Karamollah Toolabi

Dr. Karamollah Toolabi is a distinguished General Surgeon and a pioneer in the field of laparoscopic surgery in Iran. As the Head of the Laparoscopic and General Surgery Ward at Imam Khomeini Hospital, he has made significant contributions to advancing laparoscopic techniques and bariatric surgery in Iran. With over 33 years of experience, Dr. Toolabi has played a crucial role in introducing and developing advanced surgical methods in Iran, including the establishment of the annual International Congress on Advanced Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.

Contributions & Leadership

Dr. Toolabi has been a driving force in the field of laparoscopic surgery in Iran. He was the first to perform several advanced laparoscopic surgeries in the country, and his leadership in establishing the International Congress on Advanced Laparoscopy has positioned him as a key figure in the field. Additionally, his tenure as the Head of the Lorestan Institute of Medical Sciences involved substantial contributions to health infrastructure development.

Currently, Dr. Toolabi continues to impart his extensive knowledge and expertise as a Professor at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, training future generations of surgeons and advancing the field of laparoscopic surgery through both education and practice.

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Education

Medical Degree: Tehran University of Medical in 1989
Specialty in General Surgery: Tehran University of Medical in 1993
Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery: Hull University, UK, completed in 2000

Languages

English
Persian

Experience

Dr. Toolabi has performed a wide range of advanced laparoscopic procedures, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and complex surgeries for cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver. He has also conducted pioneering laparoscopic operations such as thymus surgery and splenectomy. His experience extends to treating endocrine disorders and addressing abdominal wall hernias using laparoscopic techniques.
Throughout his career, Dr. Toolabi has been instrumental in performing and teaching advanced laparoscopic surgeries, contributing to significant medical advances and innovations in Iran. His work has been recognized through numerous publications and national media coverage highlighting his achievements.

Memberships & Certifications

Member of the Iran Medical Council: License Number 29245
Member of the International Association of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeons (IFSO)
Member of the Society of Iranian Surgeons
Member of the Iranian Endoscopic Surgeons Association

Clinics or Hospitals

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1. What is the advantage of laparoscopy over open surgery?

The primary advantage of laparoscopy compared to open surgery is the reduced size of surgical incisions. This method preserves cosmetic appearance, minimizes post-operative pain, decreases the need for painkillers and antibiotics, and reduces the risk of wound infections and hernias. Additionally, laparoscopy generally leads to faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays, which collectively help lower overall healthcare costs.

2. Why is there less damage to the tissues of the patient's body in laparoscopic surgery compared to conventional surgical methods?

Laparoscopic surgery causes less tissue damage because it involves several small incisions (typically 5 to 10 millimeters) rather than a large incision required in conventional methods. This minimizes the disruption of healthy tissues and allows for more targeted access to the affected organs, resulting in less postoperative pain and faster recovery.

3. How does the doctor observe and control the surgical process in the laparoscopy method?

During laparoscopic surgery, a thin, flexible telescope with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one of the small incisions. This camera transmits high-resolution, magnified images of the internal organs to a large monitor, allowing the surgeon to view and control the procedure with precision. This combination of modern imaging technology and surgical expertise enables the doctor to perform the surgery effectively and safely.

4. What are the characteristics of laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is characterized by smaller incisions, improved magnified visualization, the potential for remote operation, and widespread applicability. These features contribute to more accurate surgeries, reduced recovery times, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

5. What are the limitations of laparoscopic surgery?

The main limitation of laparoscopic surgery is the requirement for a high level of skill and experience from the surgeon. While the laparoscopic technique itself does not impose specific restrictions, the effectiveness of the procedure depends on the surgeon's expertise and familiarity with the equipment and techniques.

6. Which patients can be treated using laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is suitable for a broad range of patients requiring abdominal, visceral, chest, and abdominal wall hernia surgeries. It is a low-risk procedure that offers benefits for many individuals needing these types of operations.

7. What types of surgeries has Dr. Toolabi performed using the laparoscopic method?

Dr. Toolabi has pioneered several advanced laparoscopic surgeries in Iran. His notable achievements include performing the first splenectomy, pancreatic gland removal, bariatric surgery, total esophagus removal, and thymus gland removal using laparoscopic techniques.

8. Are antibiotics needed after laparoscopic surgery?

Typically, antibiotics are not required for most patients following laparoscopic surgery. While some patients may receive antibiotics for a short period, many do not need them. Prescribing antibiotics is often based on incorrect practices or patient insistence, rather than scientific necessity, and is not typically beneficial for preventing infections.

9. Can gallstones be treated with laparoscopic surgery?

Yes, laparoscopic surgery is the preferred and most effective treatment for gallstones. This procedure is associated with minimal complications, a short hospital stay of around 24 hours, and a rapid return to daily activities due to its less invasive nature.

10. How many years of laparoscopic surgery experience does Dr. Toolabi have?

Dr. Toolabi has nearly 25 years of experience in laparoscopic surgery, during which he has performed numerous pioneering procedures and contributed significantly to the field.

11. In which hospitals is Dr. Toolabi present?

Dr. Toolabi practices at several prestigious hospitals, including Imam Khomeini Hospital, Laleh Hospital, Kish Superspeciality Hospital, and Toheed Hospital in Khorramabad.

12. What certifications and advanced training does Dr. Toolabi have?

Dr. Toolabi's advanced training includes: 1. Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Course (N.O.T.E.S) at IRCAD-EITS Center, Strasburg, France - (2006) 2. Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Training Course (Digestive) at Saint Pierre Hospital, Belgium - (2006) 3. Clinical Course of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery at Saint Pierre Hospital, Belgium - (2006) 4. Advanced Laparoscopic (Digestive) Surgery Training Course at IRCAD-EITS Center, Strasburg, France - (2003) 5. Gastric Banding Complications Training Course at Soauvegarde Hospital, Lyon, France - (2003) 6. Gastric Banding - AMI Band Training Course at A.K.H. University, Austria - (2003) 7. Laparoscopy Gastric Banding - MID Band Training Course at Soauvegarde Hospital, Lyon, France - (2002) 8. Laparoscopy Adrenalectomy and Herniorrhaphy Training Course at Stepping Hill Hospital, England - (1999) 9. Laparoscopy of Nissen Fundoplication Training Course at A.K.H. University, Austria - (1999) 10. Advanced Laparoscopy Training Course at IRCAD-EITS Center, Strasburg, France - 1998