoustic reflectometry test
  • Tympanocentesis test

Treatment for ear infections can include:

  • Pain medication
  • Anesthetic drops
  • Antibiotic therapy

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Travel Tuesday: Tips For Traveling With Prescriptions

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The holiday season is one of the busiest times for airplane travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently shared that it expects almost 40 million people to fly this year. Among those travelers are people who need to pack their prescriptions for their trips.

Each country has rules for what is permissible or legal.  Therefore, it is important to check with your destination’s embassy and learn the laws when flying with your prescriptions.

For those traveling to and from the United States, TSA provides the following information:

  • It is not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
  • Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
  • You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
  • You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
  • TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
  • Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
  • Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

Packing your medications safely and according to TSA guidelines can help avoid delays during airport security screenings.  Remember to check the laws on medications for your destination; some medications that are considered legal in the U.S. may be unlicensed or classified as controlled substances in other countries.

For more information on TSA medication guidelines, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Foot Drop

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Foot drop or drop foot, is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. It happens when you can’t raise the front part of your foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift it.

Foot drop may cause a person to drag their feet on the floor when they walk. To avoid this, a person with foot drop may raise the thigh more than usual when walking as though they were climbing stairs. This way of walking, called steppage gait, causes the foot to slap against the floor with each step, sometimes causing the skin on the top of the foot and toes to feel numb.

Foot drop isn’t a disease. It is more a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. Foot drop has several possible causes, typically due to an issue with your nerves and/or muscles. The most common causes are lumbar radiculopathy and peroneal nerve injury. Other causes include:

  • Brain conditions
  • Motor neuron conditions
  • Peripheral neuropathies
  • Muscle conditions

To diagnose foot drop, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, which may show:

  • Loss of muscle control in your lower leg(s) and foot/feet
  • Muscle atrophy in your foot or leg
  • Difficulty lifting your foot and toes

Your healthcare provider may also order any of the following tests to find the underlying cause of foot drop, including:

  • Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, and/or an MRI to look for compression or damage in your legs, spine, or brain
  • Certain blood tests, such as a blood sugar test to check for diabetes and diabetes-related neuropathy
  • Nerve conduction tests to examine how your nerves are functioning
  • Electromyography to measure the electrical activity in your leg muscles

Foot drop treatment depends on what is causing it. Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent. If the cause is a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis or ALS, foot drop may be permanent. Possible treatments for foot drop include:

  • Physical and occupational therapy to help stretch and strengthen your muscles and help you walk better
  • Braces, splints, or shoe inserts to help support your ankle and foot and keep it in a more natural position

In some cases, people need surgery to relieve pressure on their peroneal nerve or to repair it. If you have chronic foot drop, your healthcare provider may suggest fusing your ankle or foot bones. Or you may have tendon surgery in which a surgeon transfers a tendon from your other leg to the muscle in your affected leg to help it pull your foot up.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of foot drop, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Living with Diabetes during the Holidays

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Making healthy choices during the winter holidays can be challenging for many people. It can be even more challenging for people with diabetes.

If you are a diabetic, it is important to eat mindfully by following your diet and making a plan. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a diabetes-friendly holiday season:

  • Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
  • Stay hydrated
  • Communicate with family and friends about your diabetes needs and how they can support you
  • Stay active
    • Take short walks
    • Dance or play games
  • Plan for holiday meals
    • Choose healthier options
    • Watch portion sizes
    • Balance your plate
  • Prepare for travel
    • Pack your diabetes kit
    • Carry snacks
  • Get enough sleep
  • Don’t skip meals
  • Watch what you drink and how much
  • Talk to your doctor about changes in your health
  • Take care of your mental health
    • Practice mindfulness
    • Set realistic expectations

With some planning and preparation, you can still enjoy the holidays and your favorite foods while managing your blood sugar.

To schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Mental Health and Holiday Stress

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The holidays can be a stressful time for many, with all the shopping, gatherings, and family time, they can add extra pressure to our already busy lives. For people dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, the holidays can be even harder.

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holiday season, with 41% reporting higher stress levels compared to other times of the year. This stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given include:

  • Lack of time
  • Financial pressure
  • Gift giving
  • Family gatherings

To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays.

