Farshad Farnejad, MD, MPH, FACS

03/16/2026

Gallbladder disease is far more common than most people realize. In the United States, 20–25 million people have gallstones, and over 700,000 gallbladder removal surgeries are performed each year. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed or blocked by stones, patients can experience severe pain, nausea, infections, and potentially dangerous complications.

The gallbladder’s job is to store bile that helps digest fats—but when stones form, they can block the ducts and trigger inflammation called cholecystitis. When symptoms become significant or complications develop, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is often the safest and most effective treatment.

This image shows a gallbladder after surgical removal. Behind every specimen like this is a patient who was suffering—and surgery helped resolve the problem and get them back to a healthier life.

Early evaluation of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea after fatty meals, or recurrent “gallbladder attacks” can make a huge difference.

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03/16/2026

Every step forward matters. For many people, weight loss isn’t just about willpower—it’s about overcoming physical, emotional, and environmental challenges every single day. Real progress happens when we replace judgment with understanding and support each other on the journey to better health. Let’s lift people up, celebrate small victories, and remember that lasting change happens one step at a time. 💪❤️

03/04/2026

Small hernias are often dismissed as “no big deal.” But in reality, a small neck (or small mouth) ventral hernia can be more dangerous than a larger one.

On this CT scan, you can see a ventral hernia causing a bowel obstruction. When the opening in the abdominal wall is small and tight, a loop of intestine can slip through and become trapped. Unlike larger hernias — where contents may move in and out more freely — a small defect creates a higher risk of incarceration and strangulation. That means compromised blood flow to the bowel, which can quickly become a surgical emergency.

Size alone does not determine risk.
Symptoms like increasing pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, or inability to pass gas should never be ignored.

As surgeons, we don’t just look at how big a hernia appears externally — we evaluate the anatomy, the defect size, and the risk it poses internally.

If you’ve been told you have a “small hernia,” it’s worth having a thoughtful discussion about timing of repair and warning signs to watch for.

03/04/2026

Melatonin is more than just a sleep supplement.

In this blog, I explore the science behind melatonin — how it regulates circadian rhythm, impacts immune function, influences metabolic health, and why timing and dosing matter more than most people realize.

Checkout 🔗 to blog in comments 👇🏼

02/22/2026

Staying healthy isn’t just about diet and exercise—vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. In my latest blog, I break down why it matters, who’s at risk for deficiency, and what you can do about it. Take a few minutes to read and take charge of your health!

Link in comments👇🏼

02/22/2026

In 2026, mental health is no longer a side conversation — it’s central to how we live, work, and care for others. In my new blog post, I explore why prioritizing mental well-being is just as important as physical health, especially in high-pressure professions like medicine.

From breaking stigma to building resilience and finding balance in a demanding world, this piece is an honest look at where we are and where we need to go. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or simply searching for better ways to care for yourself — this one’s for you.

Link in comments 👇🏼

02/16/2026

https://ffsurgical.com/blog/vitamin-d-do-you-need-supplements

Of all the common vitamins, it is perhaps vitamins C and D that get the most attention. There have been recent reports speculating on what role, if any, vitamin D may play in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infection. These observational studies have looked at outcomes and suggest that vitamin D

02/11/2026

This image shows a cirrhotic liver with significant ascites filling the abdominal cavity.
Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and is a key sign of advanced liver disease. It develops when chronic liver scarring (cirrhosis) leads to portal hypertension and impaired protein production, causing fluid to leak out of blood vessels and collect in the abdomen.
Clinically, this finding matters. Ascites is not just “fluid buildup”—it’s associated with:
• Increased risk of infection (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis)
• Kidney dysfunction
• Respiratory compromise
• Higher overall mortality
Its presence often marks decompensated cirrhosis, a major turning point in liver disease that requires close monitoring and multidisciplinary care.
Early recognition and management can significantly impact outcomes.

02/03/2026

What Are Gallstones and When Should You Seek Treatment?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid—mostly cholesterol or bilirubin—that form in your gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without even knowing it, but when they block a duct, they can cause sudden, intense abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting—this is known as a gallbladder attack or biliary colic.

You should seek medical evaluation if you experience:

Sharp pain in the upper right or middle part of your abdomen
Pain after eating fatty meals
Nausea, vomiting, or bloating
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Untreated gallstones can lead to complications like infection, inflammation, or damage to your liver or pancreas. In most cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the definitive treatment and can be done with minimally invasive or robotic techniques.

Don’t ignore the symptoms—your health and comfort matter.



www.ffsurgical.com

02/03/2026

Here’s my latest blog taking a closer look at the obesity epidemic in the U.S.—and why it matters.

Link in comment 👇🏼

01/29/2026

What you’re seeing here 👇
This is a gallbladder that has been opened after removal, revealing multiple gallstones inside. Gallstones form when bile components—most commonly cholesterol or pigment—crystallize and harden over time. While some people never know they have them, others develop significant symptoms.
Why gallstones matter:
Gallstones can block the cystic duct or bile ducts, leading to:

Right upper quadrant or epigastric pain (often after fatty meals)
Nausea and vomiting
Acute or chronic cholecystitis
Pancreatitis or cholangitis in severe cases
Key teaching point:
👉 Gallstones themselves don’t require surgery unless they cause symptoms or complications.
When patients develop recurrent pain, inflammation, or biliary obstruction, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the definitive and curative treatment.
Clinical pearl:
The size or number of stones doesn’t always correlate with symptoms—small stones can be just as dangerous as large ones if they migrate.

Education, imaging, and shared decision-making are critical in determining the right time for intervention.

01/27/2026

In a world that constantly demands more of your time, energy, and attention, your health must remain non-negotiable. Everything else depends on it.