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Dr. Joseph John Minalt, MD is a general surgeon in Huntley, IL specializing in general surgery. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine in 2018 and has 8 years of experience. Dr. Joseph John Minalt, MD is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and CENTRAL DUPAGE PHYSICIAN GROUP.
Northwestern Medicine
Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.
Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.
Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.
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.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.
There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.
Dr. Joseph John Minalt, MD graduated from Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine in 2018. He completed residency at Loyola University Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery - Surgical Critical Care (Certified) and has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine (2018)
Residency: Loyola University Affiliated Hospitals (2023)
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery - Surgical Critical Care (Certified)
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Joseph John Minalt, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Joseph John Minalt, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 21 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joseph John Minalt, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Huntley, IL.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Joseph John Minalt, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$125
$125 |
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$116
Exparel $116 |
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$114
PHASIX $114 |
| $355 |
Dr. Joseph Minalt's medical specialty is general surgery. Patient ratings for Dr. Minalt average 5.0 stars (out of 5). His areas of expertise include gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), hernia surgery, and laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Minalt attended Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine and subsequently trained at a hospital affiliated with Loyola University for residency. His hospital/clinic affiliations include Northwestern Medicine and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
