expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Christopher Michael Willkomm, M.D.

Surgeon

Dr. Christopher Willkomm is a general surgeon practicing in Venice, FL. Dr. Willkomm specializes in abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and often thyroid glands. General surgeons are able to deal with almost any surgical or critical care emergency, also involving the skin or soft tissue trauma. Dr. Willkomm provides quality surgical service for gravely ill or injured patients and is able to respond quickly due to knowledge of various surgical procedures.
Dr. Christopher Michael Willkomm, M.D.
  • Venice, FL
  • University of South Florida (Usf)
  • Accepting new patients

Did my hernia come back after surgery?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. You have an interesting problem. Although it is possible to have “referred pain.” Pain that you perceive in one place when the problem is somewhere else. READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. You have an interesting problem. Although it is possible to have “referred pain.” Pain that you perceive in one place when the problem is somewhere else. This however would be very unusual for an abdominal hernia. A quick physical exam should be able to tell the difference. I hope that helps.

I have abdominal lumps?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. I not sure exactly what is going on here based on your description alone. I would have to review your CT scan and exam you. These could either be cysts or READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. I not sure exactly what is going on here based on your description alone. I would have to review your CT scan and exam you. These could either be cysts or possibly fatty benign tumors know as lipomas.

How long does it take to resume normal bowel movements following colon surgery?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. It usually takes two to four days after colon surgery until normal colon function returns. In some cases it can take longer. This is know as an “ileus.”

I think I have a pretty bad concussion?

Go to the ER. DO NOT DRIVE!

Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. Your “stomach” will not be bigger after hernia surgery. If you feel that your abdominal girth is larger there can be many explanations for this. Your bowel READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. Your “stomach” will not be bigger after hernia surgery. If you feel that your abdominal girth is larger there can be many explanations for this. Your bowel function can temporarily slow due to anesthesia or postoperative pain medication. This will cause you to feel bloated and your clothes may feel tight for a while but should return to normal.

What relieves appendix pain?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. People typically only have “appendix pain” if they have appendicitis. The best cure for that is surgery. It would be very unusual to have chronic appendix READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. People typically only have “appendix pain” if they have appendicitis. The best cure for that is surgery. It would be very unusual to have chronic appendix pain (pain longer than a week.)

How long does a hernia mesh last?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here.

Hernia mesh should last forever. It is possible, however, to develop a recurrent hernia if the mesh moves or shifts.

Which hernia surgery is best?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. You have a good question. In my opinion, there is not one “best” approach for all hernias. For the most part, I prefer a laparoscopic hernia repair, READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here.

You have a good question. In my opinion, there is not one “best” approach for all hernias. For the most part, I prefer a laparoscopic hernia repair, however, there are exceptions to the rule.

Will a lipoma show up on a CT scan?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. The answer to the question is yes. A lipoma will show up on a CT scan but it may be difficult to see if your not looking for it. A radiologist may not mention READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. The answer to the question is yes. A lipoma will show up on a CT scan but it may be difficult to see if your not looking for it. A radiologist may not mention it on report if they weren’t informed to look for it. A lipoma is made on fat tissue which is usually surrounded by fat tissue making it difficult to see.

Does appendicitis hurt more when you lay down?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. That is a great question. Typically, with appendicitis, the one common symptom is right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The other symptoms can vary greatly READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here.

That is a great question. Typically, with appendicitis, the one common symptom is right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The other symptoms can vary greatly depending on the location of the appendix and how far along the infection has progressed. But typically speaking, lying usually improves the pain.
Hope that helps.

Is GERD surgery successful?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. Actually GERD surgery is very successful when done right. Studies show a 95 to 98% success rate even after five years.

Can you have a hernia without a lump?

Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. The answer to your question is yes. You can’t have a small hernia and not necessarily notice a lump. A Doctor who specializes in hernias can examine you READ MORE
Hi, Dr. Willkomm here. The answer to your question is yes. You can’t have a small hernia and not necessarily notice a lump. A Doctor who specializes in hernias can examine you and check for a small lump when you were either bearing down or coughing. This might be a small hernia which is spontaneously reducible.

What is the surgery for an anal prolapse?

Hi, Dr Willkomm here. The answer to your question depends on if you have prolapsing hemorrhoids or a prolapsed rectum. It would require an evaluation by a surgeon to determine READ MORE
Hi, Dr Willkomm here. The answer to your question depends on if you have prolapsing hemorrhoids or a prolapsed rectum. It would require an evaluation by a surgeon to determine what your diagnosis is. Generally speaking, prolapsing hemorrhoids are more easily treated and can be cured with simple outpatient surgery.

Can you feel the mesh after hernia surgery?

Hi, Dr Willkomm here. The answer to your question is no. If placed correctly, you should not be able to feel the mesh after hernia surgery.

Can you live with a hernia without surgery?

Yes you can. But the bulge involved with a hernia contains a portion of the small intestine. This intestine can become trapped which is termed “incarcerated”. The blood flow to READ MORE
Yes you can. But the bulge involved with a hernia contains a portion of the small intestine. This intestine can become trapped which is termed “incarcerated”. The blood flow to the bowel can then become compromised. This is called a strangulated hernia which is a surgical emergency.

What type of surgeon removes the appendix?

A general surgeon. Usually if you have acute appendicitis. Sometimes it needs to be removed for a tumor.

How long should you rest after hernia surgery?

One week of very light lifting, 5 pounds or less. Then, three weeks of moderate weight, 15-20 pounds. Total of four weeks of light duty.

Do you lose weight after hernia surgery?

Hernia surgery is usually fairly quick and most likely outpatient. People do not usually lose weight from the surgery itself however, often find they’re able to go back and live READ MORE
Hernia surgery is usually fairly quick and most likely outpatient. People do not usually lose weight from the surgery itself however, often find they’re able to go back and live more active lifestyles which can help them to lose weight.

How long does pancreas surgery take?

That depends on what type of surgery you’re having. Some pancreatic surgery can be very quick such as biopsies. Any surgery involving removing a portion of the pancreas will take READ MORE
That depends on what type of surgery you’re having. Some pancreatic surgery can be very quick such as biopsies. Any surgery involving removing a portion of the pancreas will take considerably more time. These will usually take several hours.

Post surgical, outpatient?

Interesting. A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that generally lies just beneath the skin. These generally do not affect nerves unless they are the deeper version which lie within READ MORE
Interesting. A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that generally lies just beneath the skin. These generally do not affect nerves unless they are the deeper version which lie within muscles. These are Usually removed by a general surgeon. The mere fact that both an ENT and he thoracic surgeon were present tells me this Was most likely much more involved than a simple lipoma. I would need to see the operative report to give you any additional information on your surgery and the outcome.