General Surgery Specialist
Helmuth Billy, MD
Bariatric Surgeons located in Ventura, CA
Dr. Helmuth Billy, MD of Ventura Advanced Surgical Associations in Ventura, CA is a board-certified general surgeon, renowned for state-of-the-art weight loss procedures, as well as a wide array of general surgeries. Using the latest in laparoscopic and robotic technology, Dr. Billy provides general surgeries – from hernia repair to spleen removal — for patients throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA.
General Surgery Q & A
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery also referred to as minimally invasive surgery, is performed with the assistance of a tiny video camera and special, ultra-thin instruments. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen through which a tube with a camera attached is inserted. The camera transmits the image from inside the patient, onto a monitor for the surgeon to view. Laparoscopic surgery can offer numerous advantages over traditional surgery. This include:
- Less post-operative pain and quicker healing, since the incisions are a lot smaller
- Smaller scars
- The ability for a surgeon to magnify the patient’s internal image for greater clarity and precision
What types of laparoscopic procedures does Dr. Billy perform?
Ventura Advanced Surgical Associates in Ventura has its state-of-the-art surgical center, conveniently housed in the same 6,500-square foot facility where pre-operation examinations and rehabilitation services are performed. At this on-site surgical center, Dr. Billy performs an extensive number of laparoscopic surgeries. Among the most common are:
- Hernia repairAntireflux surgery (heartburn surgery)
- Antireflux surgery (heartburn surgery)
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- Colon surgery
- Esophagus surgery
- Liver Surgery
- Stomach surgery
- Pancreas surgery
- Adrenalectomy (Adrenal Gland Removal)
- Splenectomy (spleen removal)
- Nephrectomy (kidney removal)
- Emergency laparoscopy
What is da Vinci™ robotic surgery?
Dr. Billy has extensive experience in performing surgery assisted by da Vinci robotic technology. This leading-edge technology utilizes the assistance of a computer-controlled robot to help perform certain laparoscopic abdomen procedures with greater precision and in an even less invasive manner. Dr. Billy works a few feet away from the operating table at a computer console that displays a high-resolution, 3-D image of the operating field. He maneuvers two master controls (similar to joysticks) that navigate two mechanical arms on a robot. These mechanical arms are equipped with specialized instruments that reach inside the patient’s stomach, via the tiny incisions, where they can carry out sophisticated, hand-like movements.
Insurance
Ventura Advanced Surgical Associates is a preferred provider with many health plans including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net PPO, Gold Coast MediCal, and others. Dr. Billy is also a provider with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. You must contact Heather Jacobsen regarding bariatric surgery and insurance coverage. She can also answer questions regarding our billing policies. You can reach Heather by email at