If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Emergency surgery is performed at the hospital, not at the office.
When Surgery Cannot Wait
Some surgical conditions require urgent or emergent intervention to prevent serious complications, including tissue death, sepsis, or perforation. Dr. Abbassi has extensive experience managing acute surgical emergencies, drawing on years of training that included high-volume trauma and emergency surgery during residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He serves patients at hospitals in the Rockwall, McKinney, and North Texas area.
Common Surgical Emergencies
Acute Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in the United States, affecting approximately 300,000 people annually. The appendix becomes inflamed and, if not removed, can perforate — leading to a potentially life-threatening abdominal infection (peritonitis). Symptoms typically begin with pain around the navel that migrates to the right lower abdomen within 12 to 24 hours, accompanied by nausea, fever, and loss of appetite. Laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard treatment and is typically performed within hours of diagnosis.
Bowel Obstruction
A bowel obstruction blocks the normal passage of intestinal contents. The most common cause is adhesions (scar tissue) from prior abdominal surgery. Other causes include hernias, tumors, and volvulus (twisting of the bowel). Symptoms include severe cramping abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool. While some obstructions resolve with non-operative management (nasogastric decompression and bowel rest), surgery is required when conservative treatment fails or when there are signs of strangulation — compromised blood supply to the bowel.
Perforated Viscus
A perforation in the stomach, small intestine, or colon allows gastrointestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. Common causes include perforated ulcers, perforated diverticulitis, and perforated appendicitis. This is a life-threatening condition requiring emergent surgery to control contamination and repair or resect the affected segment.
Incarcerated or Strangulated Hernia
An incarcerated hernia occurs when abdominal contents become trapped in the hernia sac and cannot be pushed back in. If the blood supply to the trapped tissue is compromised, the hernia is strangulated — a surgical emergency. Symptoms include severe pain at the hernia site, nausea, vomiting, and a firm, tender bulge that does not reduce. Immediate surgery is required to restore blood flow and prevent tissue death.
Acute Cholecystitis
Severe gallbladder inflammation that does not respond to initial medical management may require urgent cholecystectomy. Early surgical intervention within the first few days of symptom onset is generally preferred, as delay can make the surgery technically more difficult.
Dr. Abbassi's Emergency Surgery Experience
During his surgical residency, Dr. Abbassi managed a high volume of emergency and trauma cases. This experience provided the rapid clinical decision-making, technical skill, and composure under pressure that emergency surgery demands. He brings this expertise to every acute surgical situation in the Rockwall, McKinney, and North Texas area.
For more information about recognizing surgical emergencies, read our article: 5 Signs You May Need Emergency Surgery.
Surgical emergencies are treated at the hospital. If you believe you are experiencing a surgical emergency, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. For non-emergent surgical concerns, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a surgical emergency?
A surgical emergency is any condition where delaying surgery could result in permanent harm, organ damage, or death. Common examples include appendicitis, bowel obstruction with strangulation, perforated organs, and incarcerated hernias. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and go to the emergency room.
How quickly can emergency surgery be performed?
True emergencies are taken to the operating room as soon as the patient is stabilized and the surgical team is assembled. This is typically within hours of arrival at the hospital, and sometimes sooner for life-threatening conditions.