Bassam Helou, MD

Medically reviewed by Zachary Callahan, M.D. • The Surgical Clinic June is Men’s Health Month, a key time to highlight men’s health issues and treatments. Men’s Health Month matters because men often face stigma when seeking medical care. Regular checkups and early...

Hernia surgery has advanced significantly over the past few decades. Open surgery was long the standard for hernia repair, requiring large incisions and long recoveries. Laparoscopic techniques changed that, making minimally invasive hernia repair surgery possible. In...

Medically reviewed by Bassam Helou, M.D. • The Surgical Clinic The appendix is a 3 to 4-inch organ located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The appendix helps fight harmful germs and supports the immune system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria...

Medically reviewed by John Valentine, M.D. • The Surgical Clinic Traditional surgery, also known as “open” surgery, requires an incision long enough for the surgeon to use hand-held instruments. The area being worked on is in the direct vision of the surgeon. This...

There isn’t one surgeon who performs all surgical procedures, but general surgery is one of the most comprehensive surgical specialties.  General surgeons are highly skilled physicians with extensive medical skills. They can evaluate, diagnose, manage, and surgically...

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, affecting metabolism, energy levels, and multiple body systems. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and cognitive changes that often develop...