General Surgery Specialist

What is general surgery?

General surgery is a surgical specialty that treats various conditions and complications affecting your abdominal organs. 

The surgeons at Advanced Surgeons offer a variety of advanced general surgery procedures to treat conditions of the gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and intestines. All of these organs influence the digestive process. 

Many of the general surgeries that Advanced Surgeons offer are available with minimally invasive or robotic techniques. Minimally invasive surgeries use small incisions for faster healing, less scarring, and less postoperative pain. 

Robotic techniques give the surgeon more precision and control. Advanced Surgeons offers robotic surgery using the da Vinci Xi® surgical system. 

What does general surgery treat?

General surgeries at Advanced Surgeons can treat a wide array of conditions affecting digestion. After careful review and diagnosis, your provider might recommend surgery for:

Hernias

Hernias happen when a portion of an organ or tissue within the abdomen protrudes through its wall. They can be painful and can even obstruct your digestive system. They can happen in the abdominal wall, groin, diaphragm, and other areas.

Gallbladder disease

Sometimes, the gallbladder develops stones that cause pain. Advanced Surgeons can remove your painful gallbladder with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and you can typically go home the same day. 

Diseases of the small intestine and colon

Tumors, inflammation, and cancer can all infect the small intestine or colon. A minimally invasive surgery can treat them. Your surgeon removes the diseased portion of the intestine and reconnects the two parts. 

Diseases of the stomach

To treat diseases of the stomach like tumors or cancer, your surgeon can resect (remove) the diseased portion and make repairs. 

Diseases of solid organs

Your spleen and adrenal glands may require removal with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. You likely need to spend a few days in the hospital afterward. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is usually treatable with medications. If you continue to get acid reflux and heartburn, laparoscopic surgery can improve your symptoms. Your surgeon wraps part of your stomach around the end of the esophagus to decrease stomach acid from traveling upward. 

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis causes your stomach to have trouble contracting. Your surgeon can place a gastric pacemaker in your stomach to help it contract. 

Achalasia

Achalasia causes nerve damage in your esophagus, which prevents food and liquid from easily making it to your stomach. A laparoscopic surgery called Heller myotomy can treat it. 

How should I prepare for general surgery?

After your initial diagnosis and consultation, your provider at Advanced Surgeons tells you what you need to do to prepare for your general surgery. 

Typically, minimally invasive techniques require little preparation. Your surgeon may ask that you stop smoking, stop taking certain medications, or fast (stop eating) ahead of time. 

To find out if you need general surgery to treat a condition like GERD, gallbladder disease, or a hernia, call Advanced Surgeons or book an appointment online today.