University Health System Blog

Dr. Shawn Tsuda answers the question: “What’s the difference between minimally invasive versus ‘open’ surgery? Is one approach safer or better than the other?”

Ever since the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 1986, many general surgical operations have transitioned to a minimally invasive approach because of less pain, shorter hospital stays, less infectious complications, and a quicker return to work.

The list of procedures continues to expand but include weight loss surgery, colon surgery, anti-reflux surgery, and removal of solid organs like the spleen.

In the right hands, a laparoscopic approach is as safe as surgery with a larger incision.

Reviewing guidelines by national bodies and societies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons can help a patient understand what procedures can be performed laparoscopically in a safe manner.

Shawn Tsuda, M.D. is vice chief for bariatric surgery at University Health System and the University of Nevada School of Medicine, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Tsuda completed his fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Harvard Medical School. He is board certified in general surgery.

Have a health question? University Health System doctors answer select questions from readers like you.

Dr. Kami Larsen answers a question from Alison in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: “I am now breastfeeding my four month old.  As she gets older, I assume I will introduce her to rice cereal as this is the norm. As I read the box for rice cereal it did not look all that nutritious–should I skip rice cereal and jump right into healthy baby food instead? Why rice cereal before baby food?”

We generally start with rice cereal first because it’s fairly palatable by most infants.

The taste is not very strong and it’s easy to digest.

Also, it’s got a low-risk of allergy and most manufacturers fortify their cereals with iron, which can be important, particularly for breastfeeding babies.

Kami Larsen, M.D. is a pediatrician at University Health System in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Larsen is assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and medical director of Kids Healthcare Clinic.

Have a question? University Health System doctors answer select questions from readers like you.

Dr. Kami Larsen answers the question: “How often should I take my baby to the pediatrician in the first year?”

This is a frequent question that is often answered in a prenatal interview with your prospective physician.

In general, most pediatricians like to see new born infants at three to four days of age depending on how long the baby initially stays in the hospital.

After this it’s possible that a two-week weight check may be needed.

Most pediatricians then do standard well baby visits at one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months and one year. These visits are for well care, growth and development checks, anticipatory guidance and immunizations.  Use these opportunities to ask your physician any questions you may have about feeding, sleeping patterns, safety concerns or any other questions that have come up during the period between visits.

It is important to factor in at least one or two visits for acute illness like viral respiratory infections or ear infections.

Most infants will have five to six viral infections in their first year of life.  This number will increase if the child attends daycare.

Anytime your child has prolonged fever, irritability, or excessive vomiting or diarrhea, you should at least speak with the nurse at your pediatrician’s office.

It’s also important to remember that any temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the first two months of life is considered a medical emergency and the child should be seen by a physician immediately.

Most importantly, families need to remember that your physician should be accessible to you and your sick child. Don’t feel like you’re bothering the doctor with a trivial question. It’s their job to help you decide if the child needs to be seen.

Anytime you have a concern about your child’s health get in contact with the pediatrician’s office. It’s always better to be safe.

Kami Larsen, M.D. is a pediatrician at University Health System in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Larsen is assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and medical director of Kids Healthcare Clinic.

Have a question? University Health System doctors answer select questions from readers like you.