Farshad Farnejad, MD, MPH, FACS

04/29/2026

This CT image shows a large scrotal inguinal hernia—a condition where abdominal contents (often bowel) push through a weakened area in the groin and can extend down into the sc***um. When hernias reach this size, they’re not just uncomfortable—they can become dangerous.

What is an inguinal hernia?
It occurs when tissue, such as intestine or fat, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin. You might notice a bulge, pressure, or pain—especially when lifting, coughing, or straining.

Risk factors include:
• Heavy lifting or chronic straining
• Chronic cough (smoking, lung disease)
• Constipation
• Obesity or rapid weight changes
• Prior abdominal surgery
• Male s*x and increasing age
• Connective tissue disorders

Why this matters:
Large hernias like the one shown here can lead to serious complications:
⚠️ Incarceration (trapped bowel)
⚠️ Strangulation (cut-off blood supply → surgical emergency)
⚠️ Progressive enlargement and loss of domain

Takeaway:
If you notice a groin bulge or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent complications and make repair safer and easier.

04/26/2026

Stepping away from the noise and back into something real 🌿

In a world that’s constantly demanding more—more productivity, more attention, more speed—we forget that our minds were never built to run nonstop. Nature has a way of reminding us to slow down.

Time outdoors isn’t just a luxury—it’s therapy.

Whether it’s a quiet walk, a hike, or simply sitting in stillness, nature gives your mind permission to reset. Stress lowers. Clarity returns. Breathing deep feels natural again.

We spend so much of life pushing forward, but sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause.

Move your body. Get sunlight. Listen to the wind instead of notifications.

Give your mind the break it deserves.

03/18/2026

☕️ COFFEE, TEA & YOUR BRAIN — WHAT A 40+ YEAR STUDY FOUND

Let’s break this down simply 👇

🔬 THE STUDY:Over 130,000 U.S. adults were followed for up to 43 years — that’s one of the longest and largest studies we have on this topic.

🧠 THE KEY FINDING:People who regularly drank caffeinated coffee or tea had:➡️ Lower risk of developing dementia➡️ Slightly better cognitive performance (memory, thinking skills)

📊 THE “SWEET SPOT”:The benefits weren’t from extreme intake — they were strongest at:

☕ Coffee: ~2–3 cups/day🍵 Tea: ~1–2 cups/day

⚠️ IMPORTANT DETAIL:👉 Decaf coffee did NOT show the same benefitThis suggests caffeine (or compounds linked to it) may play a role.

💡 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:

Moderate caffeine intake may support long-term brain health

More is NOT better — balance matters

This is an association, not proof of cause

🩺 TAKEAWAY:Your daily cup of coffee or tea might be doing more than waking you up — it could be helping protect your brain over time.

🔗 Study link in bio

03/16/2026

Every step forward matters. For many people, weight loss isn’t just about willpower—it’s about overcoming physical, emotional, and environmental challenges every single day. Real progress happens when we replace judgment with understanding and support each other on the journey to better health. Let’s lift people up, celebrate small victories, and remember that lasting change happens one step at a time. 💪❤️

03/04/2026

Small hernias are often dismissed as “no big deal.” But in reality, a small neck (or small mouth) ventral hernia can be more dangerous than a larger one.

On this CT scan, you can see a ventral hernia causing a bowel obstruction. When the opening in the abdominal wall is small and tight, a loop of intestine can slip through and become trapped. Unlike larger hernias — where contents may move in and out more freely — a small defect creates a higher risk of incarceration and strangulation. That means compromised blood flow to the bowel, which can quickly become a surgical emergency.

Size alone does not determine risk.
Symptoms like increasing pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, or inability to pass gas should never be ignored.

As surgeons, we don’t just look at how big a hernia appears externally — we evaluate the anatomy, the defect size, and the risk it poses internally.

If you’ve been told you have a “small hernia,” it’s worth having a thoughtful discussion about timing of repair and warning signs to watch for.

03/04/2026

Melatonin is more than just a sleep supplement.

In this blog, I explore the science behind melatonin — how it regulates circadian rhythm, impacts immune function, influences metabolic health, and why timing and dosing matter more than most people realize.

Checkout 🔗 to blog in comments 👇🏼

02/22/2026

Staying healthy isn’t just about diet and exercise—vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. In my latest blog, I break down why it matters, who’s at risk for deficiency, and what you can do about it. Take a few minutes to read and take charge of your health!

Link in comments👇🏼

02/22/2026

In 2026, mental health is no longer a side conversation — it’s central to how we live, work, and care for others. In my new blog post, I explore why prioritizing mental well-being is just as important as physical health, especially in high-pressure professions like medicine.

From breaking stigma to building resilience and finding balance in a demanding world, this piece is an honest look at where we are and where we need to go. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or simply searching for better ways to care for yourself — this one’s for you.

Link in comments 👇🏼

02/16/2026

https://ffsurgical.com/blog/vitamin-d-do-you-need-supplements

Of all the common vitamins, it is perhaps vitamins C and D that get the most attention. There have been recent reports speculating on what role, if any, vitamin D may play in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infection. These observational studies have looked at outcomes and suggest that vitamin D

02/11/2026

This image shows a cirrhotic liver with significant ascites filling the abdominal cavity.
Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and is a key sign of advanced liver disease. It develops when chronic liver scarring (cirrhosis) leads to portal hypertension and impaired protein production, causing fluid to leak out of blood vessels and collect in the abdomen.
Clinically, this finding matters. Ascites is not just “fluid buildup”—it’s associated with:
• Increased risk of infection (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis)
• Kidney dysfunction
• Respiratory compromise
• Higher overall mortality
Its presence often marks decompensated cirrhosis, a major turning point in liver disease that requires close monitoring and multidisciplinary care.
Early recognition and management can significantly impact outcomes.