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Surgery of the abdomen and its contents is at the core of general surgical practice. Surgical treatment of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, spleen, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, adrenal glands and aorta are all in the scope of their expertise. Diseases of these organs requiring surgical treatment are many, but are usually due to pain, bleeding, infection, blockage, injury or cancer. Please follow these links to WebMD information: Bowel Obstruction; Diverticulitis; Appendicitis; Gallstones; Crohn's disease
Breast Disease Breast disease, especially breast cancer, is a common problem. Mammograms and breast ultrasound are being used more frequently to detect abnormalities. The goal is to provide early and accurate diagnosis, followed by a clear treatment plan that the surgeon can monitor and control, ensuring the highest quality care for patients.
Colorectal Surgery This is another large segment of the surgical practice. Colorectal disorders which require surgical treatment include colon cancer and polyps, colonic bleeding, diverticular disease, volvulus (twisting) of the colon, ischemic (gangrenous) colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis), hemorrhoids, perianal abscess and fistula, anal fissure, rectal prolapse and others. Sometimes the problem may be successfully treated non-surgically. It is common to work with a gastroenterologist (intestinal doctor) in treating these diseases.
Endocrine (Gland) Surgery Endocrine glands include the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal. These organs produce hormones which have important effects in regulating body functions. Surgical treatment of these glands may be for cancer or because a gland is producing too much of a certain hormone.
Endoscopy Surgery Endoscopy is the practice of using a flexible lighted camera to enter the intestinal tract from above (to look at the esophagus, stomach and small intestine) and below (to look at the colon and rectum). These procedures may be used to investigate abdominal pain or bleeding, examine for ulcers and esophageal reflux, check for and remove polyps, or to discover and biopsy cancers. A hernia is a separation or opening in the abdominal wall muscles which is not supposed to be there. This is an extremely common condition. The hernia may exist in many different locations, but most are in the groin (inguinal or femoral), under the belly-button (umbilical) or arising through an old incision (ventral or incisional). Hernias cause pain and can be disabling. In addition, intestine can sometimes become trapped within the hernia which can be a surgical emergency. Hernias may be fixed in many different ways. Sometimes a laparoscopic approach works well, and sometimes the traditional ways are more appropriate. Colorectal disorders which require surgical treatment include colon cancer and polyps, diverticular disease, volvulus (twisting) of the colon, ischemic (gangrenous) colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Chrohn's and Ulcerative colitis), perianal abcess and fistula, anal fissure, rectal prolpse, and others. Sometimes the problem may be successfully treated non-surgically. It is work best to work with a gastroenterologist (intestinal doctor) in treating these disorders.
Minimal Access - Laparoscopic Surgery Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to perform a procedure using small incisions, visualizing the site through a small telescope-like instrument: the laparoscope. The benefit to the patient is that smaller incisions heal with less discomfort. This usually results in a shorter hospital stay, and less time away from normal activities. Some of these procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis (hernias, gallbladders)
Skin Disease Skin cancers such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are common problems, particularly in older people. The latter two can usually be dealt with by surgical excision alone. Melanoma is a more serious skin cancer which can be fatal if not removed in the early stages. Moles which have very dark pigmentation, are growing, bleeding or changing should be examined and excised. Trauma Our surgeon provides trauma care on a 24-hour basis for Memorial Medical Center. He is trained in emergency care of accident victims including emergency surgery for life threatening chest and abdominal trauma. He will direct and coordinate the care of all severely injured patients in the initial stage of resuscitation, and often throughout the hospitalization. This may include car and motorcycle accidents, falls, gunshot and stab wounds, burns, assault and occupational injuries.
Vascular and Wound Care Vascular surgery is the practice of treating diseases of the circulatory system – arteries and veins. Treatment may or may not include surgery. Sometimes a minimally invasive procedure can be done. Types of procedures typically performed are bypass surgery for blocked arteries, repair of aneurysms (dilated arteries), removal or chemical treatment of varicose veins, and others. |
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