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How Should I Prepare for a Breast Biopsy?

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A breast biopsy is an important step in diagnosing abnormal findings in breast tissue, helping your healthcare provider determine the best course of action for your care. While the procedure itself is usually straightforward, preparing ahead of time can help reduce stress and ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to know to feel confident and informed before your breast biopsy.

Things to Tell Your Provider Before the Procedure

Communication with Dr. Kolachalam is key to a safe and successful biopsy. Be sure to share the following details during your pre-procedure consultation:

Medications and Supplements

Inform your provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including over-the-counter pain relievers, blood thinners, and herbal remedies. Some substances can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure, and your doctor may recommend adjustments beforehand.

Allergies

If you have allergies to medications, latex, adhesives, or anesthesia, let your provider know. This information helps the medical team plan for any necessary accommodations.

Medical History

Discuss any relevant medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or previous breast surgeries, which could impact the procedure.

Pregnancy Status

If there’s a chance you could be pregnant, inform your provider. Certain imaging techniques, like X-rays, may need to be modified to ensure safety.

Recent Illnesses or Infections

If you’ve recently been ill or have an active infection, it’s important to mention this. Your doctor might decide to postpone the procedure until you’ve fully recovered.

Good Questions to Ask Your Provider

Asking the right questions can help you feel more at ease and ensure you’re fully prepared for your biopsy. Here are some important topics to discuss:

1. What Type of Biopsy Will I Have?

There are several types of breast biopsies, including fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy. Ask your provider which type you’ll undergo and what the process entails.

2. Will I Be Awake During the Procedure?

Oftentimes, breast biopsies are performed using local anesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake but won’t feel pain. If you’re nervous about being awake, ask your provider how they can help ensure your comfort.

3. How Long Will the Procedure Take?

Knowing how much time to set aside can help you plan your day and arrange transportation if needed.

4. Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Ask about potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, or bruising, so you’re aware of what to expect and when to seek medical attention.

5. How Should I Care for the Biopsy Site?

Find out what aftercare steps you should follow to promote healing, such as keeping the area clean and avoiding strenuous activities.

6. When Will I Get My Results?

Ask about the timeline for receiving your biopsy results and how they’ll be communicated to you.

Additional Tips for Biopsy Day

  • Wear a comfortable, loose-fitting top that’s easy to remove.
  • Arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you for support, especially if you feel anxious.
  • Follow any specific instructions from your provider, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications.

Breast Biopsy In Novi, MI

Preparing for a breast biopsy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By openly communicating with Board Certified General Surgeon in Novi and Southfield, MI and asking the right questions, you can feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

Contact Kolachalam Surgery at (248) 662-4272 if you have additional concerns or need further guidance. We’re here to support you with compassionate care and personalized advice.

Are Umbilical Hernias Serious?

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Both children and adults can develop an umbilical hernia. In children, the great majority of these hernias seem to close up on their own, whereas an umbilical hernia in an adult can become serious if it’s not treated in a timely manner. In either case, let’s find out if umbilical hernias are serious.

Common in Young Children

Twenty percent of babies are born with an umbilical hernia. It occurs at the navel, or belly button, when some intestine pushes through the umbilical ring. This is a small opening in the abdominal muscles of a fetus where the umbilical cord passes. They become obvious because they protrude when the baby cries.

These hernias happen most often in newborns, and 90% will close by the time the child is five years old.

These hernias in children are mainly harmless and do not cause pain, but if your baby has any discoloration at the site, vomits, or appears to be in pain, call your doctor right away.

Adults With Umbilical Hernias

Too much abdominal pressure is usually the main cause for an adult umbilical hernia. Adults who develop an umbilical hernia commonly have similar risk factors.

The risk factors may include the following:

  • Being overweight
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Fluid in the abdomen
  • Long-term peritoneal dialysis for treating kidney disease

Umbilical hernias seem to be more common in women.

