Endoscopy
Is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that is used to assess the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a tube into the body. The instrument may have a rigid or flexible tube and not only provide an image for visual inspection and photography, but also enable taking biopsies and retrieval of foreign objects. Many endoscopic procedures are considered relatively painless and, at worst, associated with moderate discomfort usually requiring conscious sedation. Endoscopy covers a wide range including colonoscopy, EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy, foreign body removal, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, peg-percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy, and polypectomy-removal of polyps in the colon or stomach.

Minimally Invasive Surgery
It is surgery performed by making several small incisions in the abdominal wall and inserting a camera called a laparoscope. This miniature camera transmits images back to monitors, enabling the surgeon to diagnose, and if necessary, treat a variety of conditions. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include less pain for the patient, which means less pain medication, shorter hospital stays, earlier return to full activity, and minimal scarring to the area.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

BREAST SURGERY
Our surgeon is well versed in the treatment of benign breast disease as well as breast cancer and experienced with lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and MammoSite partial breast irradiation.
MammoSite Partial Breast Irradiation is a widely used method of partial breast irradiation that works by delivering raidiation from inside the breast directly to the tissue where cancer is most likely to recur. Today, more women with early-stage breast cancer are able to treat their cancer effectively and preserce their breasts through an option called breast conservation therapy (BCT). A combination of surgery and radiation works well to prevent local recurrence of the tumor. However, some patients find it hard to complete almost two months of radiation therapy. A 5 day treatment option may be right for you, limiting time away from work, daily responsibilities and traveling to treatment centers that may be far from home. Radiation therapy with MammoSite RTS can be completed in up to 5 days, allowing you to get back to your life.

CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Removal of the gallbladder is one of the most common procedures performed in general surgery. Some types of gallbladder dysfunction include gallstones, biliary dyskinesia, biliary colic and inflammation which inferes with daily activities. Most procedures are performed with a laproscope in day surgery with a rapid return to normal activities.

HERNIA SURGERY
Ingunial Hernia
Both men and women can develop inguinal (groin) hernias which can cause pain and a bulge in the groin. A small incision is made to repair the hernia with a layer of mesh. This procedure can also be performed laproscopically which allows for a rapid recovery.

Incisional Hernia
These types of hernias always result from a previous surgery. Repair of the hernia can require the use of mesh and are typically performed open but can be performed with a laproscope on selected cases.

Umbilical Hernia
This kind of hernia can cause a bulge in the umbilicus and can become painful. Repair of this type of hernia can be performed in day surgery with or without mesh.

LYMPH NODE BIOPSY
Lymph nodes can become enlarged for a variety of reasons including infection, inflammation, reaction to another disease process and cancer. To help determine the reason for enlarged nodes a biopsy of the lymph nodes may be necessary. This is usually performed in day surgery.

NISSEN FUNDOPLICATION
Patients are normally referred by their gastroenterologist for this procedure for intractable gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

PARATHYROIDECTOMY
The parathyroid glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone which regulates calcium levels in the blood. Patients who suffer from hyperparathyroidism usually have a parathyroid gland that has grown abnormally large. If left untreated, this can lead to kidney stones, stomach ulcers, decreased bone density, depression and chronic fatigue. Removal of a parathyroid adenoma is also achieved with a minimally invasive approach.

POWER PORT/INFUSAPORT/PORT-A-CATH
A “port” may be necessary to help administer chemotherapy drugs during treatment for cancer. This implantable device is attached to a catheter allowing for direct administration of the drug into the central veins of the body. This procedure is normally performed in day surgery using x-ray to guide the placement of the catheter.

SKIN CANCER
Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that requires wide excision to minimize risk of reoccurence. The extent of the resection depends on the depth of the melanoma. Deeper melanomas may also required sampling of the lymph nodes to assess spread. This is achieved with a procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy which is typically performed in day surgery.

Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carincoma
These types of skin cancer can usually be performed in day surgery or with local excision in the office using local anesthetic.

SOFT TISSUE TUMORS
Lipomas, sebaceous cysts and other soft tissue tumors can often be removed in day surgery or in the office with local anesthetic. Our surgeon will evaluate each tumor and discuss options prior to proceeding with any excision.

THYROIDECTOMY
Our surgeon has experience in the surgical treatment of thyroid disease. Surgery is often indicated for patients with thyroid cancer, large thyroid nodules and other conditions such as goiter, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease. This procedure is typically performed in a day surgery setting.