expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Michael Sutker

Surgeon

Dr. Sutker is a Plano, Texas, native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and earned his medical doctorate at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He went on to also complete his general surgical internship and residency at UC-San Francisco. He received additional fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Dr. Sutker has been in practice at Medical City Dallas since 2014 and at Medical City McKinney since 2019. He is board-certified in general surgery. Dr. Sutker manages a wide range of surgical diseases. He specializes in treating conditions with minimally invasive techniques utilizing both standard laparoscopy and robotic-assisted laparoscopy. Dr. Sutker has specialty training in the surgical treatment of obesity, acid reflux, esophageal motility disorders, and paraesophageal hernias. He is skilled in the repair of abdominal wall defects, including inguinal, umbilical, ventral, and incisional hernias. Dr. Sutker also enjoys managing emergency surgical situations including gallbladder disease, appendicitis, and diverticulitis.
Dr. Michael Sutker
Specializes in:
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Hernia
  • Hernia Surgery
  • Gallbladder
  • Dallas, TX
  • MD at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  • Accepting new patients

Can GERD be treated with surgery?

Many times, yes. Different options for surgery include a fundoplication (stomach wrap), Linx device placement (magnetic sphincter augmentation), and sometimes gastrojejunostomy/gastric READ MORE
Many times, yes. Different options for surgery include a fundoplication (stomach wrap), Linx device placement (magnetic sphincter augmentation), and sometimes gastrojejunostomy/gastric bypass. You should speak to a surgeon about the risks and benefits of the options and any other alternatives.

Can acid reflux be cured?

Medication will control the symptoms. Surgery can prevent further reflux.

How long does it take for an incision to heal after hernia surgery?

Incisions, regardless of the type of operation, are typically "healed" within 1-2 weeks. This means that sutures or staples can be removed safely without concern of the wound READ MORE
Incisions, regardless of the type of operation, are typically "healed" within 1-2 weeks. This means that sutures or staples can be removed safely without concern of the wound opening. The overall healing and scarring process can take up to 3-6 months before the final appearance and strength is achieved.

Are you awake during inguinal hernia surgery?

No. General anesthesia is required except in a minority of select cases (<1%).

Is local anesthesia safe for diabetics

Yes. There should be no contra-indication.

How serious is pancreas surgery?

Any surgery is serious. Removal of the head of the pancreas (called a Whipple procedure) is generally a larger operation than removal of the tail of the pancreas (called a distal READ MORE
Any surgery is serious. Removal of the head of the pancreas (called a Whipple procedure) is generally a larger operation than removal of the tail of the pancreas (called a distal pancreatectomy). Both can be done safely.

Can surgery fix the abdominal hernia?

Surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. No medication or activity will make a hernia better.

Can you live a normal life after a colectomy?

Depending on how much of your colon gets removed, you may have more frequent and looser bowel movements. Beyond that, you should generally be able to live a normal life.

Hiatal hernia?

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can be the result of several different processes. They can range from benign disease such as a hiatal hernia or achalasia or a more malignant READ MORE
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can be the result of several different processes. They can range from benign disease such as a hiatal hernia or achalasia or a more malignant process such as esophageal cancer. Evaluation can include imaging such as a CT scan or swallow study as well as an upper endoscopy (EGD). You should arrange for consultation with a gastroenterologist.

I'm feeling weak and sick post gall bladder removal?

This symptoms are not typical 6 months after cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). You should return to see your surgeon as well as discuss with your primary care doctor. Evaluation READ MORE
This symptoms are not typical 6 months after cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). You should return to see your surgeon as well as discuss with your primary care doctor. Evaluation should include labs, imaging such as a CT scan or swallow study, and possibly an endoscopy.

Weight loss recommendation?

Yes! Weight loss surgery is your best tool for weight loss, Either a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass would be appropriate for you. Surgery is more likely to help you achieve READ MORE
Yes! Weight loss surgery is your best tool for weight loss, Either a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass would be appropriate for you. Surgery is more likely to help you achieve a healthier weight and having longer lasting results than diet and exercise alone. I would arrange consultation with a surgeon as soon as you can. I have never had a patient tell me they wish they had waited longer to have surgery.

What type of sedation is used for liver surgery?

If it is a needle biopsy, maybe just local anesthesia. If it is for a resection (removal of part of the colon), general anesthesia.

Can you refuse sedation for colonoscopy?

It's possible but not recommended.

Bulge in abdomen before urination?

What you are describing could possibly be an inguinal hernia. If you get the bulge during other activities that strain the abdominal wall such as squatting or weight lifting, READ MORE
What you are describing could possibly be an inguinal hernia. If you get the bulge during other activities that strain the abdominal wall such as squatting or weight lifting, then you should be evaluated by a surgeon. Either way, you should probably discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician.

Do you get general anesthesia for liver surgery?

Unless it is a needle biopsy, then yes, it requires general anesthesia.

Which surgery is best for inguinal hernia treatment?

Mesh repair. Good results with both open and minimally invasive approaches. My personal preference is a robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach.