Dr. Michael McGonigal
General Surgery
St. Paul, MN
41 years experience male
Locations
Office
St. Paul, MN
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
Director of Trauma Services at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Leads the Level I Adult and Level I Pediatric trauma centers at the hospital. National expert on trauma care and trauma center designation.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
General Surgery
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
120 Answers
9 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Probably not: Any surgical procedure on the abdomen can cause adhesions. They are a normal part of healing. In many people, they disappear completely. A few may hav... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
None described: A double renal artery is a difference in the anatomy of some people. Instead of one artery to the kidney, some may have two. There is no real signific... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Stops clot breakdown: Tranexamic acid (txa) is a drug that stops clots from breaking down. It is currently approved for use by hemophiliacs undergoing dental procedures and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Normal short term: It is normal to have some pain around the port sites after lap chole and around the incision for an open procedure. These usually decrease by 2 weeks.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
See facial surgeon: If the nasal bones are fractured, they may need to be placed back in position after the swelling goes down. If it looks crooked, see a facial or plast... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Need medical care: Intestinal obstruction usually requires hospitalization, because people who have it can't eat or drink and need IV fluids. Typically, no food or drink... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Wait for healing: Most brachial plexus injuries from car or motorcycle crashes involve stretching the nerves. Although they are not usually completely torn apart, they ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Varies quite a bit: It depends on the exact cause, but can range from a few days to 2 weeks. Most caused by injury or surgery resolve in 2-5 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Pain over the area: Sesamoid bones are very small bones that are separate from a larger nearby bone. They are difficult to injure and almost too small to fracture. There ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Yellow, very small: Lipomas are small fatty tumors. They look like small yellow blobs of fat. They are located under the skin in start out very small. Over time, they slo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Takes 2-3 months: Most incisions heal completely within about three months. During that time, they will develop a pink color that fades and will feel bumpy. All of thes... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Exams/mental status: People with a mild brain injury usually return to a normal mental status very quickly. If a ct scan was performed and was abnormal, this is a sign of ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Rib fracture: What you describe is pretty typical of a rib fracture from heavy lifting. The pain is usually in one spot and is aggravated by twisting and breathing.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Change in alertness: Head injuries that change a person's level of alertness should be checked out by a doctor. This includes being dazed, can't remember a period of time,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Probably not : The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is not well understood. However, researchers have looked at a link between brain injury and ms. It is a very we... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Shortness of breath: Air embolism occurs very rarely. It occurs when air gets directly into one of your veins. Most commonly, this occurs when some type of IV catheter is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Good neck collar: This can be challenging. If you've had surgery, you'll need to check with your surgeon regarding when you can get your incision wet.
If you have to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Intestine or pelvis?: Ileus is slowing down of the intestines. Infection of the ileus is not a proper term. If you mean infection of the ileum, it could mean the end of the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
No: The metal screen across the window is designed to absorb all microwaves trying to leave the oven.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Meds or surgery: Some nerve issues can be treated symptomatically with medications. But if the symptoms are significant or severe, there are some surgical procedures t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Most heal completely: Most injuries to the lungs heal with very little after effect. In a few cases where there has been blood in the chest cavity ( hemothorax), scarring c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
It is possible: Iv contrast can cause temporary kidney problems. If your kidneys are not functioning normally in the first place, they are more susceptible to this. Y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
No harm done: First, make sure you have a simple injury like a sprain or strain. More serious injuries like fractures need to be evaluated by a doctor.
For simpl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
You had a concussion: If you are knocked out or can't remember what happened after hitting your head, you did have a mild head injury. If you notice any difference in the w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Most cannot: Most medical professionals are not trained to identify wounds and what caused them. Forensic pathologists have this training, but there are not many a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Bruises may be seen: When a ligament is torn, there is usually a small amount of bleeding. It may take several days for this blood to move toward the skin. If it does, a b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old male asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Elevation and heat: Blood clots in the leg usually feel better when elevated above the level of your heart. Warm packs may also make it feel better. Make sure your doctor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Balance + protein: Eat a balanced diet and make sure you get plenty of protein to help rebuild all the damaged tissues.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Not simple to do: Most medical professionals are not trained to identify the cause of bruising from injury. Some bruises are caused by medical problems, such as clottin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Not at this time: It is not yet possible to transplant the optic nerve or eye. Research was done in the 1990s in this area, but there have been no positive results to d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Physical and mental: Most doctors recommend moderate physical activity to aid in healing, coupled with mental activities tailored to your injury. Physical and occupational... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Darkening skin: Gangrene occurs because there is not enough circulation to a body part. That area becomes dark, eventually turning black. The skin shrivels and wrinkl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Call your doctor: Most appendectomy incisions are closed at the end of surgery. It sounds like yours may have opened, which is not usual. Check with your surgeon to mak... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Many possibilities: There are many possible causes for what you describe. This bleeding could start anywhere from your stomach to your anus. The most common cause at your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Age, surgery, meds: This doesn't always mean that there is a problem. Older age, surgery on or around the prostate, and medications can cause this to happen. If none of t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Up to 1 or 2 days: Black eyes may occur quickly with a direct impact to the eye. This happens because there is some bleeding in the soft areas around the eye that cause ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
General fitness only: There are a number of apps for first aid and treating injuries. But the only apps for injury recovery are used for concussion testing. There are a num... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Usually 24-36 hours: Most doctors are reluctant to close wounds after 24 to 36 hours. They believe that the risk of getting a wound infection begins to increase after that... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Not usually: After most operations, there is minimal or no bleeding. Depending on the kind of wound you have, you may experience small amounts of bleeding for a sh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Normal drainage: If you have an arm wound that is open, it is normal to have some clear, yellow drainage from it. If it were infected, the drainage would look like pus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
How do you feel?: Look for any differences in how you act and feel. Sometimes, you can't tell on your own, so ask a family member if they notice anything different. Do ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Antibiotics/ Surgery: Bone infections are difficult to treat. Antibiotics are used to try to clear the infection. If this is not successful, surgery may be needed to remove... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Stop and walk: Take regular breaks, and get out and stretch and walk. Aspirin has not been shown to be very effective in preventing these clots. If you are prone to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Most heal completely: Most bone injuries (fractures) will heal completely. They may need to be repositioned in a cast or surgically to ensure good healing. A few fractures ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Not double: Pet scan delivers radiation from a radioactive injection given before the test. It fades very quickly. Ct scan delivers beams of xrays. In general, th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Age vs intensity: It depends on your overall degree of fitness and the intensity and type of your workouts. But yes, you can start to feel stiff. Don't overdo it, and i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Yes: Yes, Methadone is metabolized by the liver. Anyone with liver problems will need an adjusted dose.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Increased blood flow: Injury healing usually causes an increase in blood flow to the injured area. This can lead to swelling in the area, as well as in the ankle, wrist, ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Cold then heat: Most sports medicine experts recommend cold first, because it decreases swelling and pain. Then later, heat frequently provides more relief. However, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael McGonigalanswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
May be nutrition : Gastric bypass changes how much food you eat and how you up short. Over time, it is possible to get too little of certain essential nutrients. This ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
265
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. McGonigal is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. McGonigal is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you for taking your time to be a part of this helpful site
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you for being here. I appreciate you. Mary
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you ,this was informative.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, OH
Graduated 1982MD
Awards
Top General Surgeon , First Place, Minnesota - Summer
2013
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma
American Association for the Surgery of Trauma
American College of Surgeons
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less