At Miami Dade Surgical Group, our surgeons provide Greater Miami with a range of general, bariatric and surgical oncology services. We provide minimally invasive options for major surgeries, allowing you a faster recovery time with less pain.

Our general surgery services include:

  • Appendectomy
  • Anal fissures and fistulas
  • Biopsies: temporal artery, muscle, liver and pancreatic
  • Breast Procedures: stereotactic biopsy, ultrasound guided core biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy
  • Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
  • Excisional biopsies of skin lesions, lipomas, cysts, melanomas
  • Hemorrhoidectomy
  • Hernias: umbilical, ventral, incisional, inguinal robotic and endoscopic repair of Hiatal hernias
  • Nissen fundoplication to treat GERD
  • Pilonidal cystectomy
  • Placement and removal of ports for chemotherapy treatment
  • Robotic surgery
  • Spinal exposure surgery
  • Splenectomy (spleen removal)
  • Thyroidectomy with nerve integrity monitoring and FNA biopsy

Our surgical oncologists specialize in the removal of benign and malignant tumors, with Dr. Khithani having subspecialty training in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery.

Surgical oncology procedures include:

  • Liver resection
  • Gastrectomy
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure)
  • Distal pancreatectomy
  • Liver ablation
  • Colon surgeries: resections, end colostomy, reversal of colostomy

About Bariatric Surgery

The decision to have bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is life-changing. Reasons to undergo bariatric surgery extend beyond losing weight. Patients may consider having surgery to help improve mobility or following the diagnosis of a chronic condition, like diabetes or hypertension. Though not every individual is a candidate for surgery, it can be a powerful tool for treating metabolic conditions and losing excess weight. Dr. Limaris Barrios and Dr. Steven Henriques support the bariatric surgery program at Mercy Hospital.

Who Qualifies for Surgery

Many times, bariatric surgery involves permanently changing the organs of the stomach or small intestines. Since the surgery has a long-term impact on the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and is not intended to be a quick weight loss method, candidates are closely evaluated and must meet the following criteria:

  • Body Mass Index (BMI)* is equal or greater than 40 kg/m2
  • BMI* is equal to or greater than 35 kg/m2 with diagnosis of comorbid conditions such as:
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
  • I am 100 pounds over the ideal body weight
  • Conventional weight loss methods have continually been unsuccessful

*BMI is a measure of body fat based on the height and weight of adults 20 years of age and older.

Types of Surgery

Your surgeon will discuss different surgical options with you. Our practice currently offers the following weight loss surgeries:

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery involves adjusting the shape of the stomach to hold less food. The surgeon may use traditional or minimally invasive techniques to remove a portion of the stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach is roughly the size and shape of a banana. Due to the reduced size of the stomach, patients are able to feel less hungry while remaining on a diet.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass, also known as roux-en-y gastric bypass, promotes weight loss in a different way. During this procedure, the surgeon uses staples to create a smaller stomach pouch. This new stomach, which is about the size of an egg, is connected to the esophagus. The surgeon re-routes the small intestine from the excluded portion of the stomach and reconnects it to the new stomach. Weight loss occurs due to the smaller size of the stomach and due to the inability to absorb as many calories.

Your Surgical Team

Surgical candidates work collaboratively with a care team that includes a surgeon, bariatric coordinator, dietitians, social workers, psychiatrists and nurses familiar with the surgery process. Every member of the team plays an important role in helping patients experience the best possible outcome. It is essential that the patient stay committed to the weight loss process before, during and after surgery. The care team is there to offer support every step of the way. We also encourage patients engage with any in-person or virtual support groups offered by the hospital’s bariatric surgery program.