Dr. Michael Sutker, MD
Surgeon
7777 Forest Ln Suite A 331 Dallas TX, 75230About
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, MD's Videos
Education and Training
MD at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Board Certification
American Board of Surgery
Provider Details
Dr. Michael Sutker, MD's Expert Contributions
Tips For Weight Loss - By Dr. Michael Sutker
Tip 1 - Do Not Eat After 8 PMMy Recommendation - Many patients consume unnecessary calories late in the day prior to bed. Some patients suffer from Night Eating Disorder. Cutting out these calories can help with weight loss.Tip 2 - Avoid Beverages With CaloriesMy Recommendation - Beverages with...
What Makes Dr. Sutker Stand Out?
Dr. Michael Sutker is the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery and the Chair of the Advanced Clinical Advisory Board at Medical City Dallas Hospital, where he’s been practicing since 2014. There, he is also a member of the General Surgery Performance Improvement and Intensive Care Unit...
Meet Michael Sutker, MD: Dallas's General & Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Michael Sutker is the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery and the Chair of the Advanced Clinical Advisory Board at Medical City Dallas Hospital, where he’s been practicing since 2014. There, he is also a member of the General Surgery Performance Improvement and Intensive Care Unit...
Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair
Hernias are extremely common, especially in the abdominal area, and could also be present and undetected at birth. They occur when tissue pushes through a muscle’s weak spot.For qualifying patients, minimally invasive hernia repair is a great alternative to more invasive, open hernia repair. The...
Understanding Bariatric Surgery: FAQs
The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is not an easy one.Thinking about undergoing bariatric surgery or know someone who is? Here are some FAQs that might help.When is someone eligible for bariatric surgery?Since there are no two overweight people that are exactly the same, there is no general...
How long does it take to recover from gallbladder surgery?
I quote my patients 80% recovery at 2 weeks and 100% recovery at 4-6 weeks. At the 2 week appointment, most patients are tolerating a diet, have minimal pain, and have returned to work. Patients are not completely recovered, as they continue to feel fatigue, have low appetite, and do have mild aches and pains. This typically resolves over the next several weeks. READ MORE
Is gallbladder surgery painful?
A cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is typically a well-tolerated procedure. I prescribe 5 days of narcotics for my patients, and seldomly do patients take all of the pills. Rarely do patients ask for a refill. The first week may be uncomfortable but it does get better. READ MORE
Is surgery to remove the appendix dangerous?
An appendectomy (appendix removal) is generally a well-tolerated and safe operation. Risks are mostly related to rupture of the appendix, leading to infection in the incisions, abscess in the abdomen, or needing to have an open operation with a large incision. READ MORE
Is bowel resection surgery dangerous?
Generally no, but there are risks. The dreaded complication of bowel surgery is re-connecting the intestines (called an anastomosis). A leak from the connection is possible and can lead you to become very ill. The risk of that is very low, and varies based on your medical history, reason for surgery, amount of inflammation, etc. Surgeons rarely recommend bowel resection unless absolutely indicated, so it may ultimately be more dangerous for you not to have surgery. READ MORE
How many hours does gallbladder surgery take?
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) typically takes about 30-90 minutes depending on how severe the inflammation is. READ MORE
How serious is gallbladder surgery?
In the scheme of surgeries performed by a general surgeon, it is a routine operation. As a patient, a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) should be considered a major operation. That being said, the operation can be done extremely safely with a low chance of complications. Be sure to discuss these with your surgeon. READ MORE
How long will I be off work after gallbladder surgery?
I tell patients who work "desk jobs" that they can return to work in as little as 3-5 business days. I have even done surgery on a Friday and have the patient go back to work on Monday. I tell patients who work "manual labor" or who have significant physical activity related to their job that they should take off at least 2 weeks of work. The reasoning is that you need to make sure the incisions heal so that a hernia does not develop. The recovery may vary depending on the severity of your disease. Also, ask your job off for more time from work than anticipated. It is much easier to go back earlier than you thought than to ask for more time when you are supposed to be going back. READ MORE
How painful is hernia surgery?
Inguinal hernia repair is well-tolerated. I prescribe patients 5 days of pain medications and rarely have to refill them. Most of my patients are back to full activities without discomfort within 2-4 weeks. READ MORE
What type of surgery is done for diverticulitis?
Many times the procedure can be done via a minimally invasive approach with small incisions, a camera, and long instruments. The diseased portion of the colon, typically the sigmoid colon, is removed. if you have active infection or an abscess, a colostomy may be needed. Most times, the surgeon will try to connect the colon back to itself so that the GI tract is whole. If a colostomy is needed, it can be reconnected in about 3-6 months. READ MORE
How long does diverticulitis surgery last?
The surgery is generally between 1.5-3 hours. If you have severe disease, I have seen procedures that can last up to 7 hours. READ MORE
Is appendicitis surgery painful?
It is generally a well tolerated operation, especially if done laparoscopically. Patients receive pain medication while in the hospital. I typically prescribe 20 tabs (5 days worth) of pain medication after discharge, and most people seem not to even need to take that much. READ MORE
Is hernia surgery painful?
It is generally a well tolerated operation, especially if done laparoscopically. Patients receive pain medication while in the hospital. I typically prescribe 20 tabs (5 days worth) of pain medication after discharge, and most people seem not to even need to take that much. READ MORE
Is an appendix operation dangerous?
No, it is not dangerous. It's generally a very safe and well-tolerated a procedure. All surgeries carry risk, but removal of the appendix is relatively routine. READ MORE
How is appendicitis treated?
Generally with laparoscopic surgery. There are some ongoing studies that are trying to use antibiotics alone, but the complication rate and recurrence rates may or may not be as good as surgery. READ MORE
How long does gastric bypass surgery last?
The surgery itself takes about 1.5-2.5 hours. The initial recovery is about 4-6 weeks. Weight loss goes on for a period of 12-18 months. The benefits last a lifetime! READ MORE
Is surgery the only option for an inguinal hernia?
Yes. Hernias do not improve with medications or activity. Medications may help with any symptoms of discomfort or pain, but the hernia will stay. Activity will typically worsen symptoms or the size of a hernia over time. Surgery is the only option. The timing of surgery can vary depending on your activity level and symptoms. READ MORE
Could I have appendicitis?
Appendicitis can be present as right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The "classic" presentation is diffuse abdominal pain, sometimes around the belly button, that then migrates and localizes to the right lower quadrant. It may be associated with fevers, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are concerned, you should seek care from your primary physician, an urgent care clinic, or the emergency room. READ MORE
How do I know if I have appendicitis?
Appendicitis can be present as right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The "classic" presentation is diffuse abdominal pain, sometimes around the belly button, that then migrates and localizes to the right lower quadrant. It may be associated with fevers, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are concerned, you should seek care from your primary physician, an urgent care clinic, or the emergency room. READ MORE
Why do I have a bump on my abdomen?
There are lots of different reasons why bumps may develop. These may infections (skin abscess or folliculitis). They may be benign lesions (lipoma, cyst). They may be something more worrisome (cancer). You should seek care from your physician for further guidance. READ MORE
Can I live a normal life with an inguinal hernia?
Yes. Hernias do tend to get larger and more problematic as time goes on. In some studies, patients waited two years prior to repair. The risk of waiting was equal to the risk of immediate surgery, so we know it is safe to wait. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Medical Director of Robotic Surgery Medical City Dallas Hospital 2016 - 2016
- Chair of the Advanced Clinical Advisory Board Medical City Dallas Hospital - 2016
- Chief of Surgery Medical City Dallas Hospital 2022 - Present
- Trauma Medical Director Medical City Dallas Hospital 2021 - Present
- Section Chief of General Surgery Medical City Dallas Hospital 2019 - 2021
Awards
- Top10MD 2019 Top10MD
- Top10MD 2018 Top10MD
- Top10MD 2017 Top10MD
Professional Memberships
- Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
- American Medical Association
- Obesity Medicine Association
Fellowships
- UC-San Francisco
Fellowships
- Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Professional Society Memberships
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society
What do you attribute your success to?
