Frequently Asked Questions

Is robotic surgery a 'minimally invasive' procedure? What is robot-assisted GYN surgery?

Is the da Vinci surgery covered by insurance? What is the cost of robotic surgery as compared to other traditional surgery?

How long will my procedure take? Where will the incisions be? Will there be any special precautions taken to monitor me during the surgery?

What can I expect my recovery to be like? What happens on the day of the robotic surgery?

Can I get urinary incontinence or impotency if I undergo robotic prostatectomy? What are the potential risks and complications of robotic surgery? What is the difference between robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery? Why is there less blood loss with robot-assisted surgery?

Has the da Vinci Surgical System been cleared by the FDA? How does the surgeon see what he or she is doing?

Is orthopedic surgery covered by insurance? Is orthopedic surgery generally recommended? What are the most common complications and risks of orthopedic surgery? What are the most common orthopedic surgeries?  What kind of training does an orthopedic surgeon have? What should I avoid if I have a broken bone?

How do I tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture? What is arthritis and what are its warning signs?

How can arthroscopic surgery help me? What is arthroscopic surgery and what happens after the intervention?

Are there any complications and risks of joint replacement surgery? How long do artificial joints last? How long does it take for joint replacement surgery to heal completely? How much pain will I have after total joint replacement surgery? Is therapy needed after total joint replacement surgery? What are the possible risks of anterior hip surgery? What are the usual precautions after hip replacement? What can you do/not do after a total joint replacement? What exercises are recommended for people who had hip surgery? What is joint replacement surgery and when is it an appropriate surgical solution? What is total knee replacement? What precautions should I follow after anterior hip surgery? When should I consider shoulder replacement surgery? When should I have a knee replacement done?

How long is the recovery period after an ankle replacement surgery? Can I continue to be active after foot/ankle surgery? How do I get ready for ankle replacement surgery? What happens after the flatfoot surgery? Will I feel a lot of pain after foot/ankle surgery? Will the surgical correction of flatfoot improve its cosmetic appearance?

Are there any non-surgical alternatives for the meniscus repair procedure? Do I need crutches after hip surgery? Is it possible to kneel down after a hip replacement surgery? What are the benefits of anterior hip surgery? What are the causes of MCL injury? What are the risks associated with the meniscus repair procedure? What is a torn ACL/ MCL? What is a torn meniscus? What is the goal of a meniscus repair procedure?

Are minimally invasive techniques available at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital for hand and wrist surgery? Does a hand reconstruction surgery require general anesthesia? Does tendon rupture require surgery? How does tendinitis manifest? How do you treat it? How does trigger finger manifest and how is it treated? How is CTS treated? What potential complications are associated with wrist reconstructive surgery? When is a wrist reconstructive surgery recommended?

Am I allowed to drive after an elbow surgery? Can I shower right after shoulder/elbow surgery? How soon can I return to work after shoulder/elbow surgery? Is the elbow reconstruction surgery efficient? What activities can I engage in after an elbow reconstruction surgery? What changes should I make to my sleeping habits after elbow reconstruction surgery? What happens during rotator cuff surgery? What is the elbow reconstruction surgery recovery time? What kind of follow-up do I need after shoulder/elbow surgery? When can I return to work after a shoulder reconstruction?

What is an epidural?

Are there any severe problems that might take me back to the hospital after ACDF? How much will cervical foraminotomy cost me? How soon can I drive again after a microscopic lumbar discectomy? How will I feel after the spinal fusion? Is there anything that might prevent me from having artificial disc replacement? Might additional fusion be required? My physician wants me to have fusion surgery. After surgery, will I be able to use the stairs? What complications might occur after an XLIF/DLIF? When can I go back to work after minimally invasive back surgery? Which type of spine surgery has a greater success rate? Who should avoid kyphoplasty? Will I feel pain after ALIF? Will numbness in my legs go away after microdiscectomy? Will the artificial disc device trigger airport alarms?

Can I continue to take herbal supplements, vitamins and diet pills if I’m scheduled for surgery? How do I prepare for cervical foraminotomy? How should I prepare for spine surgery? Is there anything I must tell my doctor before the laminectomy? What should I tell my doctor before the cervical foraminotomy? What tests are necessary before the XLIF/DLIF/lateral fusion surgery? What tests are needed prior to laminoplasty? Why do I need to get an imaging test before I have surgery? Why might you be able to help me when others say that they cannot?

