Cecum – the beginning portion of the large intestine. Cholecystectomy – clinical name for gallbladder removal. Colectomy - laparoscopic removal of a part of the colon for diverticulitis, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal cancer, Crohn's Disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, rectal prolapse, volvulus, sigmoid volvulus (affecting the sigmoid colon), cecal volvulus (affecting the cecum), or constipation. Crohn's Disease - Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that can affect any portion of the intestines. The disease can obstruct the intestine by thickening the affected tissue. Diverticulitis - infected pockets in the colon. These pockets can be a source of bleeding and discomfort. Endometriosis Femoral hernia Gallbladder Gallstone – a small, hard mass that forms in the gallbladder or in the bile duct. These stones may block the flow of bile, a digestive agent produced by the liver. As a result, the gallbladder may swell, causing sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, and indigestion. Some gallstones can be treated with drugs or managed by changing one's diet, particularly by eliminating fat. When these options fail, however, removing the gallbladder becomes necessary. After removal, bile will continue to flow from the liver to the small intestine, but it will no longer be stored in the gallbladder. Follow this link for information on gallbladder removal. Gastroesophageal reflux disease – also known as acid reflux, it is a condition in which stomach acids surge upward from the stomach into the esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when the muscle that acts as a valve, separating the stomach and the esophagus, does not stay shut. Normally, the "valve" remains closed at all times, until swallowing forces it open, to prevent reflux. When this muscle relaxes, it allows stomach acids to seep up into the esophagus. Taking a breath creates a negative pressure in the chest and the contents of the stomach can be pumped up into the esophagus rather than the esophagus squeezing shut. Whenever the patient has something in the stomach, the pressure is transmitted to the collar wrapped around the esophagus, compressing the esophagus further. The more pressure inside the stomach, the greater the pressure inside the esophagus. Hernia – a condition whereby the abdominal wall weakens and the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area, forming a sack. To correct this problem, the surgeon’s goal is to patch the abdominal wall in a way that will permanently strengthen it, precluding the possibility of another hernia later. Hiatal hernia Inguinal hernia Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication - surgical repair of a hiatal hernia, acid reflux, or heartburn. Laparoscopic surgery - a type of surgery that is performed with long, narrow instruments inserted through incisions that are smaller than those required for traditional, open surgical techniques. Its minimally invasive nature enables patients to experience less bodily trauma and blood loss, less pain, and shorter recovery periods than traditional procedures. Laparoscopic surgery is also known as keyhole surgery and band aid surgery. Ulcerative colitis - an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that affects the inner layer of the colon. The disorder can cause bleeding, diarrhea, and can be a precursor to colon cancer. Volvulus - an abnormal twisting of a segment of the bowel.