Procedures

Procedures

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Laparoscopy:  Laparoscopy is a surgical technique which uses small incisions and a camera to perform surgeries that traditionally have been done with large incisions.  The technique speeds up recovery and minimizes pain and other postoperative symptoms. Many of the surgeries listed below can be done laparoscopically.


Hernia Repair:  Hernias are weaknesses that develop in the abdominal wall, the groins, or in the incisions of previous surgeries.  They can be repaired in a variety of ways, many times requiring synthetic mesh.  Most patients can go home the same day.  Recovery usually lasts about one week.


Breast Biopsy:  Breast biopsies are often recommended when a women finds a lump or an abnormality is found on mammogram.  A stereotactic biopsy is taken by using needles to sample the breast while the patient is in the mammogram machine.  This is done by the radiologist.  An open biopsy is sometimes required if stereotactic biopsy is not possible.  An open biopsy is a simple outpatient procedure performed by a surgeon.  Your doctor will tell you which option is best for you. More Info>


Mastectomy:  Patients with breast cancer have many options.  A thorough discussion with your surgeon is mandatory.  Most patients will be eligible for lumpectomy and some will elect to have complete removal of the breast, or mastectomy.  If mastectomy is recommended, then reconstruction techniques can be done simultaneously if so desired.  Most patients can go home after one day in the hospital. More Info>


Cholecystectomy:  Cholecystectomy is removal of the gallbladdder.  It is performed when a patient develops symptoms due to gallstones or the gallbladder becomes infected.  This procedure can be completed laparoscopically so that the patient can usually go home the same day and recover within about a week.


Appendectomy: Appendectomy is the removal of the appendix for inflammation or infection.  Anyone can develop appendicitis which occurs when the appendix becomes plugged with debris.  This surgery can usually be done laparoscopically with three small incisions.  The patient can often go home within one day depending on how sick he/she is before surgery.


Thyroid/Parathyroidectomy: Removal of the thryoid gland is usually performed for nodules (possible cancer) or thyroid enlargement.  An overnight stay is often required.  Most patients have little or no pain post operatively.  Parathyroidectomy is the surgical removal of usually one of the four parathyroid glands due to hyperparathyroidism (excessive production of parathyroid hormone), a condition that can cause a wide range of problems. The most common cause of this condition is an adenoma, a solitary benign tumor. The surgical procedure is relatively painless and results in a small scar. The procedure is sometimes performed as outpatient surgery.


Colectomy:  Colectomy is the removal of part of the colon (large intestine or bowel). Surgery may be done for a variety of reasons including cancer, polyps, diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.  We can often perform this surgery laparoscopically.  This limit’s the recovery period to about three days in the hospital and two weeks to full recovery.  Colostomy bags are not usually needed except in the case of emergency surgeries. More Info>


Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids, enlarged blood vessels in the anal area.  Proper diagnosis by a physician is essential since the treatment will vary.  Surgery is reserved for advanced cases where there is involvement of both internal and external hemorrhoids. .  A new stapled technique is allowing more aggressive therapy while eliminating 90% of the pain associated with conventional techniques. More Info>


Heartburn Surgery:  Nissen funduplication is a procedure which treats the symptoms of heartburn and/or reflux disease.  The surgery prevents gastric acid and other contents refluxing back into the esophagus.  Most patients notice an improvement in their symptoms immediately.  If laparoscope’s can be done, then the patient can go home the same day.  Most patients no longer need any antacid medication. More Info>


Melanoma: Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer. Wide surgical excision (removal) is the treatment of choice for this disease. For patients with intermediate thickness melanomas, a lymph node biopsy is also recommended. 


Colonoscopy and Endoscopy:  Colonoscopy is a diagnostic test using a special scope called a colonoscope that allows the physician to look inside the colon (large intestine or bowel).  Patients are required to take a bowel prep at home to clean out the colon.  The procedure is done with deep sedation.  The physician can obtain a tissue sample for biopsy to help in the diagnosis if there is blood in the stool, pain in the abdomen, prolonged diarrhea, or abnormalities found on other studies. Colonoscopy may also be done periodically to monitor people with a history of polyps, colon cancer or family history of colon cancer.
Endoscopy is a similar procedure where a scope is passed into the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine to evaluate causes of abdominal pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or heartburn.  No bowel prep is required. More Info>


Thoracic Surgery:  Recurrent fluid collections, infections, or tumors may require chest surgery.  This can be done with video-assisted techniques (VATS) or large incisions.  The recovery periods vary widely depending on the technique and underlying medical condition of the patient.  Usually, the patient will stay in the ICU initially and stay in the hospital from 3-7 days.

Vascular Surgery:  Carotid endarterectomy is removing the plaque or blockage from one of the carotid arteries.  This is done to prevent stroke.  There are many methods to performing this procedure.  Most patients will spend one night in the ICU and then be able to go home the following day.  Pain is usually minimal.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is a major operation to replace a markedly dilated aorta to prevent its rupture and death.  Most patients are older and may have multiple medical conditions.  A number of days in the ICU is required and 4-7 days in the hospital is not unusual.
Peripheral vascular disease may need to be treated with bypass surgery.  Patients who experience pain in their legs while walking short distances (claudicating) or who develop non-healing wounds on their feet are most likely to need surgery.  Diabetic patients and those who smoke are at highest risk.  The risks of surgery and the recovery periods all depend upon the extent of the disease.


Varicose Veins:  Patients with varicose veins complain of pain and swelling in their legs.  They may even develop ulcerations on the ankles which are difficult to heal.  Traditionally, the veins have been stripped from the leg, but the procedure has had its downside.  Recently, new techniques have been developed which involve placement of a catheter in the vein which applies radio frequency waves to shrink the vein.  The patient is able to return to full activity in a few days with better long-term results.