English-speaking general surgeon in Mérida, Mexico

Dr. Francisco Góngora Surgery that solves. Laparoscopic surgery when it is the best option.

Dr. Francisco Góngora Cáceres is a board-certified general surgeon with more than 10 years of experience practicing in Mérida. He treats gallbladder disease, hernias, appendicitis and bile duct conditions, using laparoscopic and minimally invasive techniques when they offer a real benefit to the patient. Consultations in Mérida are available in English for residents, expats and visitors from Mérida, Progreso and across the Yucatán region.

You don’t need to have already decided on surgery. This first visit is to find out whether your case needs surgery, medical treatment, or simply monitoring.
Dr. Francisco Góngora during general and laparoscopic surgery in Mérida, Mexico
Medical license (Cédula Profesional)3767911
Specialty license (Cédula de Especialidad)5793793
Board certificationMexican Board of General Surgery
Languages spokenSpanish · English

Common symptoms & warning signs

Signs worth a surgical evaluation.

You don’t need a diagnosis to request an evaluation. These six warning signs are commonly linked to conditions a general surgeon treats: gallbladder disease, hernias, appendicitis, bile duct problems and soft-tissue lumps.

Click a card to see more information.Tap a card to see more information.

Already have a diagnosis or test results? We can review your case directly.

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Surgical safety

Your hospital can match your budget. Your safety never does.

The hospital is selected according to the procedure, clinical needs and the patient’s budget — with care planned at a hospital or clinic that meets the safety requirements of the case.

StandardSafety first

Procedures

General & laparoscopic surgery in Mérida

Not every operation is performed the same way. The approach is selected for each patient, with safety and the clinical situation guiding the decision.

Dr. Francisco Góngora during surgery in Mérida, Yucatán
Tap any procedure to see more detail.
Gallbladder Surgery · Laparoscopic CholecystectomyLaparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder through small incisions. It’s typically considered for symptomatic gallstones, episodes of inflammation, or other biliary indications; the decision depends on clinical evaluation and test results.

Common causeGallstonesApproachLaparoscopic
Inguinal Hernia RepairInguinal hernia repair (open or laparoscopic).

Inguinal hernia repair fixes the defect in the abdominal wall causing the bulge or discomfort in the groin. It can be performed using an open or laparoscopic technique; the approach is chosen based on the type of hernia, medical history, and the patient’s characteristics.

Common signBulge in the groinApproachOpen or laparoscopic
Appendicitis Surgery · AppendectomyAppendectomy (laparoscopic or open).

An appendectomy removes the appendix once appendicitis is confirmed and surgery is indicated. It requires timely evaluation and can be performed laparoscopically or through an open approach depending on the clinical situation.

Common causeProgressive abdominal painContextMay be an emergency
Hernias: umbilical, ventral, or at a previous scarUmbilical, ventral and incisional hernia repair.

Repair of umbilical, ventral, or incisional hernias corrects defects in the abdominal wall. The technique is planned individually based on size, location, prior surgeries, and the patient’s characteristics.

Gallstones and bile duct problemsBile duct surgery.

Bile duct problems can involve stones, obstruction, or other disruptions in bile flow. The strategy is decided after reviewing symptoms, lab work, and imaging, and may require endoscopic treatment, surgery, or a combination of both.

Removal of lipomas and superficial massesRemoval of lipomas and benign soft-tissue growths.

Lipomas and other superficial masses can be removed once evaluation confirms that removal is appropriate. Before the procedure, location, size, texture, progression, and the need for further testing are reviewed.

Tumors or masses inside the abdomenAbdominal tumor surgery.

Abdominal tumors or masses require an individual evaluation to determine their origin, extent, and whether surgical treatment is possible. Planning depends on the diagnosis, location, available test results, and what the case requires.

Meet the surgeon

Meet the surgeon

Hi, I’m Dr. Francisco Góngora.

