Home About Find a Physician Healthcare Services For Patients & Public Careers Site Index Contact Us
Healthcare Services Surgery General Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Medical Services and Treatments

Medical Services and Treatments

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Surgery

The adrenal glands are situated on top of the kidney and are responsible for secretion of hormones. The minimally invasive removal of the adrenal gland is called an adrenalectomy. This is usually performed to remove large or rapidly expanding adrenal masses and adrenal lesions that are actively producing hormones. Lesions are abnormal tissues caused by disease or trauma. The procedure is performed using four small incisions. Recovery after laparoscopic adrenalectomy is usually one to two weeks.

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal conditions are associated with the colon and rectum, the lower part of the digestive system. The following colorectal conditions are treated laparoscopically:

  • Bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis (ulcers and abscesses in the bowel) and Crohn's disease
  • Colon cancer, colon motility problems (when colon muscles do not contract normally) and removal of colon polyps (abnormal growths)
  • Laparoscopic surgery can be used to establish a colostomy when certain conditions require it. The colon is attached to the skin surface where waste is expelled through the opening into a bag instead of through the original rectum). Colostomy reversal can also be done.
  • Diverticular disease (very small pouches or pockets in the bowel)
  • Rectal prolapse (part of the rectum protrudes from anus)

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Esophageal Surgery

The esophagus is the passageway that connects the mouth and stomach. Our physicians can help patients with the following conditions:

  • Acid reflux disease correction to allow food to pass through the connection of the stomach and esophagus, also known as Heller's myotomy for achalasia
  • Hernia of the esophagus (see laparoscopic hernia surgery section)
  • Cancer of the esophagus
  • Diverticular disease of the esophagus
  • Motility disorders, including inability to swallow correctly, chronic regurgitation and spasms of the esophagus

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Gallbladder and Biliary Surgery

The gallbladder is part of the digestive system that holds the bile made in the liver. Bile is a fluid used in digestion that breaks down food. Gallstones are formed when the bile crystallizes. These stones often cause obstructions that must be corrected. The following procedures are performed:

  • Removal of the gallbladder, also known as a cholecystectomy
  • Exploration and removal of obstructions of the bile ducts
  • Correction of the connection between the bile duct and part of the small intestine, also known as a choledochojejunostomy or choledochoduodenostomy, to allow drainage

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakness or a defect in the muscle wall. The protrusion creates a bulge that is usually apparent upon standing up, coughing or doing strenuous work, such as lifting or pushing heavy objects. The hernia tends to disappear upon lying down, but may persist, particularly if it is large in size. Hernias can develop around the umbilicus (belly button), in the groin or any place where the patient may have had a previous surgical incision. Some hernias develop slowly, others suddenly. Some hernias are present at birth. The following hernias are repaired laparoscopically:

  • Groin hernia
  • Hernias at and above the navel, known as umbilical and epigastric hernias, respectively
  • Incisional hernia occurring at the site of an old surgical incision
  • Hernia of the diaphragm (the tissue that separates the abdomen from the thoracic area)

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Kidney Donation

The removal of a donated kidney is called laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The kidney is removed laparoscopically and then immediately transplanted into the recipient. Recovery time after laparoscopic kidney donation is significantly shorter than after traditional open surgery. Most donors can return to work in as little as two weeks. Through this minimally-invasive approach, the donor's discomfort and scarring are also reduced.

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

The liver helps with digestion, metabolism and cleansing of the blood. The following procedures are available through laparoscopy:

  • Liver biopsies to assist in the diagnosis of diseases
  • Surgical removal of liver cysts and cancerous tumors
  • Radiofrequency ablation, a technique using electrodes and heat to kill the unwanted tissue

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Pancreatic Surgery

The pancreas produces fluids that help with digestion and absorption of food. The following pancreatic surgical procedures are performed laparoscopically:

  • Removal of all or part of the pancreas
  • Removal of tumors and cysts in the pancreas
  • Whipple operation, in which several parts of the gastrointestinal system, including part of the pancreas, are removed for the treatment of cancer

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Small Bowel Surgery

The small bowel is often referred to as the small intestine and runs from the stomach to the colon. The following small bowel surgical procedures are performed laparoscopically:

  • Ileostomy (a connection from small bowel to abdominal skin surface, also known as a K-pouch)
  • Jejunostomy tube insertion (a tube that passes through the abdominal wall to part of the small bowel through which nutrition is provided)
  • Removal of cancerous and noncancerous lesions and obstructions

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Spleen Surgery

The spleen is an organ that holds and filters blood and helps the immune system. The minimally invasive removal of the spleen is called laparoscopic splenectomy. The spleen may need to be removed for hematological disorders in which it is destroying platelets or blood cells. Additionally, it may be removed because of tumor, lymphoma, large cyst or an enlarged spleen causing symptoms seen in leukemia. When the spleen is removed laparoscopically, the recovery time is one to two weeks for most patients.

[top of page]

Laparoscopic Stomach Surgery

The division performs many types of stomach surgery, also know as gastric surgery:

  • Gastrostomy (surgical insertion of a tube into the stomach)
  • Insertion of gastric pacemakers for patients with gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach)
  • Removal of all or part of the stomach
  • Removal of benign or cancerous tumors of the stomach
  • Repair of stomach ulcers and related diseases
  • Gastric bypass (weight-reduction surgery in which the stomach is made smaller and part of the intestine is bypassed)
  • Biliary bypass

[top of page]

Diagnostic Procedures and Evaluations

The most common preoperative diagnostic studies include needle biopsies, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies and a variety of imaging studies, including a CT scan, MRI and ultrasound.

What to Expect

There is minimal risk in the evaluation process. Some diagnostic procedures and evaluations require no eating for 12 hours before the testing. Your physician will go over any pretest instructions. Upon completion of the studies, an appointment will be made for the patient to meet with the physician to discuss the test results.

[top of page]