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BIOGRAPHY

Qualification and Experience

Dr. Basim Alkhafaji has more than 20 years of experience and is a consultant laparoscopic, general and obesity surgeon. He went onto complete his MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) from Iraq. After that, Dr. Basim Alkhafaji earned his Higher Diploma of General Surgery from Iraq. He also earned a Laparoscopic Higher Diploma of Laparoscopy from France. In addition to these, Dr. Basim Alkhafaji is a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons, Fellow of American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

Contribution to Medical Science

Dr. Basim Alkhafaji has a keen interest in laparoscopic hernia repair, laparoscopic obesity, laparoscopic gallbladder and gastrointestinal surgeries, breast surgeries, thyroid and parathyroid surgeries, gastroscopy and colonoscopy, haemorrhoids and anal fistula treatment/ surgery. Apart from his interests he is also a member of the Iraqi Medical Association, Emirate Society of Gastroenterology, Emirate Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, Asia Pacific hernia Society, International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and metabolic disorders, and Emirate society of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeons. Dr. Basim Alkhafaji has received extensive training from European hospitals (UK, Germany, Spain, and France). Currently, he is working with the Canadian Specialist Hospital.

Conditions treated by Bariatric Surgeon

Here is a detailed list of conditions for which Dr. Basim Alkhafaji provides treatment.:

  • Gallstones that are Causing Pain and Infection
  • Colon Cancer and Bowel Diseases
  • Pancreatic Head Cancer
  • Complicated Acute Appendicitis
  • Morbid Obesity
  • Pancreatic or Duodenal Trauma
  • Colorectal or Colon Cancer
  • Inguinal Hernia (in Groin)
  • Chronic Pancreatitis
  • Crohn's Disease Or Severe Diverticulitis
  • Cholecystitis (Inflammation of the Gall Bladder)

Being overweight is not an individual problem but it introduces to you various health conditions which are developed as a result of the excess weight. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and severe sleep apnea are all conditions that develop as a result of being overweight. Weight gain reversal and preventing the adding of more weight becomes a reality by the procedures performed by the surgeon.

Signs and Symptoms treated by Dr Basim Alkhafaji

The signs and symptoms which are a sure go ahead for someone to qualify for Bariatric Surgery are:

  1. BMI ≥ 40, or more than 45 pounds overweight
  2. BMI ≥ 35, and one or more obesity-related co-morbidities
  3. Inability to lose and maintain weight even with sustained weight loss efforts

The case for getting a Bariatric surgery becomes stronger if you are having co-morbidities with the obesity. Here are the other co-morbidities which one can suffer from if they are overweight.:

  • Individuals with BMI 35- 39.9 and underlying obesity-related health problem like; cardiovascular disease, type -2 diabetes, sleep disorders, stroke, hypertension and chronic acid reflux.
  • Individuals with BMI 40 or higher

Being overweight is never a problem that comes alone but is always accompanied with related health conditions like Hypertension, Respiratory disorders, Type II diabetes and Osteoarthritis.

Operating Hours of Dr Basim Alkhafaji

The operating hours of the doctor are from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 2 pm on weekends. The doctor has a vast experience in performing bariatric procedures and is known to go above and beyond to find the best solution for the patients.

Popular Procedures performed by Dr Basim Alkhafaji

Here is the list of the popular procedures performed by Dr. Basim Alkhafaji.:

  • Hemicolectomy
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy
  • Lap Gastric Banding
  • Inguinal Hernia Repair
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Whipples Procedure
  • Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal
  • Appendectomy
  • Colorectal Cancer ( Colon Cancer ) Treatment

The digestion of the food is changed with Gastric bypass operation and thus it is known as one of the most effective weight loss procedures. Sleeve Gastrectomy, Minigastric bypass and Gastric bands are some of the other popular Bariatric surgeries which have shown promising results. Though few and far between, there are some risks associated with weight loss procedures such as:

