Dr. David Earle
General Surgery
North Chelmsford, MA
33 years experience male
Locations
New England Hernia Center
North Chelmsford, MA
Phone
About
Bio
Dr. Earle is the director of the New England Hernia Center, and Associate Professor of Surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine. He has dedicated his career to research, education, device development, and patient care focused on hernia disease and benign esophageal disorders. He is involved in guideline development, and worked as a Medical Officer for the FDA in 2017. His love of travel has led him to teach hernia disease and minimally invasive surgery on 5 continents, primarily as a volunteer. His personal time is spent with family, or participating in photography, mountain biking, golf, and mountaineering.
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
Doctor Q&A
2.4K Answers
1.0K Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Yes: There are a variety of techniques for both open and laparoscopic approaches. Almost all use mesh, which is considered by most surgeons to be superior ... Read More
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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Maybe: Could be a hernia or hydrocele, which is a collection of fluid only. A testicular mass is also possible, but way less likely. See you pediatrician or ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
No: We know that people with inguinal hernias have abnormal connective tissue (types of collagen) more frequently than people without hernias. This sugges... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Common: Hiatal hernias are common, and occur through a natural opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. Usually, they are asymptomatic, bu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Diaphragm : Hiatal hernias occur when the natural opening in the diaphragm stretches out, and allows the stomach to migrate into the chest. It is behind the lower... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
About 20%: If you are referring to an open abdominal procedure, the hernia rate is about 18% from the incision unless the short stitch technique is used, which l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Treatment: Obviosly it depends when the operation was. In general, rest, ice, sometimes heat, Aspirin based cream, and anti-inflammatory meds such as naprosyn (n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Use your judgment: Air travel after hernia repair has no specific restriction. Use your judgment, an base your decision on factors such as how long ago the operation was... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Hole in diaphragm : While there are normally openings in the diaphragm to allow passage of blood vessels and the esophagus, sometimes there are additional holes where the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Very: Laparoscopic myotomy and anterior or dor fundoplication is the most common surgical procedure, and has 85-95% success rate at 5 years. There are some ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Usually myotomy: Very patient has different goals an tolerance or procedures. Dilation usually requires at least two sessions, and is 85% effective at 5 years, and myo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Yes: Acid reflux can cause pain that is frequently described as heartburn. It may also cause spasms if the esophagus that are typically described as a cram... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
6 weeks: While there are many factors and variables that would affect a time frame, what's the hurry to get your belly button pierced? I would wait about six w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Common sense : If the symptoms are gone, it's probably not your heart, which would be unlikely in a 21 year old that is otherwise healthy. Could be a muscle spasm or... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 60-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Suture: This is most likely related to an infected suture. If the suture is absorbable, it will heal on its own over weeks to months. If the suture is permane... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Gallstones : Gallbladder pain is usually felt just below the tip of the breat bone and near the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen, occasionally radiating t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Your choice : Generally, you should have it repaired if it is enlarging or bothering you. Otherwise you can simply observe it. See a general surgeon for a consultat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Variable: If its a small hernia that only contains fat, the chances of having strangulated bowel are close to zero. If there is bowel i. The hernia now, the od... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Use your judgment : It obviously depends on tje type of hernia repaired and your overall condition, but if its not too bad, sounds like it is not dangerous at all to wait... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Nonspecific: Your symptoms are not specific for any one diagnosis, and may not be related to your hernia repair, unless it was a hiatal hernia repair. Check with y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Unknown: The exact cause for any individual is unknown, but several factors are know to cause hernias such as a genetic collagen disorder, lifting heavy object... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Yes: Even if your pain is better, persistent bleeding should be checked out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Achalasia: This is a disease where the nerves of the esophagus no longer function to coordinate the muscles to push down food, or send a signal to the lower valv... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Could get worse: A simple collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, can turn into a life-threatening condition called a tension pneumothorax. This can be a sudden ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Can happen: This can happen after open inguinal hernia repair, because the femoral space is not in the operative field. Having said that, it is very uncommon. It ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
As tolerated : I tell my patients to proceed with activities as tolerated by pain and discomfort. This goes for those with hernias and after hernia repair. Hope this... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Depends: Recovery from any operation is highly variable among individuals. From small hernia operations, recovery is usually 1-3 weeks. For large hernia operat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Depends: This depends on the size and location of the hernia, and the problems it's causing. There are 3 reasons to fix it - symptom relief, preventing it from... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Variable: Typically, small hiatal hernias do not cause symptoms, or may be a contributing factor to heartburn or regurgitation. Large hiatal hernias (paraesopha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