How do disc injuries cause back pain? Wait until the pain goes away or seek a diagnosis to find out exactly what's causing the back pain? What is chronic back pain? What is scoliosis and spinal stenosis? Can they be treated with surgery? What is spinal instability? What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc? What symptoms would warrant a call to your office?

Do I have to wear a collar after ACDF? How can I keep pain under control after I get home? How can I recover most efficiently after spine surgery? How can I speed up my recovery after an artificial disc replacement procedure? How do I protect the incision after an XLIF/DLIF/lateral fusion procedure? What does the microscopic decompression postoperative care imply? What factors can prevent my recovery? What physical activity is allowed after laminectomy? What signs should I pay attention to after I am discharged? What type of physical activity is recommended after discectomy? When can I start driving again after ACDF?

Does Medicare pay for Bariatric Surgery? How much does bariatric surgery cost? What risks are associated with bariatric revision procedures? What should I expect from a bariatric revision procedure? When should I choose a bariatric revision procedure?

Can I get pregnant after gastric sleeve surgery? How much does gastric sleeve surgery cost? Is Gastric Sleeve safe? What are the post gastric sleeve complications? Who qualifies for gastric sleeve?

Can I drink alcohol with ORBERA? Can I get pregnant with ORBERA? How much does the ORBERA procedure cost? Will I regain weight if the ORBERA balloon is removed?

How much does gastric bypass surgery cost? Is Gastric Bypass safe? What do gastric bypass patients eat? What is roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery?

Can I transfer from Lap Band to Gastric Sleeve? How long is a person out of work after Lap Band surgery? Is Lap Band safe? What is a gastric banding procedure? What is the cost of Lap Band?

What causes morbid obesity?

How will I feel after the ROSE procedure? Is ROSE procedure usually successful?

How long is the hospital stay after a STARR treatment? How soon can I resume my activities after the STARR treatment? Where is the STARR incision usually made? Who qualifies for the STARR treatment?

Can I take medicines after a band over bypass procedure? How will band over bypass help me lose weight? What are the side-effects of the band over bypass procedure? What dietary restrictions should I follow after band over bypass? What happens if the bypass fails? Who qualifies for a band over bypass procedure?

Can I get the results of my scan immediately after the procedure? How long will the scan take? How should I prepare for my diagnostic procedure? Should I undergo medical diagnostics imaging if I am pregnant? Why do some people need contrast agents? What are contrast agents?

What specimens do patients have to submit for testing?

How are CT scans made? What are the risks of medical imaging procedures? What X-ray methods are most commonly used?

What is the difference between an aesthetician and a dermatologist? Could I improve the look of my skin without any harsh treatments? Is there anything I can do to reduce my brown spots and the thin wrinkles? My hair is falling, what could be the cause? What does a dermatologist do? What is an aesthetician? What is the difference between a spa facial and a medical facial? What to expect from a chemical peeling?

At what age is endometriosis a common condition? Is endometriosis a common disease? Is endometriosis inherited or sexually transmitted? Is infertility linked to endometriosis? What is the typical recovery time after endometriosis resection? What problems does endometriosis cause? What risks are associated with endometriosis resection? Where does endometriosis appear?

What Is a laparoscopic hysterectomy? Are the complication risks equal for all women when undergoing hysterectomy? I am very overweight. Can I still have a hysterectomy? My doctor has recommended that I have a hysterectomy. What are my options? What will happen after undergoing hysterectomy? Why is hysterectomy necessary?

Is there a minimally invasive way to treat uterine fibroids? What surgical procedures can treat fibroids?

How important is family history in diagnosing gynecologic cancer? What is cervical cancer?

How can ovarian cysts be treated? Which aspects might influence the decision on a certain type of treatment?

What does the preoperative assessment for a sacrocolpopexy involve? What happens during a robot-assisted surgery? What might the doctor advise me to do in order to prepare for the surgery? What should I do on the day of my surgery?

Are there any bathing interdictions after the sacrocolpopexy procedure? What can I do to ensure a positive outcome of the surgery? What should I know before leaving the hospital after undergoing gynecological surgery? What will happen to me after the surgery? When can I resume my sexual activity following sacrocolpopexy?

Do you gain weight during or after hormone replacement therapy? Is hormone replacement therapy covered by insurance? What's the difference between birth control pills and HRT?

Can you still have your period after endometrial ablation? Do you ovulate when you have had an ablation?

How does the myomectomy procedure affect fertility? How safe is myomectomy? How soon will I be discharged from the hospital following myomectomy? What are the long-term outcomes of myomectomy?