Risks of Umbilical Hernias for Adults

Yes, an adult umbilical hernia can become serious and are prone to complications.

No, an adult hernia will not go away on its own; it must be repaired.

It can become a serious situation if some of the protruding intestine becomes incarcerated or trapped, and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. This reduces the blood supply to that section of the intestine, can come very painful, and requires immediate surgery.

If the trapped portion of the intestine is totally cut off from its blood supply, this can be a life-threatening situation which can lead to infection spreading throughout the abdomen.

Don’t wait to seek treatment!

Contact Dr. Kolachalam at (248) 662-4272 if you suspect you have an umbilical hernia and want a positive diagnosis and needed repair in our general surgery center in Novi, Southfield, or Livonia, MI.

What to Do When Heartburn Medications Stop Working

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Many people live with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) without realizing it. GERD is more than occasional heartburn that improves with antacids. It often causes burning in the chest or throat, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation when lying down, or symptoms that occur several times a week. When medications stop providing relief, it may be time to consider other options.

Common Medications for GERD

Most patients with GERD start with medications that reduce stomach acid. Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. These medications are typically the first step in treatment.

H2 Blockers

H2 blockers reduce acid production and are often taken as needed for symptoms. Common examples include:

  • Pepcid AC (famotidine)
  • Tagamet (cimetidine)
  • Ranitidine has largely been removed from the market

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are stronger acid-reducing medications and are usually taken daily, even if symptoms are not present. They are often more effective for frequent or severe reflux. Examples include:

  • Prilosec (omeprazole)
  • Prevacid (lansoprazole)
  • Nexium (esomeprazole)
  • Protonix (pantoprazole)

When Medications Are No Longer Enough

If symptoms continue despite appropriate use of PPIs and H2 blockers, GERD may not be just an acid problem. In many cases, the issue is mechanical. A weak or displaced valve between the esophagus and stomach can allow acid to reflux upward, even when acid production is reduced. When this happens, surgical treatment may be appropriate.

Testing Before Considering Surgery

Before surgery is recommended, a thorough evaluation is performed to confirm GERD and rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Two important tests are commonly used:

  • Upper endoscopy with Bravo pH testing: Measures acid exposure in the lower esophagus over time and allows the surgeon to check for inflammation, Barrett’s esophagus, or a hiatal hernia.
  • Esophageal manometry: Evaluates how well the muscles of the esophagus function. Poor coordination or weak contractions can mimic reflux symptoms and influence treatment options.

Surgical Treatment for GERD

If GERD is confirmed, surgery may be recommended. The most common procedure is a fundoplication, which strengthens the valve between the stomach and esophagus by wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophagus. This helps prevent acid and food from refluxing upward. If a hiatal hernia is present, it is repaired during the same operation. At Kolachalam and Tindal Surgery, we tailor surgical treatment based on each patient’s anatomy, test results, and symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Lifestyle modifications can improve symptoms and complement medical or surgical treatment:

  • Weight loss, if applicable
  • Avoid trigger foods such as chocolate, alcohol, spicy foods, coffee, mint, and tomato-based foods
  • Elevating the head of the bed
  • Regular physical activity
  • Avoiding smoking

When to Seek Care

If you experience frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or GERD symptoms that do not improve with medication, further evaluation may be helpful. We have extensive experience in hiatal hernia surgery and can tailor the best management plan for your case.

Contact Kolachalam and Tindal Surgery at (248) 662-4272 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Thyroid Surgery

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The thyroid gland is a 2 inch powerhouse for your body. It produces, stores, and releases hormones into the bloodstream and controls many of your bodily functions like weight, breathing, heart rate, muscle strength to name just a few. If your physician has recommended surgery due to an overactive gland, if it has grown too large, has cysts or nodules on it, or if there is a possibility of cancer, here are some specific questions to ask your doctor about thyroid surgery.

