Blog Archive

If you need abdominal surgery — whether it’s for a hernia, gallbladder problem, or another condition — you might hear your surgeon talk about two different methods: laparoscopic vs. open surgery. And while no one likes the thought of undergoing surgery, understanding the differences between these two approaches can help...

If you're preparing for a mastectomy, you may be wondering what comes next, especially when it comes to managing a surgical drain. Elite board-certified surgeon Dr. Elvira Klause has earned an outstanding reputation among women facing a challenging time in their lives.  Specializing in breast cancer surgeries in Laguna Hills,...

If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, your doctor might have mentioned repairing the hernia with mesh,  but what is it, and why is it so common? Mesh is medical-grade flexible material that reinforces weakened tissue and lowers your risk of future hernias in the same place. Understanding how mesh...

Are you among the 5 in 10 Americans with hemorrhoids? Dr. Elvira Klause, a board-certified physician with extensive expertise in hemorrhoid treatment, is committed to helping you find real relief.  We work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and symptoms. In most cases,...

Hemorrhoids are a common — and often uncomfortable — condition that develops when veins in your lower rectum or anus swell. But because of where the hemorrhoids are, many people deal with the pain, itching, and discomfort of hemorrhoids in silence. While over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and lifestyle changes can help...

Both lumpectomy and mastectomy effectively treat breast cancer, but the right choice depends on your diagnosis, personal preferences, and medical recommendations.  Dr. Elvira Klause, a board-certified breast surgeon in Laguna Hills, California, offers expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your health.  Her advanced surgical expertise and...

About 25 million Americans have gallstones, hardened deposits of digestive fluids that form in your gallbladder, which is a small organ located under your liver. Most people with gallstones don’t have symptoms, but they can be a significant source of pain, and they cause complications for around 20% of people....

A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, removes a tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.  Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, a lumpectomy allows you to retain your natural breast shape. Dr. Elvira Klause is a board-certified general surgeon in Laguna Hills, California, specializing in breast...

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It’s one of the most effective treatment options for gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions. If you’re scheduled for surgery, it’s normal to have questions. Preparing for surgery sets you up for a smooth procedure and a quicker recovery, and...

Your gallbladder is a small organ near your liver that stores bile, which your body uses to break down fats. The gallbladder releases bile into your stomach after you eat.  But if you’ve been dealing with painful gallstones, your doctor might have recommended gallbladder removal. Once this organ is removed,...

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin color. But even though it’s common and many people make full recoveries following a skin cancer diagnosis, it can still be deadly. About 20 Americans die from melanoma every day, and...

Recovering from a mastectomy usually takes a few weeks — and longer if you’re having breast reconstruction, too. Fortunately, implementing a few tips can make this time easier and more comfortable for you.  As an expert in breast surgery, including mastectomy, Dr. Elvira Klause knows what helps people during their...

Your appendix is a small, tube-like organ found in your lower right abdomen.  It’s a nonessential organ that plays a role in digestion and gut health, and if it gets inflamed, it can cause some serious health problems. Appendicitis occurs when your appendix is blocked, causing swelling, infection, and pain....

The contents of your hernia could get trapped, cutting the blood supply off from the surrounding structures, including critical organs. Left unchecked, the hernia can lead to serious complications and even death.  Fortunately, you have options for addressing a hernia and protecting your overall health. Dr. Elvira Klause offers hernia...

Up to 50% of people in the United States experience hemorrhoids in their lifetimes. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, itching, and pain — and thankfully, there are ways to relieve the symptoms and speed up healing. Home remedies can be very effective, but when that’s not enough, Elvira Klause, MD, FACS,...

Over 1.2 million people have gallbladder removal surgery every year in the United States. Elite surgeon Dr. Elvira Klause performs gallbladder removal using the most advanced robotic surgery techniques, giving our Laguna Hills, California, patients the least-invasive experience possible with the least downtime.   While it’s comforting to know that...