• Acid reflux • Anesthesia-related risks • Chronic nausea and vomiting • Dilation of esophagus • Inability to eat certain foods • Infection • Obstruction of stomach • Weight gain or failure to lose weight

Qualification

  • M.B.Ch.B, Iraq
  • Laparoscopic Higher Diploma Of Laparoscopy, France
  • Higher Diploma Of General Surgery, Iraq

Past Experiences

  • Currently, he is working with the Canadian Specialist Hospital.
  • Global Team of Board Certified Surgeons and Medical Specialists
  • Written Second Opinion report delivered within 5 days
  • Option to avail the Video Consultation with the Lead Doctor of the board

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CERTIFICATIONS (4)

  • Fellow of Royal College Of Surgeons, Ireland
  • Fellow of American College Of Surgeons, America
  • Fellow of International college of Surgeons

MEMBERSHIPS (7)

  • Emirate Society Of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeons (ESLES)
  • International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
  • Asia Pacific Hernia Society (APHS)
  • Emirate Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ESMBS)
  • Emirate society of Gastroenterology
  • Iraqi Medical Association

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PROCEDURES

  • Appendectomy
  • Colorectal Cancer ( Colon Cancer ) Treatment
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Hemicolectomy
  • Inguinal Hernia Repair
  • Lap Gastric Banding
  • Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy
  • Whipple's Procedure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What area of specialization does Dr. Basim Alkhafaji have?
Dr. Basim Alkhafaji is a specialized Bariatric Surgeon and is one of the most sought after doctors in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Does Dr. Basim Alkhafaji offer Telemedicine Consultation through Medigence?
No, this doctor does not offer telemedicine via MediGence
How many years of experience does Dr. Basim Alkhafaji have?
Dr. Basim Alkhafaji is one of the most sought after specialists in United Arab Emirates and has over 20 Years years of experience.

FAQ's Related to Bariatric Surgeon

What does a Bariatric Surgeon do?

Bariatric Surgeon help patients to lose weight and to keep the weight off i.e., they assist patients who are obese with weight loss and weight management. The procedures performed by Bariatric Surgeon are not just a solution for obesity but bring in several health benefits as well.:

• Long-term remission for type 2 diabetes • Improved cardiovascular health • Better mental health • Remove sleep apnea • Joint pain relief • Improved fertility

The procedures help in either reducing the food intake or by keeping a check on how much nutrients are absorbed by the body or with a combination of both. Prescribing medicines and tests as well as recommending dietary and lifestyle changes post the procedures is all the responsibility of Bariatric surgeon.

What are the tests required before and during consultation for a Bariatric Surgeon?

The tests that are to be done prior to and during a Bariatric surgery are listed below for your convenience.:

  • Cardiac echo – hx of phen-fen or long-standing sleep apnea or cardiac risk screen
  • Lipid panel
  • Thyroid function tests
  • EKG
  • CBC
  • CXR
  • Blood work
  • Folate, thiamine
  • Complete metabolic panel including calcium and liver function tests
  • Fe Panel
  • Homocysteine, C-Reactive protein, lipoprotein a – to assess cardiac risk factors
  • HgbA1C (if known diabetic)
  • B12
  • Stress test

As the direction of treatment is based on these tests, it is important to get these tests performed on the patients. Any persons physiological status can be gauged by the urine and blood tests which are recommended by the Bariatric Surgeon quite often. Electrocardiogram, Pulmonary function testing, Echocardiogram and Cardiology evaluation provide the a good picture of the condition of the heart and the respiratory functions.

When should you go to see a Bariatric Surgeon?

Your best option is to consult with a Bariatric Surgeon when even medical and alternative weight loss methods are not helping you to lose and maintain the right weight. It is also wise to consider the weight and other health parameters before you decide to consider a Bariatric surgery. Both for post operative rehabilitation as well as pre operative preparation a consultation with the surgeon can be arranged.