These Are Just Some Of The Problems We Treat: Thyroid Diseases - Some diseases of the thyroid gland require surgical intervention. Sometimes the intervention is just for diagnostic purposes, such as with open or fine needle biopsy of thyroid masses or nodules. Sometimes surgery is needed for therapeutic purposes, as with biopsy-proven thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism. Parathyroid Diseases - Such as hyperparathyoidism or adenoma or carcinoma of the parathyroid glands. Respiratory Insufficiency - Sometimes we are called upon to assist the pulmonary specialist in the treatment of patients with acute respiratory problems, through the creation of a tracheotomy in the trachea to facilitate breathing, or the placement of a tube to drain the thoracic cavity or expand the lung. Diseases of the Breast - The General Surgeon is the expert in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. From diagnostic assessment to biopsy to surgical therapy, the General Surgeon is a key member of the breast care team. Tumors of the Liver - Most liver tumors need to be biopsied, and many can only be eradicated through surgical excision. Sometimes this requires radical surgery. Some liver infections must be treated via open surgical drainage. Pancreatic Diseases - Acute and chronic pancreatitis, and benign and malignant tumors of the pancreas are problems that, many times, can only be eradicated through surgical intervention. Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disease - Many diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts need surgery for diagnosis and treatment. These conditions include gallstones (cholelithiasis), common bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis), gallbladder cancer, chronic cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, cancer of the bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma), and biliary dyskinesia (a malfunctioning of the gallbladder). These all require the expertise of a general surgeon. Many times these problems can be operated on without a major abdominal incision, as with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Acid-reflux disease is often associated with a hiatal hernia. While most cases can be treated with medications, some resistant cases require surgery. Furthermore, young patients with GERD may not wish to put up with having to take medications indefinitely. They may opt for definitive surgery to cure the problem. The fundoplication has been found to be the most successful surgical approach to this problem. Many patients can benefit from the newly-developed laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, in which the operation is performed through a small laparoscope placed in the navel. Diseases of the Stomach and Esophagus - Benign conditions, such as peptic ulcer disease or acid-reflux esophagitis, and malignant conditions, such as cancer of the stomach or esophagus, are conditions often aided by surgery. Diseases of the Large and Small Intestine - Some disease of the small intestine that may need surgery are: Crohn’s Disease, Meckel’s Diverticulum, Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine, carcinoid tumors, leiomyomas of the small intestine, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, diverticulitis, intestinal obstructions, and intestinal adhesions. Anal and Rectal Problems - Such as hemorrhoids, fissures, anal fistula, peri-rectal abscess, and rectal prolapse. Varicose Veins - Sometimes varicose veins can cause pain or ulcerations in the skin of the legs. These sometimes need to be treated with vein stripping. Lesions of the Skin - Such as skin cysts, skin cancer (including melanoma), and chronic skin infections, such as hidradenitis or pilonidal cysts. Appendicitis - This condition attacks people of all ages and must be treated with immediate surgery. Hernias - These can form in many places. There are incisional hernias, ventral hernias, epigastric hernias, umbilical hernias, femoral and inguinal (or groin) hernias, and Spigelian hernias. Some require repairs with mesh implants. Some can be fixed via the laparoscopic herniorraphy. Some can be repaired via the new Kugel mesh technique. Diseases of the Spleen - These can sometimes be a part of a blood disease, or they sometimes can be a part of an immunological problem. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the spleen. This is called splenectomy. Sometimes a laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed. Conversely, sometimes the spleen is injured due to an accident. Then we try to repair the spleen, if possible, through an operation called splenorraphy. site design     |     return to top