Is bruising normal after cardiac catheterization? What increases the chance of having a child with a heart defect? What symptoms should worry me after the pacemaker implantation?

How does the heart work? What are the risk factors and symptoms of a heart attack? What is cholesterol and why it is important to keep it under control?

What is the recovery time for a defibrillator implant?

What are the risks associated with undergoing an endoscopic procedure? What is a polyp? What is heartburn? Is it a serious concern and how can I prevent it? What is irritable bowel syndrome? Who should undergo colorectal cancer screening? What does it include?

What can I expect on my first visit? How are hernias repaired? What precautions should be taken after undergoing a hernia repair surgery? What are the possible risks and complications of undergoing surgery? What documents do I need to carry when I come for the first appointment? What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient surgery?

Am I at a risk for anemia? What are the symptoms of bleeding disorders? What happens in patients with blood cancer? What is chemotherapy and how is it given? Will there be hair loss because of chemotherapy?

Are all patients treated at the same hemodialysis machine? Are there any medications that I should avoid taking if I am diagnosed with CKD? Can diet modifications help improve kidney functions? How is the control of diabetes and blood pressure linked to kidney functions? How should I prepare for hemodialysis? Is it risky to have home hemodialysis? Should I follow a special diet during hemodialysis? What are the common kidney diseases and what is their cause? What are the options available for the treatment of kidney failure? What can be done to protect my kidneys? What can I expect from hemodialysis? What is meant by the terms hematuria and proteinuria? Where can I access hemodialysis? Which laboratory tests are performed to assess and monitor the function of kidneys? Why are kidneys so important and what do they actually do?

Am I allowed to move right after the artificial disc replacement surgery? Can a brain aneurysm be treated? Can I avoid spinal fusion surgery by losing weight? Can I take narcotic pills after the intervertebral disc excision surgery? Should I change my diet after intervertebral disc excision? What are the complications of a ruptured brain aneurysm? What can happen during a head injury? What do I have to do to recover fast after an artificial disc replacement procedure? What is the treatment for pituitary adenoma? What symptoms require medical attention after an artificial disc replacement procedure? What symptoms should worry me after the intervertebral disc excision surgery? What treatment options are available for a metastatic brain tumor? When will I be able to leave the hospital after the artificial disc replacement surgery? Will the fusion affect the rest of the spine?

Am I allowed to eat or drink on the day of the PVA surgery? How to prepare for the artificial disc replacement surgery? Should I change anything about my lifestyle before intervertebral disc excision? What can prevent me from qualifying for PVA? What do I have to do before the spinal fusion surgery? What should I do in the hours preceding the intervertebral disc excision surgery? What tests are required prior to the intervertebral disc excision surgery?

Are there any specific risk factors for developing an ear, nose, and throat infection? Can ear, nose, and throat conditions become serious and are they linked to any other health problems? Is it safe to take a flight with an earache? What is meant by strep throat? What is the cause for bleeding from the nose?

How are head and neck cancers identified and treated? Are they preventable? What does the term skull base mean? What happens once I am discharged after head and neck surgery?

Are there any risks involved in the balloon sinus surgery? Is sinus surgery necessary? Is sinus surgery painful? Is the balloon sinuplasty surgery painful? What is sinusitis and how can it be treated? What should I expect after sinus surgery?

What are the potential risks involved in septoplasty? What can I expect after a septoplasty? What is septoplasty?

Does a surgically constructed ear grow? How durable are the reconstructed ears? Is it possible to use tissue from another person for ear reconstruction? What is ear reconstruction? What is microtia?

Who is plastic surgery for? Are cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery one and the same? Are some cosmetic surgeries more common than others? Does an eyelid reconstructive surgery cause scarring? How can I maximize the hand reconstructive surgery’s effects? How long does it take to recover after a plastic surgery procedure? How long is the recovery process for the eyelid reconstructive surgery? How long will it take to have plastic surgery? How soon will I be discharged after an ulnar nerve decompression procedure? How will I feel after the hand reconstructive procedure? How will my breasts change as I age after a breast reconstructive surgery? Is an eyelid reconstructive procedure covered by insurance? Is it difficult for children to eat and drink with a cleft palate? Is plastic surgery safe? Is there a specific age to undergo plastic surgery? Is ulnar nerve decompression usually successful? What alternatives are there for eyelid repair surgery? What are the symptoms of a blocked tear duct? What can cause tear duct blockage? What happens after the eyelid reconstructive procedure? What is plastic surgery? What is the average cost of eyelid repair surgery? What post-operative changes should I expect after hand reconstructive surgery? What should I expect from an eyelid repair procedure? What warning signs should I look out for after hand surgery? What will happen on the day of the eyelid repair surgery? When can I remove my bandages after hand surgery? When can I resume my workout routine after the hand reconstructive surgery? When can I start driving again after an ulnar nerve decompression procedure? Who qualifies for eyelid repair surgery? Will I feel pain after eyelid reconstructive surgery? Will I feel pain after eyelid repair surgery? Will there be any scarring?

