ALA Surgery
2801 Blue Ridge Road
Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27607

Dr. Joseph C. Moran

Bariatric Surgeon

Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC

General Surgery

General surgery in which a small video camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity in order to visualize the intra-abdominal/pelvic structures.

General surgery in which a small video camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity in order to visualize the intra-abdominal/pelvic structures.

Umbilical/Ventral Incisional

Several small 5mm incisions are created, a small laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity and the umbilical hernia is repaired with mesh.

Hiatus Hernia

Utilizing six 5mm incisions a small laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity. The diaphragmatic opening is then repaired (tightened) and a gastric wrap may be performed to prevent acid reflux.

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is considered by many to be the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is the most frequently performed weight loss procedure in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20 cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the lower stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption and the duodenum. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum and constructing a connection with the new, smaller stomach pouch. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.

Read more about the gastric bypass procedure.

The LAP-BAND System surgery is performed laparoscopically by placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach. The new, small upper stomach pouch and a narrowed outlet limit the stomach capacity and increase the feeling of fullness. The following reduction in food intake coupled with exercise results in weight loss.

Read more about the Lap-Band procedure.

With the creation of several small transverse incisions and insertion of a laparoscope the small and large intestine may be visualized from beginning to end. If necessary, a segment of either may be removed and then re-connected during the same procedure.

General surgery in which a small video camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity in order to visualize the intra-abdominal/pelvic structures.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Via three small incisions and with the aid of a video laparoscope, the appendix is identified, transected, placed into a sterile bag and removed.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Four small transverse incisions are utilized to facilitate the removal of the gallbladder. An Ultrasonic dissector allows for a "bloodless" surgical field. Most commonly done as an outpatient surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy

The procedure commences with a thorough laparoscopic exploration of the abdomen followed by ligation and division of the splenic attachments and blood supply. Five to six small 5mm incisions are utilized for this procedure.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

Utilizing six 5mm incisions a small laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity. The diaphragmatic opening is the repaired (tightened) and a gastric wrap may be performed to prevent acid reflux.

Laparoscopic Gastric Surgery

Procedures commonly performed on the stomach laparoscopically include partial or complete gastric resection, creation of a "wrap" to prevent acid reflux and bypass procedures for weight loss or malignancy.

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Laparoscopic removal of the kidney is usually accomplished by way of 4 to 5 small transverse incisions. Indications may include malignancy, nonfunctioning or poorly functioning noncancerous kidney.

Several small 5mm incisions are created, a small laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity and the umbilical hernia is repaired with mesh.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection/Biopsy

Laparoscopic biopsy or resection of the liver may be carried out with several small incisions for diagnosis or cure in most major medical centers.

General surgery in which a small video camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity in order to visualize the intra-abdominal/pelvic structures.

EGD/Colonoscopy/PEG Tube Placement

Endoscopic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract may be carried out in a physician’s office, hospital or outpatient surgery center.

EGD will allow for examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Colonoscopy allows for evaluation of the lower gastrointestinal tract from the anus to cecum. PEG Tube placement allows for intra-gastric feeding via a tube placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach.

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