Continue reading “Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Thyroid Surgery” →

Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery

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Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery

Your gallbladder is an organ that stores bile to help you digest fat. Sometimes the gallbladder can become inflamed, infected or blocked. If these ailments occur, your physician may suggest minimally invasive gallbladder surgery.

Process of Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery

During minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, surgeons remove the gallbladder with precision instruments through either a small incision in the belly button or a few small incisions. One of the instruments used has a small camera attached to it, which allows the surgeon to take pictures inside the body to guide the operation.Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery

Benefits of a da Vinci Cholecystectomy

There are many benefits to da Vinci surgery, including:

  • Low rate of complications
  • Minimal, if any, scarring from the surgery
  • Minimal pain
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Low rate of wound infection

Risks of Minimally Invasive Cholecystectomy

Every surgery comes with risk. If you are undergoing a minimally invasive Cholecystectomy, there are a few risks to keep in mind, such as:

  • Potential injury to small and large intestine
  • Urinary retention
  • Hernia at the incision site
  • Potential bile duct injury

Consult Dr. Kolachalam if you believe you may be a candidate for a da Vinci Cholecystectomy procedure. Call us today at (248) 662-4272.

Meet Dr. Tindal, Our New Board Certified General Surgeon!

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Dr. Tindal, MD, M.P.HWhile in college, I decided to pursue medicine after a family member got sick and I saw firsthand how challenging it can be to go through something like that. I wanted to be able to guide patients through the process, explaining to the best of my abilities what was going on and how we were going to address it. I found my niche in surgery, in particular, because it allowed me to work as part of a team to directly intervene in a hands-on way to care for patients. Being able to see the immediate improvement in patient’s symptoms and their quality of life is incredibly rewarding.

I started my medical education at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia where I obtained my MD as well as a masters in public health through an additional year in the Dornsife school. While my medical training allows me to work one on one with patients, my public health background allows me to retain an understanding of the broader health environment for the community as a whole. I realized during my clinical rotations as a third-year medical student that I loved surgery and continued my training at Brown University in Providence as a general surgery resident. While there, I fell in love with general surgery and surgical education. Being able to teach my fellow residents and medical students about surgery and pass along the technical skills that my mentors had taught me keeps the art of medicine and surgery alive.

After my seven years of residency were complete, I moved to New York City for a one-year fellowship in minimally invasive surgery. As a surgeon, I wanted to be able to have a well-rounded skill set so I would be able to treat my patients in whatever way was best for them, whether that be open, laparoscopically or robotically.

As a surgeon, my goal is to provide excellent patient care, starting from the first clinic visit to the operating room and beyond. I believe it is crucial that patients have a good understanding of exactly what is going on and how we are going to work together to get them feeling better. My areas of focus are abdominal hernias, gallbladder disease, GERD/reflux and hiatal hernias in addition to the broad spectrum of general surgery.

Outside of the office/hospital I can still be found working with my hands, whether its gardening with my sister, baking delicious treats or embroidering a gift for a friend. I am thrilled to be close to my family here in Michigan after being far away during my years of training and excited to build a whole new community here.

What You Should Know During Gastroparesis Awareness Month

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The first important fact you should know during gastroparesis awareness month is that there can be multiple causes for the symptoms connected to this uncomfortable digestive disorder. Discovering the underlying reason for the symptoms is the only way to diagnose gastroparesis properly and treat what is triggering the symptoms accordingly.

Continue reading “What You Should Know During Gastroparesis Awareness Month” →

What Is Life Like After Gallbladder Surgery?

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Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is one of the most common procedures worldwide. For many, it brings relief from painful gallstones and other gallbladder issues. 

If you’ve recently had or are preparing for this surgery, you might be wondering what life will look like afterward. And there’s good news; most people recover fully and live normal, healthy lives without their gallbladder. Below, we take a look at what you can expect during recovery and beyond.

Continue reading “What Is Life Like After Gallbladder Surgery?” →

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