Dr. John K. Petty, MD is a pediatric general surgeon in Greensboro, NC specializing in pediatric general surgery and critical care (intensive care medicine). He graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1997 and has 27 years of experience. Dr. John K. Petty, MD is affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health.
3903 N. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27455
Medical Center Boulevard 5th Floor
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Gastrointestinal Problems (Digestive Disorders)
The gastrointestinal system, or GI tract, is the name given to a collection of organs that work together to digest food. These organs fit together in a long tube, running from the mouth to the anus, and include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, among others. With so many parts working together, complicated by today's busy lifestyles and diets, digestive problems are common. As many as 1 in 3 Americans have a digestive or GI disorder. There are a huge variety of digestive problems, but the most common are IBS, constipation, GERD, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.
Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.
Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a kind of minimally invasive surgery using a thin, narrow tube called a laparoscope. Usually performed on the abdomen or the pelvic region, the surgeon makes a few very small incisions instead of one large one.
During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope, which contains a light and camera that allows the surgeon to see what is happening inside the body. Then tiny tools are placed through the small openings and used to perform the surgery.
The most common laparoscopic surgery is gallbladder removal, but laparoscopic surgery may also be used for the removal of a kidney or appendix, to treat certain cysts and tumors, for bariatric surgery, for some GERD treatments, or for hernia repairs, among others.
Because laparoscopic surgery only uses a few tiny incisions, the scars are minimal and recovery is easier than with open surgery.
Dr. John K. Petty, MD graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1997. He completed residency at Oregon Health & Science University Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery and has a state license in North Carolina.
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine (1997)
Residency: Oregon Health & Science University Affiliated Hospitals (2003)
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery
Licensed In: North Carolina
Dr. John K. Petty, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. John K. Petty, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.65 out of 5 stars based on 64 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. John K. Petty, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Greensboro, NC.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. John K. Petty, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Applied Medical Technology Inc |
$17
GJ $17 |
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Food and Beverage | $17 |
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Dr. John Petty is a specialist in pediatric general surgery and critical care (intensive care medicine). Patients rated Dr. Petty highly, giving him an average of 4.5 stars (out of 5). Clinical interests for Dr. Petty include gastrointestinal problems (digestive disorders), open splenectomy, and laparoscopic appendectomy. Before completing his residency at a hospital affiliated with Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. Petty attended medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He is affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health.