There are several ways to cope with holiday stress including:

  • Practicing mindfulness and meditation
  • Taking a break when needed
  • Getting fresh air and sunlight
  • Seeking therapy and staying in therapy
  • Maintaining healthy habits
  • Respecting differences
  • Saying no
  • Sharing feelings
  • Being realistic with yourself and others
  • Reaching out to friends and family

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Patient Testimonial: Dwayne Bull says, “I could never find words to express how thankful and how grateful I am”, After Dr. Mangla, his team, and the Jamaica Hospital Staff Save His Husband Arthur’s Life

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“I could never find words to express how thankful and how grateful I am”, is what Dwayne Bull said after his husband Arthur’s surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. On September 11th, 2024, Mr. Arthur Dower Bull took a short walk with his husband Dwayne to shop in their neighborhood. After about a block of walking, Arthur began to show signs of passing out. At that moment, Dwayne immediately called 911. Leading up to that moment Arthur passed out, Dwayne explained, “Arthur had been complaining about pain in his left leg and shortness of breath since having two surgeries two weeks prior.” The ambulance arrived and Arthur was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Arthur was being evaluated in the ER while Dwayne waited for news on his condition in the waiting room. A doctor approached Dwayne and told him that Arthur’s heart had stopped and he had to be revived. When the doctor told him that, Dwayne said, “My heart stopped, and I had never experienced that mental state in my life.” Dwayne recounted seeing a team of people standing over Arthur attempting to revive him again. He says, “I felt the pain of losing someone for the first time in my life and the hardest part was not being able to do anything about it.” For Dwayne, sitting in the waiting room feeling alone, nervous, and scared and not knowing what was happening, was the hardest thing for him.

Then, Dr. Aditya Mangla appeared. Dwayne recalls that Dr. Mangla was “extremely calm” and had a “positive presence about him”. “He gave me peace”, said Dwayne. Dr. Mangla told Dwayne that Arthur had blood clots in his lungs and blood stopped flowing to his heart. He expressed that if he did not perform immediate surgery Arthur wouldn’t make it and if he does perform the surgery, there still might be a chance that he wouldn’t make it because of the severity of his condition. Dr. Mangla told Dwayne there was a “30% chance that Arthur could survive the surgery”. Dwayne says Dr. Mangla, “assured me that he was extremely knowledgeable in this area of medicine and that he and Arthur were in the right place.”

Dr. Mangla allowed Dwayne to see Arthur one last time before surgery. Dr. Mangla told Dwayne, “I will treat him like he’s one of mine”. Dwayne waited in the waiting room for 90 minutes but remained positive because he knew Arthur was in good hands due to Dr. Mangla’s sincerity and level of experience. Then Dr. Mangla appeared with a certainty and enduring smile expressing that the surgery was successful. He then showed Dwayne pictures of the blood clots that were removed from Arthur’s lungs. When Dwayne finally got to see Arthur after the surgery, Arthur’s first words to him were, “You’re here.”

Dwayne would like to thank Dr. Mangla for the impeccable service he received. “Dr. Mangla is an angel,” Dwayne said. He would also like to thank Dr. Mangla’s team, the ICU nurses, and the rest of the hospital staff. “The hospital should be given an award.”

Dwayne and Arthur moved here from California last year and have been enjoying the sights and culture of the city. Thanks to Dr. Mangla, his team, and the hospital staff, they can continue to do so. “Dr. Mangla saved the life of my loved one. I wanted to say thank you, and I will never forget your unconditional support or allowing God to use you by the power of prayer.”

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Jonathan Macias

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We are pleased to introduce Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Dr. Jonathan Macias, the new hematologists-oncologists at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center located on the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center campus.

Dr. Hoilett obtained his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. As a general hematologist and medical oncologist at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, Dr. Hoilett treats a wide range of conditions, including various types of cancer (such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers), hematological disorders (such as anemia, leukemias, and lymphomas), and complications related to these diseases. “My focus is on providing comprehensive care that addresses both the medical and emotional needs of my patients”, he said.

Dr. Macias is board-certified in internal medicine and received his medical degree at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine after obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami. He then completed his residency at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Residency Program in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. Dr. Macias, says about his work as a hematologist-oncologist, “Cancer is complicated, but new treatments are always being discovered, which keeps my job exciting.” He also says that he loves getting to know his patients over time and being there for them, whether through tough times or celebrating with good news. “Being able to give my patients hope and improve their lives is why I chose this job. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it when I see the difference I can make in their life”, he said.

