Louisville, Kentucky — Gastroparesis Surgery
More gastroparesis surgeries than any surgeon in the world.
Dr. Michael Hughes has placed more than 1,000 gastric stimulators and performed over 300 pyloroplasties. He is the only surgeon performing these procedures in an ambulatory surgical center — which meaningfully lowers what patients pay.
Vanguard Surgical, LLC
Call the office
Office
2401 Terra Crossing Blvd, Suite 375
Louisville, KY 40245
Hours
Monday–Friday
Referring physicians
1,000+
Gastric stimulators placed
300+
Pyloroplasties performed
#1
Most gastroparesis surgeries worldwide
Only
Surgeon operating in an ASC
Surgical volume per Medtronic, manufacturer of the Enterra II gastric stimulator. Individual results vary; no surgical outcome can be guaranteed.
Treatment Options
Gastroparesis is treatable — and you have real options
5.6 million Americans, roughly 1 in 25 people, live with gastroparesis. Most are told to manage it. We treat it.
Pyloroplasty
An outpatient laparoscopic procedure, typically under an hour, that widens the stomach outlet. Now the starting point for most patients — only about a third go on to need stimulation.
Gastric Stimulator
A laparoscopic outpatient implant, about one hour, programmed to its lowest setting and adjusted in clinic. Most effective for nausea and vomiting that persist after pyloroplasty.
Dietary Modification
Nutrition is part of every treatment plan. Small frequent meals, soft low-fat and low-fiber foods, and monitoring for the deficiencies gastroparesis commonly causes.
Why Dr. Hughes
Experience isn't a marketing claim. It's a number.
Working alongside Dr. Thomas Abell, the world's preeminent medical expert in gastroparesis, Dr. Hughes has performed more gastroparesis surgeries than any other surgeon in the world.
He spent a decade at the University of Louisville as an abdominal transplant surgeon and Director of Pancreas Transplantation before founding Vanguard Surgical in 2019 — a practice built specifically around these patients.
Cost matters, so we changed where we operate. Dr. Hughes is the only surgeon performing these procedures in an ambulatory surgical center rather than a hospital. For anyone with a deductible, coinsurance, or paying cash, the difference is substantial.
What sets this practice apart
- Pyloroplasty first. Only about a third of patients then need a stimulator — and many need far lower settings when they do.
- Outpatient, roughly an hour. Both procedures are laparoscopic and same-day.
- Lower cost of care. An ASC rather than a hospital, which shows up directly in what patients and insurers pay.
- You are believed. Gastroparesis is widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is taken seriously here.
From Patients
He calls them warriors
“Thank you all so much for helping me get my health back and for being able to enjoy my life again. I thank God every day for your kindness and skills.”
— Katherine, pyloroplasty and gastric stimulator
“Thank you so much, I feel so much better. My life was so miserable and now I feel like I have my life back.”
— Amy, laparoscopic pyloroplasty
“After struggling with GP for 20+ years, I am SO thankful to FINALLY have someone in my corner that can help. You have made a world of difference in my life.”
— Jessica, pyloroplasty and gastric stimulator
“It's been a long journey! I haven't felt this good in the stomach for 5 years! Thank you for fighting the insurance and helping my stomach empty! A life-changing procedure.”
— Adrianne, pyloroplasty
For Referring Physicians
Refer with confidence, and stay informed
After ruling out obstruction with UGI or EGD and confirming delayed emptying on a 4-hour solid gastric emptying study, refer patients who have failed both first-line and pharmacologic therapy.
Dr. Hughes shares his mobile number with referring physicians and contacts you directly after every surgery. Clinic notes and operative reports are faxed back to you.
What to send with a referral
- Clinic notes
- UGI series or EGD report
- 4-hour gastric emptying study for solids
- Your mobile number, so Dr. Hughes can reach you directly after surgery
Begin the process of understanding your options.
We'll answer your questions and walk you through every step — no obligation.