Minimally invasive surgery has transformed the way surgeons perform many of the most common procedures, from hernia repair to hysterectomy. It’s a modern technique that offers patients a quicker, less painful alternative to traditional open surgeries — and better results to boot. But what exactly qualifies a procedure as minimally...

Surgical oncology is a highly specialized field that treats cancer by removing it.  With every stage of solid cancer tumors, studies show that surgical oncology dramatically increases the survival rate. At her Laguna Hills, California, practice, board-certified robotic surgeon Dr. Elvira Klause offers surgical oncology as part of a comprehensive...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time when we focus on education, early detection, and treatment options for a disease that affects millions of women worldwide. And if you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you probably know that the number of decisions you have to make can feel...

The robotic system never makes a move without being directed to do so by the surgeon at the helm of the command console. Robotic arms can move in ways that human hands can’t, with more flexibility and precision.  In this blog, board-certified general surgeon Dr. Elvira Klause reviews a few...

Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is a common surgical procedure. It can be a permanent solution for painful gallstones and other gallbladder-related issues, but as before any surgery, you should be well-informed and prepared. Board-certified general surgeon Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, and our team in Laguna Hills, California, specialize in gallbladder...

With more than 1 million performed each year, hernia repair is one of the common surgical procedures in the United States.  You develop a hernia when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall. Hernia repair aims to replace the tissue and close the hole....

There’s no single treatment path for every patient and hernia. Our renowned board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Elvira Klause, has over 15 years of experience treating hernias. From diagnosis to monitoring and surgery, she creates patient-specific treatment plans to meet your needs. Dr. Klause always puts your needs first. Your health...

How do you know when your hemorrhoids require medical intervention? The answer lies with your symptoms.  Elite board-certified general surgeon Dr. Elvira Klause is a renowned hemorrhoid specialist. She has extensive experience treating this frustrating problem with the most advanced nonsurgical and minimally invasive approaches.  Because many people just aren’t...

If you need surgery, chances are good that you’ve heard about robot-assisted surgical procedures. Robotic surgery is a cutting-edge technique that combines advanced robotic systems with the surgeon’s experience to perform complex procedures with greater precision and control. It’s a minimally invasive approach that has revolutionized the field of surgery,...

Anyone can get hemorrhoids — those swollen veins near your anus that cause pain, itching, and bleeding with bowel movements. They’re incredibly common, and if you’re dealing with severe or persistent hemorrhoids, professional treatment is the most effective long-term solution. Professional hemorrhoid treatment ranges from medicated creams to minimally invasive...

Surgery is a stressful prospect for most patients. However, with advancements in medicine, you now have more options than ever, including minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, involves the surgeon exploring your tissues through an incision no larger than a keyhole. Surgeons use a laparoscope, a...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

As many as 9 in 100 people experience appendicitis in their lifetimes. It’s a condition that develops when your appendix gets inflamed, and it's a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. In fact, appendicitis can quickly cause life-threatening complications, like a ruptured appendix. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms...

The thought of surgery is scary. But for many people with breast cancer, surgery is an essential part of treatment. If you’re scheduled for a lumpectomy, it’s normal to have questions, and we’re here to help. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, and our team specialize in breast surgery in Laguna Hills,...

Did you know that gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries in the United States? Your gallbladder is a small organ that plays a key role in digestion, but it can also be a source of painful complications that necessitate its removal. Symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and...

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis is frightening. It’s a journey that can involve tough decisions about your treatment options, but the good news is that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Two of the most common surgical procedures for breast cancer are mastectomy and lumpectomy. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS,...

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, can certainly be uncomfortable and even embarrassing to talk about, but they’re no joke.  If you live in southern Orange County, California, and you’re struggling with hemorrhoids, you can count on the compassion and discretion of Dr. Elvira Klause and our medical staff to help you...

A hernia is a condition in which an organ or other tissue in your body pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or fascia connective tissue. It can happen suddenly or over time through wear and tear.  If you get a hernia, surgical repair is a common solution,...

Appendectomy, or appendix removal surgery, is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. It’s the definitive treatment for appendicitis, but if you need an appendectomy, you probably have questions. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, and our team specialize in abdominal surgery and appendix removal in Laguna Hills, California. ...

Hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures in the country. It’s the most effective way to treat large or painful hernias, but it’s normal for you to be nervous about undergoing a surgical procedure. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, and our team specialize in minimally invasive hernia repair,...

Millions of Americans have hemorrhoids, a condition that happens when the veins in your rectum and anus get inflamed and swollen. It’s uncomfortable, itchy, painful, and embarrassing — and you don’t have to just suffer through it. Home remedies can be very effective for mild to moderate hemorrhoids. As a hemorrhoid specialist in...

Are you dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis? It’s normal to wonder which breast surgery is best for your needs. Both lumpectomy and mastectomy aim to remove cancerous tissue, but there are a few key differences between the two. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, specializes in oncology procedures in Laguna Hills, California, and our team...

It’s no secret that advancements in medical technology over the last few decades have revolutionized the way surgeries are performed. But if you need surgery, it’s normal to have questions about the benefits (and drawbacks) of each technique that’s available to you. One of the most popular methods today is...

Chemotherapy is one of the most common — and effective — treatments for cancer. The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.  Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, and our team specialize in oncology in Laguna Hills, California. We’re here to help patients and their...

A breast biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that involves removing a small sample of your breast tissue for analysis. It’s one of the most effective ways to detect signs of breast cancer, but the thought of getting a biopsy can be scary.  Surgical biopsies remove a larger sample of tissue than other...

About one in every 20 Americans has hemorrhoids, making them an extremely common — but nevertheless embarrassing — condition. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum or anus, and they often cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, pain, and bleeding. There are lots of home remedies for hemorrhoids, including topical ointments,...

A hernia is an injury that develops when an organ or soft tissue bulges out of its normal position in your abdomen. It pushes through a weak point in the surrounding muscles or connective tissue, creating a visible lump in your abdomen, groin, or upper thigh. Most hernias start small....

Are you scheduled for gallbladder surgery? It’s one of the most common abdominal surgeries in the country, and about 1 million Americans get their gallbladders removed each year. If you have painful gallstones, removing your gallbladder might be one of the best ways to improve your health, but the thought...

Surgery is one of the oldest and most effective ways to treat a variety of cancers. At its most basic, cancer surgery is an operation to remove a cancerous tumor. But these days, it’s a highly customizable procedure, and it could be the right treatment option for you. Elvira Klause, MD, is a surgical...

Over 100,000 American women undergo mastectomy every year. A mastectomy is surgery to remove one or both breasts, and it’s one of the most common ways to treat breast cancer.  Although mastectomy can be an effective breast cancer treatment for many women, it’s major surgery. So it’s normal to have...

Around 264,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It’s one of the most common types of cancer, and surgery is one of the most effective treatment options available. The thought of breast cancer surgery is scary, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll lose your entire breast. Lumpectomy is a...

Robotic surgery blends unparalleled accuracy with human experience. Using robotic arms and instruments, surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures aided by computer technology, and it’s quickly becoming the go-to method for surgeons around the globe. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, specializes in robotic surgery in San Clemente, California. She and our team bring the...

Have you noticed a small lump on your stomach or inner thigh? Do you feel a heavy ache when you strain or cough? You could have a hernia, one of the most common abdominal injuries among people of all ages. Hernias form when an abdominal organ or tissue pokes through...

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around your anus. They can cause itching, soreness, and pain with bowel movements, and they can happen to anyone. But although hemorrhoids are common, many people are embarrassed to admit that they have them. There’s no reason to be ashamed, and seeking treatment is the...

Robotic surgery combines the expertise of trained surgeons with the precision of robotic technology. It’s a method that involves robotic arms connected to a computer and controlled by your surgeon in the operating room. And while it might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, robotic surgery is...

Your abdominal wall is a thick band of muscle and connective tissue that protects your internal organs. While this wall is naturally strong, injury or degeneration can create a gap in the muscle. Organs, tissue, and fat push through that gap and create a hernia. In general, hernias are labeled as...

