Rib fractures, also known as broken or cracked ribs, are a common traumatic injury and account for 10% of admissions for blunt chest trauma. Both the young and elderly can suffer rib fracture injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents, recreational activities, assault or falls from heights....
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disease affecting nearly 20% of American men and women at any age. Most people manage their symptoms effectively with lifestyle changes and medications. However, for others, these treatments only provide temporary relief and surgery may be...
More than 4,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians noticed the appendix during their funeral preparations. They called it “the worm of the bowel” and had no knowledge of its function. Today, although we understand the purpose of the appendix, we also know that its presence is not manda...
For many obese patients, losing weight goes far beyond vanity. The health burdens of obesity have a vast and devastating effect on one’s health and mental well-being. Not only does obesity contribute to the decline in the quality of life, but it is also a major cause of serious and potenti...
Most people pay no attention to their gallbladder until it becomes a problem. But once there is an issue, the pain associated with gallbladder problems can often cause discomfort that is impossible to ignore. Identifying the symptoms and knowing when to seek a doctor’s advice are import...
Dr. Andrea Pakula, MD, MPH, FACS, has a unique expertise in minimally invasive and robotic techniques and shares her knowledge with surgeons around the country. Continuing her goal to advance the world of healthcare and surgical education, Dr. Pakula presented at an interactive symposium hosted...
Colleen Hutchinson’s expert forum article asks an important question: What has the surgical robot done for us lately? The answer: quite a lot. Interviewing some of the most talented minimally invasive surgeons today, including Andrea Pakula, MD, MPH, Hutchinson investigates thoughts on the rob...
Thanks to ever-advancing medical technology, minimally invasive surgeries are rapidly outnumbering traditional open surgeries. And while all minimally invasive surgery focuses on creating less damage to the body, there are different techniques to accomplishing that goal: laparoscopic surgery and rob...
The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) held its 78th Annual Meeting this September 18-21 in Dallas, Texas. This year, the AAST invited Dr. Andrea Pakula to share her expert knowledge on challenging hernia scenarios requiring surgical evaluation and intervention in a session tit...