How to prepare for eyelid repair surgery? Who qualifies for eyelid reconstructive surgery?

Am I qualified for plantar fasciotomy? Are there any long-term outcomes after plantar fasciotomy? Are there any non-surgical treatment options instead of a cheilectomy? Are there any risks involved in a plantar fasciotomy surgery? Will I get anesthesia during bunionectomy?

How do I identify problems that need a podiatrist's attention? What are the treatment options available for ankle arthritis? What is a bunion? Does it require treatment? What is meant by flat feet? What may be the cause for my chronic foot pain, though I do not involve myself in sports?

Can I repeat the ESWL procedure? How long is the hospital stay for the orchiectomy procedure? How long is the recovery after epididymectomy? How will I feel following spermatocelectomy? Is adult circumcision usually safe? Is ESWL usually successful? What can I do to improve my pelvic muscles after childbirth? What complications can be associated with TULIP? What factors increase the risks of complications regarding suprapubic cystostomy? What is the success rate for urethropexy? What should I tell my doctor before the epididymectomy surgery? What signs require medical attention after the spermatocelectomy surgery? What warning signs should I look out for after an ESWL procedure? When should I call a doctor for help after hydrocelectomy?

How to prepare for a nephrectomy procedure? What tests are required prior to the suprapubic cystostomy surgery? What tests will be necessary prior to the ESWL?

How can an elderly person manage urinary problems? How can I avoid urinary tract infections? How can I know if I have an illness or my bladder is just being overactive? How can I know if I have prostate cancer? If bladder cancer spreads, where does it go? If I have blood in my urine, does it mean I have bladder cancer? Is it healthy to wake up at night to urinate? Is my lifestyle affecting my urological health? Is urinary incontinence a condition specific to men or women? What is urinary incontinence? Who is most likely to get bladder cancer?

Are diet changes necessary after suprapubic cystostomy? Do I need follow-up care after ureteroplasty? How to protect the orchiectomy surgery incision? How will my diet change after the nephroureterectomy surgery? What activities are recommended after the nephroureterectomy surgery? What activities should be avoided after nephroureterectomy? What diet is recommended following hydrocelectomy? What does postoperative care imply following a bladder augmentation procedure? What physical activity is recommended following urethropexy? What should I know about the postoperative care for a cystectomy? When should I have a follow-up visit after the nephroureterectomy procedure?

How is colon resection beneficial? How much time do I have to spend in the hospital after the rectal resection surgery? How will I feel after hemicolectomy? How will I feel after the sphincterotomy surgery? Is laparoscopic colectomy recommended for every patient? Should I worry if I bleed after cecectomy? What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgical approach for colon cancer? What signs should worry me after the sphincterotomy surgery? When is my first follow-up after the rectal resection surgery? Will I feel pain after hemorrhoid excision? Will my bowel function change after the laparoscopic sigmoidectomy surgery?

How to prepare for the rectal resection surgery? What should I do before the hemorrhoid excision surgery? What should I do on the surgery day before lower anterior resection? What should I do the day before the hemicolectomy surgery? When is cecectomy contraindicated?

Can I have a normal diet after the colectomy procedure? What are the common recommendations after the rectal resection surgery? What does the lower anterior resection aftercare imply? What precautions should I take after hemorrhoid excision?

What are the common signs of pulmonary diseases? What does pulmonary rehabilitation involve? What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? What is meant by pulmonary function test? What is pulmonology?

Does a lung transplant cure asthma?

How should I change my lifestyle after the vascular surgery procedure? How will my medication intake change after vascular surgery?

Am I allowed to get up and walk after the lobectomy procedure? How can I speed up the lobectomy recovery process? What tests are required before the lobectomy procedure? When can I return to my daily activities after a thoracic surgery? When do I have my first postoperative follow-up after a thoracic surgery? When is it recommended to call the doctor after a lobectomy procedure? When should I call a doctor once I’ve been discharged after a thoracic surgery?