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

Why won't my bruise go away?

Bruising can occasionally lead to permanent changes in skin color. It may not return to normal if it has already been 4 months since your surgery. Typically, the color change READ MORE
Bruising can occasionally lead to permanent changes in skin color. It may not return to normal if it has already been 4 months since your surgery. Typically, the color change is of little to no consequence, but I would discuss with your surgeon.

How painful is groin hernia surgery with mesh?

I usually prescribe my patients 5 days of pain medication, and they usually do not have to take all of it. With a minimally invasive repair, many patients can return to work within READ MORE
I usually prescribe my patients 5 days of pain medication, and they usually do not have to take all of it. With a minimally invasive repair, many patients can return to work within 3-5 days if they have a desk job or 2-3 weeks if they have a job that requires manual labor.

What is the best lipoma removal procedure?

Surgery is the only way to remove a lipoma. This involves a small incision directly over the mass. Depending on the size and depth, sometimes it can be removed in an office setting READ MORE
Surgery is the only way to remove a lipoma. This involves a small incision directly over the mass. Depending on the size and depth, sometimes it can be removed in an office setting under local anesthesia. Larger and deeper ones require general anesthesia in the operating room.

Can local anesthesia be used for inguinal hernia surgery?

Under rare circumstances- typically someone who cannot tolerate general anesthesia. If done under local anesthesia only, it must be done as an open procedure (not laparoscopically). READ MORE
Under rare circumstances- typically someone who cannot tolerate general anesthesia. If done under local anesthesia only, it must be done as an open procedure (not laparoscopically).

Which is better laparoscopy or open surgery for hernia repair?

I typically recommend a laparoscopic repair for my patients as I think it is associated with less pain and quicker recovery. Ultimately, the results between open and laparoscopic READ MORE
I typically recommend a laparoscopic repair for my patients as I think it is associated with less pain and quicker recovery. Ultimately, the results between open and laparoscopic repairs are very similar.

How long does vomiting last after general anesthesia?

Post-operative nausea and vomiting typically last for 24-48 hours. Anything longer, and you should contact your surgeon.

Does laparoscopic gallbladder surgery require general anesthesia?

Yes. Laparoscopy requires general anesthesia.

What is the recovery time for hiatal hernia surgery?

Most patients will stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. I usually start my patients on a liquid diet and continue for 2 weeks, then transition to soft foods for another 2 weeks. READ MORE
Most patients will stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. I usually start my patients on a liquid diet and continue for 2 weeks, then transition to soft foods for another 2 weeks. Patients can usually return to work in about 2-3 weeks (sometimes less). Full recovery (normal appetite, tolerating all foods, return of energy, resolution of pain) may take 6 weeks or longer.

Is local anesthesia safe for 80 years old patient?

Depending on the type of surgery, local or regional anesthesia can be a much safer option than general anesthesia. This is a discussion to be had with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, READ MORE
Depending on the type of surgery, local or regional anesthesia can be a much safer option than general anesthesia. This is a discussion to be had with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other care providers (internist, cardiologist, etc).

Upper left abdomen swelling and pain?

Vague upper abdominal symptoms, especially after eating, can be associated with gastric ulcers, gallbladder disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. You should seek evaluation with READ MORE
Vague upper abdominal symptoms, especially after eating, can be associated with gastric ulcers, gallbladder disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. You should seek evaluation with your primary care physician, gastroenterologist, or surgeon.

How long does a child stay in the hospital after an appendectomy?

Most kids can typically go home the same day or the next.

Lump after laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repair?

Seromas or hematomas typically resolve in about 6-8 weeks. Less commonly, I have seen them resolve up to 6 months. If they persist longer than 6 months, they typically will not READ MORE
Seromas or hematomas typically resolve in about 6-8 weeks. Less commonly, I have seen them resolve up to 6 months. If they persist longer than 6 months, they typically will not go away on their own. If it does not cause pain or discomfort, no further intervention is needed.

Is it internal bleeding?

I would recommend seeing a physician.

How much weight can I lose with surgery?

Patients will typically lose 30-40% of their total body weight (60-70% of their excess body weight) with a weight loss operation. For example, a 250 lb man who is 5'6" can be READ MORE
Patients will typically lose 30-40% of their total body weight (60-70% of their excess body weight) with a weight loss operation.

For example, a 250 lb man who is 5'6" can be expected to lose about 100 lbs. Some people may lose a little more than predicted, some a little less.

Can polyps be removed during colonoscopy?

Yes. Small polyps can typically be removed during your colonoscopy. Larger ones may be monitored or require formal surgery.

Do you stay in hospital after hernia surgery?

Patients having surgery for small ventral/umbilical hernias or inguinal hernias will typically go home the same day. Patients with larger ventral hernias or those requiring a READ MORE
Patients having surgery for small ventral/umbilical hernias or inguinal hernias will typically go home the same day. Patients with larger ventral hernias or those requiring a complex reconstruction will typically stay in the hospital.

How long is colon cancer surgery recovery?

Depends. A complete return to baseline may be 4-8 weeks depending on if you an open operation or a laparoscopic one. It may also depend if you require further treatment (such READ MORE
Depends. A complete return to baseline may be 4-8 weeks depending on if you an open operation or a laparoscopic one. It may also depend if you require further treatment (such as chemotherapy) after surgery.

Is spinal anesthesia used for hemorrhoidectomy?

Not typically but that is a discussion to have directly with your surgeon and anesthesiologist.

What kind of anesthesia is used for a colonoscopy?

Typically just some sedating medications through an IV. You will feel very sleepy and lethargic and you should have amnesia, meaning you will not remember it.