Center for Digestive Health & General Surgery / Procedural & Surgical Intervention

Procedural & Surgical Intervention

Specialists at the Center for Digestive Health & General Surgery perform procedural interventions to help determine a diagnosis and provide patients with expert treatment.

If the diagnosis requires surgery, common surgical interventions include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), and hernia, gallbladder, GERD and colon surgeries. Advanced gastric surgeries are also performed. Our specialists are experts in the most innovative and advanced techniques available, making them uniquely qualified to treat complex or challenging issues.

Diagnostic & Interventional Procedures

Colonoscopy

This procedure is an examination of the inside of your large intestine (colon). It is used to detect and diagnose various gastrointestinal diseases. A colonoscopy may be preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic. For colorectal cancer screenings, it is recommended that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45.

Esophageal Manometry

This test is used to assess pressure and motor function of the esophagus. It helps determine if your esophagus is able to move food to your stomach normally. Your doctor may order this test if you’ve been having issues related to swallowing or keeping food and other substances down.

Esophageal pH Monitoring

This test measures the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus. It may be ordered to confirm a diagnosis or to periodically monitor your reflux symptoms and treatments.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Also called and upper endoscopy exam, this procedure is used to examine the lining of the upper GI tract, which is composed of the oral cavity and salivary glands, the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum).

Sigmoidoscopy

A diagnostic test checking the sigmoid colon, or the lower part of the colon or large intestine. This minimally invasive procedure can be used to take a tissue sample or biopsy, remove polyps or hemorrhoids, as well as a screening test for colon and rectal cancer.

Digestive Surgery

Appendectomy

Surgical procedure to remove the appendix which is typically required in an emergency situation to treat appendicitis. If the appendix ruptures, it can cause peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening complication. Appendectomies are typically laparoscopic or robotic-assisted procedures.

Fistulotomy

This procedure is used to treat a fistula, which occurs when two of your organs or vessels form an abnormal connection. Fistulotomy opens and drains the fistula, helping it to heal.

Gallbladder Surgery

Surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, a small organ that stores digestive liquid, or bile, produced by the liver. This procedure is used to treat gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder polyps or pancreas inflammation due to gallstones.

Hemorrhoidectomy

This surgery removes internal or external hemorrhoids that are extensive or severe. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy is the most effective treatment for hemorrhoids.

Hiatal Hernia Repair

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upward into the chest. It is often discovered during a test or procedure to determine the cause of heartburn or chest or upper abdominal pain. This is a common procedure, in which the surgeon pulls the stomach back up into the abdominal cavity and wraps the upper portion, called the fundus, around the lower part of the food pipe. This creates a tight sphincter that stops stomach acid from leaking up into the food pipe. Procedure can be open or laparoscopic/minimally invasive.

Nissen Fundoplication

Nissen Fundoplication is a surgical treatment for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), in which a surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus making it less likely acid will back up into the esophagus and reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter.

Surgery of the Colon & Intestines

Colon and intestinal surgeries are typically performed to treat diverticulitis through cancer, and may also be necessary following a bowel blockage, serious infection or injury. Procedures can be open or laparoscopic/minimally invasive.

Other Surgical Interventions

Breast Surgery

Breast Biopsy: this procedure removes a sample of breast tissue for testing. A breast biopsy might be recommended if you have a suspicious area in your breast, such as a breast lump or other signs and symptoms of breast cancer. It can also be used to investigate unusual findings on a mammogram, ultrasound or other breast exam.

Lumpectomy: used to remove cancer or other abnormal tissues from the breast, a lumpectomy ensures that all of the abnormal tissue is removed. This can be a treatment option for early-stage breast cancer as well as ruling out a breast cancer diagnosis.

Mastectomy: this breast cancer surgery generally removes all of the breast tissue. Usually the surgeon also removes some underarm lymph nodes to check if cancer has spread beyond the breast. You may have a mastectomy to remove one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral).

Excision of Masses

Excision of masses is minor surgery to remove unwanted or dangerous masses. Masses can include cysts, tumors or other tissue masses.

Hernia Repair

There are several types of hernias that typically require surgical repair including Incisional, Inguinal, Umbilical and Ventral. This is a common procedure in which the surgeon pushes the herniated tissue back into place and reinforces the area around it with stitches or surgical mesh. Procedure can be laparoscopic or robotic.

Minimally Invasive Surgeries

Dependent on their diagnosis, some patients may be candidates for Minimally Invasive Surgeries. This type of procedure is done through smaller incisions, and the goal is less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Parathyroidectomy

Procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands, in a patient with hyperparathyroidism.

Port Insertion

This minor surgery places a port under the skin. Ports are used for patients who need frequent or long-term IV treatments, blood transfusions or blood draws.

Skin Lesion Removal

Skin lesion removal is performed to remove growths or other irregularities on the skin. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons (if the lesion is benign/noncancerous), or medical reasons if the lesion shows signs of possible skin cancer. Biopsies are performed on removed lesions for a definitive diagnosis.

Thyroid Surgery

Procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck. The thyroid produces the thyroid hormone and may need to be removed because of a tumor, nodules or hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone.

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