I’m a general and laparoscopic surgeon, trained at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (Autonomous University of Yucatán). My private practice focuses on common surgical procedures I can resolve effectively — especially laparoscopic surgery for the gallbladder, hernias and appendicitis.

My work doesn’t start in the operating room. It starts by listening, evaluating your case, and clearly explaining whether surgery will really help you — communicating with you in English throughout, so nothing gets lost along the way.

Honesty, dedication, commitment to my patients, warmth, and transparency.

Transparent pricing

Consultation fee · $1,000 MXN

We review your symptoms and any test results. If your case needs surgery, the full cost is quoted afterward based on the procedure and hospital. Priced in Mexican pesos (MXN) — ask for a current estimate in your own currency when you write in.

After surgery2 post-op follow-up visits included
Travel & int’l insuranceCoverage depends on your policy — itemized receipts provided for reimbursement claims
Payment methodsCash · Card · Bank transfer (MXN)

Consultation offices in Mérida

Check the location and choose whichever is most convenient; availability is confirmed directly with the doctor.

Office 01 · Pinos del Norte

Especialidades Médicas Los Pinos (Los Pinos Medical Center)

Calle 40 #525A x 29 y 31
Fracc. Pinos del Norte, C.P. 97138
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Monday–Friday3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
ContactWhatsApp
Get directions to Los Pinos →
Especialidades Médicas Los Pinos

Pinos del Norte · Mérida, Yucatán

Appointments and availability via WhatsApp: +52 999 163 7429

Which office has availability?

Message Dr. Góngora to confirm the time and location for your evaluation.

Check availability

Before your consultation

Quick answers about evaluations, pricing, laparoscopic surgery, recovery, and care in Mérida for expats and visitors.

What does a general surgeon do?

A general surgeon diagnoses and surgically treats conditions of the abdomen, gallbladder, hernias, appendix, tumors and soft tissue — and also determines whether an operation is really necessary.

Do I need to have decided on surgery to book a consultation?

No. The consultation is used to evaluate your case, explain your options, and determine whether surgery is indicated or there is another alternative.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

It is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions, a camera and specialized instruments. In selected cases it can allow for a faster recovery.

How much does gallbladder surgery cost in Mérida?

The total cost depends on the hospital, tests, complexity of the case, materials and equipment needed. The initial consultation costs $1,000 MXN and is used to determine whether surgery is indicated and to prepare a cost estimate for your case.

How long is the recovery?

It depends on the procedure and the patient. Recovery time is reviewed individually once the diagnosis and type of surgery are known — this is also when it’s safe to plan your return flight home.

Which hospitals does Dr. Góngora operate in, in Mérida?

The hospital is selected according to the procedure, clinical needs and the patient’s budget, with care planned at a hospital or clinic that meets the safety requirements of the case.

Do you treat emergencies like appendicitis?

Yes. You can message on WhatsApp to arrange an evaluation when a surgical emergency is suspected.

When should I see a doctor about abdominal pain?

If the pain is persistent, getting worse, recurs after eating, or comes with fever, nausea or vomiting, it’s worth getting evaluated.

Is a bulge in the groin always a hernia?

Not always, though it’s a frequent cause. It should especially be evaluated if it increases with effort, hurts, or changes in size.

Does Dr. Góngora speak English?

Yes. Consultations and care are available in English for international patients, expats and visitors to the Yucatán.

Will my international or travel insurance cover this?

That depends entirely on your insurance provider and policy. Payment is generally made directly by the patient, and an itemized receipt can be provided so you can file a reimbursement claim with your insurer. It’s a good idea to confirm your policy’s out-of-network and international coverage before your visit.

I’m only visiting Mérida for a short time — can I still be seen?

Message on WhatsApp with your symptoms and how long you’ll be in the area. Time-sensitive cases, including suspected emergencies like appendicitis, can often be prioritized.

Surgical evaluation

One consultation tells you whether your case needs surgery.

Message on WhatsApp with your symptoms or test results. The consultation is also how you’ll find out if there’s an alternative to surgery.

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