General Surgery

Upper Digestive Tract

Some of the most common procedures our general surgeons perform involve the upper digestive tract and are for the treatment of gallstones, the removal of the gallbladder or surgery to treat chronic GERD, also known as acid reflux or heartburn.

• Gallbladder surgery to remove gallstones or remove the gallbladder
• Acid Reflux or GERD – Several types of surgery are available to treat chronic gastroesophageal reflux as well as to repair hiatal hernias, which are caused when the stomach bulges up through the diaphragm.

Colon Surgery

Colon or intestinal surgery can be used to remove a portion of the colon where there is a narrowing, blockage or cancer. A colon resection, as it is referred to, can be used as a treatment for the following conditions:

• Bowel Obstructions
• Colon Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Crohn’s Disease
• Diverticulitis
• Ulcerative Colitis

Soft Tissue Tumors or Skin Cancer

When growths develop in the soft tissue of the skin as a tumor or cyst, often they are not painful and grow slowly over time. General surgeons are skilled at removing both benign and malignant growths and different types of skin cancer.

 Hernia Surgery

A hernia occurs when a small hole develops in the lining of the abdomen that protects internal organs and keeps them in place.  Over time tissue may squeeze through that hole and create a small bump or bulge that is visible through the skin. Hernias can become more painful and cause more problems the longer they go without being addressed. Fortunately, hernias can be repaired with several minimally invasive surgical techniques. The repair involves stitching the abdominal wall, and possibly adding some mesh, to secure the internal organs.

There are four types of hernias that we commonly treat:

• Inguinal or groin hernia is the most common type of hernia and it often caused from heavy lifting although one may be genetically predisposed to this type of hernia
• Abdominal wall hernia is a genetic defect where fat or intestine may poke through the abdominal wall
• Umbilical hernias that are genetic
• Incisional hernias, which occur at the site of prior surgery

Hemorrhoids

Most hemorrhoids are managed with topical medications, pain relievers, dietary supplements, and good self-care. However, some hemorrhoids simply will not go away on their own. If hemorrhoids age severe, we may recommend a surgical repair or removal.

Endocrine Surgery

Endocrine surgery may involve either benign and malignant diseases of the adrenal, pancreas, thyroid, and parathyroid glands. Endocrine glands produce hormones that affect the function of other body organs or systems, so evaluation and treatment of endocrine conditions is closely coordinated with endocrinologists, radiologists, gastroenterologists, and sometimes oncologists. Together they treat conditions such as:

• Thyroid nodules or cancer
• Grave’s disease
• Hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid cancer
• Benign and cancerous masses of the adrenal glands
• Benign and malignant pancreatic masses and pancreatitis