See a doctor : This is a bit of a complex problem for a short answer. I would start by seeing a primary care provider. May need referral to a GI doc or surgeon with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Get it checked out : See a general surgeon for a consultation and physical exam. Could be a recurrence.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Depends: Depends on the location, size and type of repair. I tell my inguinal hernia patients to return to normal activity as treated by pain, which is usually... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Maybe: Not sure what you mean by the term "adjusted", but it can take a while. Diarrhea would be one side effect that can be treated with a medication called... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Maybe paraesophageal: This coul be due to a large hiatal hernia known as a paraesophageal hernia. This generally requires surgical repair by a surgeon with extensive experi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
See your surgeon: Vomiting bile after a gastric bypass is unusual, but does happen. You could be having intermittent symptoms of another bowel obstruction, internal her... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Pain?: If you are talking about pain after hernia repair, more details are necessary, such as when the hernia was repaired, technique of repair, and details ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Soft lump: This typically feels like a soft lump under the skin. Sometimes tender. Only treatment is surgical removal, usually sone by a general surgeon woth loc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 62-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Regular staple: Presuming you are talking about the skin closure, they are typically the shape of a regular staple. They are "open" on the side under the skin, but an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Need exam: You should be evaluated by a breast surgeon that works in a "breast center", where collaboration amongst different specialties, along with alternativ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
See a doctor: I would see a doctor today. Could be her heart. If no availability at her primary care, consider an ER. Hope this helps!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Don't worry: There's nothing to do to prevent it from getting larger. Odds are it will not get large enough to cause problems. If it eventually gets large enough t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Maybe : That spends on whether or not its causing any problems. Its probably been that way all along, and you just noticed it. If you're worried, see a primar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Normal : Even outpatient surgery can put a lot of stress on the body. This sounds "normal", as everyone has slightly different responses to abdominal surgery w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Normal?: Probably nothing at all dangerous. However, if you're worried, see your primary care doctor for a proper evaluation. Hope this helps!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Call your surgeon: You should call your surgeon to come in for a follow-up visit. Asking for a referral to a G.I. specialist is appropriate. Hope this helps!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Follow up: Make sure you follow up with your primary care doctor so they can go over the blood tests and impressions of the ER doctor. Its too much for a short a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Nonspecific: Pain in the arm suggests a musculoskeletal problem exists, but there are other possibilities. The best way to evaluate this is by a proper evaluation ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Don't do it: This is clearly not to do it yourself situation. Ask your primary care doctor about a referral to a urologist you can take care of this for you safely... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Maybe: Not sure exactly what the question is, but X-ray changes typically lag behind clinical lung disease. In other words, you can get better, but the X-ray... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 44-year-old male asked:
Dr. David Earleanswered
General Surgery 33 years experience
Fatigue is normal: Fatigue can last for weeks to months after a major operation. Having said that, she could be having thyroid problems, or something else. Best to see h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >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.
26
Recommendations
1.8K
Thank you notes
Apr 13, 2013
I enjoy reading Dr. Earle's answers and find myself agreeing and often learninfg something. He is clear, thorough and up to date. I recommend him as an excellent resource for your surgical questions
Nov 7, 2014
he is a surgical expert who is knowledgeableGroin hernia, Hiatal hernia, Hernia repair, Hernia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease
We are fortunate to have him contributing to the health tap community.
Oct 23, 2013
Fast, Fantastic answers to often complex questions, truly an asset to the Medical Community. A true national leader in General Surgery.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks I will ask the ENT at my follow up. He gave me dexamethasone. Not sure why. My throat can feel ok but when I work out and after sleep it really triggers it and...Read More
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thank you very much I had no idea what it was and its been bothering me.getting worse lately so thank you I I will take your advice a seak a general surgeon...again tha...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I have a muscle hernia on my anterior tibialis and is very painful . Seeing the ortho who has operated for a broken leg fri .gives me hope!!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Arizona College of Medicine, AZ
Graduated 1990MD
Residency
NY
Awards
Associate Professor of Surgery Tufts University School of Medicine
Top Doctor, First Place, Springfield, MA - Winter
2013
Most Influential, First Place, Springfield, MA - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American College of Surgeons
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
American Hernia Society
Publications
Prospective evaluation of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh in CDC class I/high-risk ventral and incisional hernia repair: 18-month follow-up.
SAGES guidelines for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
Development of a rapid response plan for intraoperative emergencies: the Circulate, Scrub, and Technical Assistance Team.
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