More than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. It’s the most common cancer in the country, and it affects people of every age, gender, and skin color. Skin cancer is one of the most visible forms of cancer, but unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. As a...

Your gallbladder is a small sac that stores a digestive fluid called bile. Everyone is born with a gallbladder, but it’s not an essential organ. And unfortunately for some people, it can be a source of significant pain. Up to 1 million Americans are diagnosed with gallstones each year, and...

The pain. The itching. The burning. If you have hemorrhoids, you’re probably familiar with all of those symptoms. And you have a lot of company — about one of every 20 Americans has hemorrhoids, with prevalence increasing as you get older. As a leading medical provider in San Clemente, California,...

A hernia is a common medical condition affecting men, women, and children. It happens when organs and tissue inside your abdomen push through the muscle wall and create a visible (and sometimes painful) lump in your skin. Hernias can develop in your abdomen or groin. Ventral hernia is the medical...

You’ve probably heard about robotic surgery. It’s rapidly becoming the preferred technique for elite surgeons, from orthopedics to gynecology. But it’s normal to have questions about robotic surgery and how it works. Is it really that safe? Is there a doctor in the room? Why is robotic surgery better than...

A skin biopsy is a common diagnostic test. While we can diagnose many types of skin conditions with a visual exam, more complex conditions (like skin cancer) could necessitate a skin biopsy to reach a diagnosis. If you have an unusual patch of skin — like a suspicious mole, a...

A hernia can develop when abdominal stress tears a hole in your muscle wall. Your internal organs, such as the intestines, may push through the hole and create a visible lump under your skin in your abdomen or groin area. Anyone can get a hernia, and there are more than...

Each year, more than 330,000 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s the second most common type of cancer affecting women, and there are several different types of breast cancer. Some types are more invasive than others. Regular mammograms are one of the best ways to identify breast cancer. But...

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins near your anus at the end of your rectum. Anyone can get hemorrhoids, and about half of all Americans experience them during their lives. Two things are almost always true when it comes to hemorrhoids: They’re uncomfortable and they’re embarrassing. But if you notice discomfort or...

Mammograms are X-rays of breast tissue, and most women ages 45 and above should get regular mammogram screenings as part of their routine health care. Why? Because they’re one of the best ways to detect breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women....

No one relishes the thought of surgery. But sometimes, surgery is necessary to diagnose medical issues, prevent complications, and preserve your health. As an elite general surgeon, Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, brings the latest in surgical technology to her patients. She specializes in laparoscopy, one of the most popular minimally...

Almost 40% of Americans are diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, but they all develop when abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in the body. Identifying cancer as early as possible is the best way to make treatment more effective....

Every year in the U.S., nearly a quarter million women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die of the disease according to data from the CDC. Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, with about 2.1 million new cases diagnosed in...

Are you scheduled for breast surgery? Surgery can protect your health if you have a malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous) breast condition, but that doesn’t make it any less scary. Whether you’re getting a biopsy, lumpectomy, or mastectomy, the thought of surgery can be nerve-wracking, but you don’t have to...

Up to 15% of American adults have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s one of the most common digestive diseases diagnosed today, and symptoms have the power to significantly affect your quality of life. IBS goes by many names, including irritable colon, spastic colon, and spastic colitis. But whatever you call...

If you have hemorrhoids, you know how uncomfortable these enlarged veins of the anus or lower rectum are. They often cause pain, itching, and bleeding with bowel movements, and they’re a common problem for people of all ages. Up to 3 in 4 people get hemorrhoids at some point during...

Are you bothered by constant abdominal pain and tenderness? Suffering from constipation? It could be diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches inside your intestines. These pouches are called diverticula, and they’re very common in people over the age of 40. If you have diverticula, it’s called diverticulosis....

From pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner to gingerbread cookies at a family party, it’s easy to let your healthy diet fall by the wayside during the holiday season. Indulging every now and then won’t wreck your waistline, but if you have gallbladder problems, it might be making your symptoms worse....

Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s your body’s first line of defense against damage from the outside world. There are lots of different skin conditions that can affect your skin health, from hereditary conditions like rosacea and eczema to acute conditions like rashes and skin cancer. While it’s...

About 1 in 8 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It’s the most common type of cancer affecting women after skin cancers. Every woman is at risk for developing breast cancer simply by being female, but some women are at greater risk than others. Understanding...

Your gallbladder is a small pouch located below your liver. It stores bile, a fluid that aids in digestion, but sometimes bile can harden into small deposits called gallstones.  Gallstones may cause intense abdominal pain and other symptoms, from shoulder pain to nausea and vomiting. Since the gallbladder isn’t a...

Hernias are common, with an estimated 1 million hernia repairs performed annually. A hernia is a medical condition in which internal organs or tissue push through a weak spot in connective tissue or muscle, often in your abdominal wall. The abdominal wall is made of several layers of muscle designed...

Maybe you noticed pain or pressure when using the bathroom. Or perhaps you spotted blood in the bowl or on your underwear. Now you’re concerned that you might have hemorrhoids.  Up to 75% of Americans may develop hemorrhoids in their lifetime. They’re enlarged veins in or around the anus and...

Needing surgery — whether it’s to repair a hernia, remove cancer, or something else — is enough to make anyone nervous. But increased sensitivity around health and safety brought on by COVID-19 has left many patients wondering if it’s safe to have surgery as scheduled.   As a general surgeon with...

Maybe you noticed a lump in your breast or your mammogram results were abnormal. Or perhaps you’ve received a breast cancer diagnosis and you’re learning more about the treatment options available to you. If you’re facing a benign and malignant breast condition, breast surgery may be your best option. When...

Hemorrhoids are common, with up to 40% of Americans suffering from these swollen blood vessels. But it’s also an embarrassing condition that people are reluctant to discuss. That’s because hemorrhoids are located in and around the rectum and anus, often cause itching, irritation, and pain with bowel movements.    Hemorrhoid...

Your skin is your largest organ, but like any other organ, it’s susceptible to damage and other health concerns. Irritation, infection, and even cancer can impact the health of your skin and your overall well-being. A skin biopsy is a common test to evaluate suspicious areas of skin. It’s a...

These days, there are lots of choices to make when it comes to surgery. While having a choice empowers you to make the right decision for your health, it also brings questions and maybe some confusion.  If you need surgery, you might find that sorting through all your options can...

A hernia is a medical condition in which an organ or bodily tissue protrudes through your muscles and creates a visible bulge in your skin. Hernias are commonly located in the abdomen or groin. Anyone can get a hernia, and the cause is often a combination of muscle weakness and...

If you recently got a skin cancer diagnosis, you’re not alone. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. In fact, one in five people will get skin cancer by the time they turn 70. Skin cancer might be common, but that doesn’t mean a...

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you could be living with daily pain and discomfort. In the old days, surgery to remove hemorrhoids was your best option. Today, however, there’s minimally-invasive surgery that treats hemorrhoids with little downtime. Dr. Elvira Klause, in San Clemente, California, is a board-certified general surgeon who...

Gallbladder surgery is often recommended when someone is suffering from gallstones or another condition that would be improved by its removal. Gallbladder removal, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a very common type of surgery. Although the gallbladder isn’t an essential organ, removing it can sometimes cause digestive problems.  Dr....

A lumpectomy is a surgery that removes cancer and irregular tissues from your breasts. It’s also called a breast-conserving surgery because the procedure, as opposed to a mastectomy, only removes a part of your breast and not the entire thing. A lumpectomy is recommended for those whose cancer is only...

You were probably a bit concerned when you first spotted the abnormal bump on one side of your public bone. But chances are your worry really took hold when that bulge got bigger or began feeling tender or heavy.    If you’re like most people, it was the sharp, shooting pain...

Dr. Klause's Personal Touch From the moment you walk through the door to the office of Dr. Klause, most patients say they feel a sense of small-town hospitality and care that is refreshing in today’s impersonal corporate medical atmosphere. Dr. Klause committed early on in her career to establish a warm,...