Dr. Hoilett’s journey into medicine was deeply influenced by his experiences with cancer in his community. He explains, “Growing up, I witnessed the profound impact of this disease on individuals and families, including my aunt who passed away from breast cancer.” These experiences helped spark his interest in oncology and the biology of cancer “compelling me to understand how such a devastating illness could affect lives.” He became increasingly aware of the disparities in healthcare access faced by those from less fortunate backgrounds, fueling his desire to specialize in oncology, where he could provide advanced medical care and advocate for health equity. He is passionate about bridging the gaps in care and building trust within the healthcare system to ensure that all patients receive the support they need during their treatment journeys.

Similarly, Dr. Macias was inspired to pursue medicine because he wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. “I loved learning about how the human body works and how to treat illnesses”, he says. “My family also played a big part in my decision to go into medicine.” Dr. Macias wanted to help them through their recovery whenever they got sick. “The idea of being able to help my family when they are sick or injured motivated me to be able to do the same for my patients.”

For Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias, deciding to work at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center comes down to wanting to serve the community. Dr. Hoilett is excited about joining the team and having the chance to collaborate with dedicated professionals who share the commitment to improving cancer care in the community. “The affiliation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center enhances our capabilities, allowing us to offer cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials locally”, Dr. Hoilett says. He hopes to bring advanced medical treatments and a strong emphasis on health education and outreach by addressing the unique healthcare barriers faced by our diverse population. “I aim to empower patients with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. I want to emphasize my commitment to health equity and community outreach initiatives.” Dr. Hoilett believes that by actively engaging with the community, we can improve access to care and ensure that all patients receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journeys.

Dr. Macias was drawn to the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a diverse community. “Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, I had to help my family find doctors and get them to appointments. I appreciate the collaborative environment at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, where multidisciplinary teams work together to address complex medical issues and provide culturally competent care.” The supportive atmosphere among staff and the emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth further solidified his decision to work at the hospital. He believes that working at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center will enable him to contribute positively to the community while advancing his medical skills. “I hope to connect patients with the latest treatments and easy access to clinical trials when needed.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias to our team. We look forward to the work they and the rest of the Oncology and Hematology Departments will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Lazy Eye in Children

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Lazy eye or amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development early in life. The weaker or lazy eye often wanders inward or outward. Amblyopia generally develops from birth up to seven years old, and rarely affects both eyes.

Signs and symptoms of lazy eye include:

  • A wandering or crossed eye
  • Eyes that appear not to work together
  • Poor depth perception
  • Squinting or shutting an eye
  • Head tilting
  • Abnormal results of vision screening tests

It is important to note that some children display no symptoms of amblyopia. The child’s strong eye and brain can compensate for the weaker eye, making it appear that the child has good vision. Over time, the brain gets used to working with only one eye. The eye that’s being ignored by the brain doesn’t develop normal vision.

There are three main causes of amblyopia, including:

  • Strabismus- which occurs when a child’s eyes aren’t aligned. The eyes don’t work together, leading the brain to ignore one eye
  • Refractive error or need for glasses- children are especially at risk if one eye has a larger need for glasses compared to the other eye
  • Conditions that cause poor vision in one eye, like cataracts or droopy eyelid, prompt the brain to ignore the blurry pictures seen by that eye

Additional factors that can place a child at a higher risk for amblyopia, include:

  • A family history of amblyopia
  • Prematurity
  • Developmental delay
  • Craniofacial disorders
  • Certain genetic conditions, such as:
    • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
    • 22q deletion syndrome
    • Williams syndrome
    • Noonan syndrome

Vision screening is the best way to diagnose amblyopia and its risk factors. Photoscreening, a type of vision screening that uses a special camera to determine how well a child can see, is often performed in conjunction with vision testing.

Treatment options depend on the cause of lazy eye and how much the condition affects your child’s vision. Treatment your doctor may recommend include:

  • Corrective eyewear
  • Eye patches
  • Bangerter filter
  • Eye drops
  • Surgery

Treatment while your child is young and the eyes are still developing, gives them a better chance of overcoming amblyopia. The goal is to make your child’s brain use both eyes. Getting the eyes to work as a team becomes harder as your child grows. Therefore, early treatment is best. Treatment may not work if started after seven to ten years of age.

If your child is experiencing symptoms of lazy eye, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center now by calling (718) 206-5900.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.