Good training and availability
Hobbies / Sports
- Spending Time With Family
Dr. Michael Sutker, MD's Practice location
Dr. Michael Sutker, MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Sutker
- Monica
Doctor Sutker was great and explained everything really well.
- Michael
Absolutely great!
- Ernest bore n
Great
- Morgan
I came in through the Er so had no prior experience with the Dr. He has been very attentive, caring and helpful with all of my questions and concerns.
- Casey
Dr. Sutker is so attentive. He provides exceptional support!
Amazing doctor and staff!
- Michael
Excellent bedside manners. Excellent care
- Dorothy
Great Doctor very professional
- Ronda
He saved my life! What's a better review than that.?
- Dorothy
Excellent care. Excellent bedside manners
- Robert
Helpful
- Nighat
He did good Job
- Damon
Excellent doctor . Kind and understanding. Gave great advice to help my problem.
- Robert
He was fantastic.
- Ana
Excellent
- Carol
Dr. Sutker was very knowledgeable, kind, professional and considerate. He made me feel relaxed and that he cared for me and my anxiety and that I was a person not a number.
- Elliot
I found dr sutker to be very professional but still personable. He answered all of my questions truthfully.
Great :)
- Abba
A bit of a wait but worth it. I felt the doctor really listened and addressed my concerns. Also knowledgeble.
- Phyllis
Good care. Talked me and answered all my questions.
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Media Releases
Get to know General Surgeon Dr. Michael Jason Sutker, who serves patients in Texas.
Dr. Sutker is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in treating general surgery conditions with minimally invasive techniques, mostly utilizing robotic-assisted laparoscopy. He opened his practice, Michael Sutker, M.D., P.A., at Medical City Dallas in 2014 where he is the Medical Director of the Robotic Surgery Program & Section Chief for General Surgery.
At the beginning of 2019, he started a second office at Medical City McKinney to bring his skills and expertise to that area. Dr. Sutker is also a part of the Surgical Consultants of Dallas, LLC, and he maintains close ties with associate surgeons, including Dr. Sue Jiang, Dr. Christopher Bell, and Dr. Dina Madni.
A Plano, Texas native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Sutker earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He then went on to complete his general surgical internship and residency at the same educational venue. He received additional fellowship training in minimal invasive and bariatric surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.
Skilled in the repair of abdominal wall defects, the doctor is board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery, an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.
In addition, he is board-certified in obesity surgery by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, which is a 501 nonprofit, self-appointed physician-evaluation organization that certifies physicians practicing obesity medicine.
Attributing his success to good training and availability, he has received specialty training in the surgical treatment of obesity, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, esophageal motility disorders, paraesophageal hernias, and inguinal and ventral hernias. He also has an extensive practice in emergency general surgery, managing problems such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, and small bowel obstructions.
Remaining at the forefront of his challenging specialty via memberships with professional organizations, Dr. Sutker is a member of the American College of Surgeons (Fellow), the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Fellow), the Dallas County Medical Society, and the Obesity Medicine Association.
He maintains the highest levels of accreditation and pursues ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. He also participates in regular continuing medical education and attends local and national conferences to stay abreast of new research and surgical techniques.
General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland. A general surgeon performs a wide range of abdominal surgeries for many forms of intestinal and abdominal wall neoplasms, gallbladder disease, gastric and pancreatic disease. They follow the patient through critical care and surgical recovery all the way to outpatient care.
Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Sutker is the recipient of Patients’ Choice Award (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), On-Time Doctor Award (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), and Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2015, 2017).
Outside of practicing medicine, he enjoys spending time with family.
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