Over 1 million people have watched Dr. Moein explain gallbladder surgery
General surgery in Los Angeles, through the smallest incision that works.
Dr. Babak Moein is a board-certified general surgeon in Century City. His general surgery practice treats hernias, gallbladder disease and appendicitis mostly laparoscopically. Most patients go home the same day.
1M+ viewsHow gallbladder surgery is performed
Watch before your visit
Dr. Moein explains each condition and operation in about a minute.
Surgical services in Los Angeles
Dr. Moein’s surgical services include hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical, hiatal and paraesophageal), gallbladder surgery and laparoscopic appendectomy. Each service page explains the condition, how the operation is done, and what recovery looks like, in plain language.
Hernia
Most hernias do not heal on their own and tend to grow.
Gallbladder
Removes a gallbladder that is causing pain from gallstones or inflammation.
Gallbladder surgeryAppendix
Removes an inflamed appendix through a few small incisions. Appendicitis is treated as urgent.
Laparoscopic appendectomyWhat to expect, step by step
Your surgeon and surgical team, from first visit to final check-up.
- Step 1Consultation
In person in Century City or by video.
- Step 2Surgery
Mostly laparoscopic, through small incisions.
- Step 3Home the same day
Most patients recover at home.
- Step 4Follow-up
Dr. Moein and his team follow you through recovery.
Guides to read before you decide
Your surgeon and surgical team, from first visit to final check-up
Dr. Moein is a Los Angeles native and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with more than 20 years of surgical experience. He focuses on minimally invasive abdominal surgery and he and his surgical team follow each patient through recovery.
- University of California, Los Angeles
- BS and MS, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
- George Washington University School of Medicine
- Doctor of Medicine
- Georgetown University Medical Center
- General surgery residency, chief resident
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center
- Fellowship, advanced laparoscopic surgery
- American Board of Surgery
- Board certified in general surgery
What patients say
Dr. Moein performed my hernia surgery laparoscopically. Recovery was much faster than I expected, and I was back at work in a few days.
He removed my gallbladder laparoscopically. The whole process was seamless, and his team supported me through recovery.
Minimally invasive or open general surgery?
Dr. Moein operates laparoscopically whenever they are safe for your case. Open surgery is still the right choice for some large or complicated repairs.
| What changes | Minimally invasive | Open |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | A few small incisions | One longer incision |
| Going home | Usually the same day | Sometimes an overnight stay |
| Pain after surgery | Usually less | Usually more |
| Back to desk work | Often within a week | Often two weeks or more |
| Scarring | Small, easy to hide | A longer scar |
Common questions about general surgery
Can you heal a hernia without surgery?
No. A true hernia does not heal on its own because the weakness or opening in the muscle wall remains present. Some hernias can be observed for a period of time if they are small and not causing significant symptoms, but they do not close naturally. Surgery is the only definitive treatment to repair the defect.
How long does it take to recover from hernia surgery?
Recovery after hernia surgery depends on the type of hernia, the surgical approach, and the patient’s general health. Many patients return to light activities within a few days and resume office-type work within one to two weeks. More strenuous activity and heavy lifting usually require a longer recovery period, based on the surgeon’s recommendations.
What is the difference between open and laparoscopic hernia surgery?
Open hernia surgery is performed through a larger incision over the affected area, while laparoscopic hernia surgery uses several small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia internally. Laparoscopic surgery may result in less postoperative discomfort and a faster return to normal activities for some patients, while open surgery may still be the best choice in selected or more complex cases.
What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?
Common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a bulge in the groin, pain or pressure when standing, coughing, lifting, or exercising, and a heavy or aching feeling in the lower abdomen or groin. Some patients notice discomfort that worsens throughout the day or with physical activity.
What does gallstone pain feel like?
Gallstone pain is often described as a sudden, steady pain in the upper right abdomen or the center of the upper abdomen. It may occur after eating, especially after fatty meals, and can radiate to the back or right shoulder. Some patients also experience nausea, bloating, vomiting, or episodes that last from minutes to several hours.
How long does it take to recover from gallbladder surgery?
Most patients recover relatively quickly after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Most are able to go home the same day and return to light activities within several days. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks, depending on the patient’s condition, the type of work they do, and how their body heals.
Talk to Dr. Moein’s team about your surgery.
Century City, Los Angeles. Consultations in person or by video.
General Surgery LA2080 Century Park East, Suite 501Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 861-4093
info@generalsurgeryla.com