General Surgery
General Surgery
Saint Vincent Hospital and Saint Vincent Medical Group offer a range of general surgery services which include minimally invasive and robotic surgical procedures.
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Robotic Surgery
Consider the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with da Vinci robotic surgery. Learn more. -
Thoracic Surgery
Learn more about Saint Vincent Hospital’s minimally invasive thoracic surgery for treating lung cancer and other cancers affecting the chest area. -
Gynecology
Saint Vincent Hospital’s OB/GYN specialists help treat infertility, bladder control, uterine fibroids, menopause and gynecologic cancers. -
Bariatric Surgery
Read about your weight loss surgery options at Saint Vincent Hospital. -
Oncology
Expert cancer care in a comfortable environment close to home.
What is General Surgery?
General surgery covers a broad range of abdominal and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as skin and soft tissue, breast and thyroid issues, among other surgical needs. General surgeons maintain knowledge of anatomy, emergency and intensive care, immunology, metabolism, nutrition, pathology, physiology, shock and resuscitation and wound healing.
While surgery is rarely the first choice for treatment, it may sometimes be an appropriate option. When surgery is recommended, Saint Vincent Hospital and Saint Vincent Medical Group are prepared with a comprehensive surgery center equipped with appropriate facilities, equipment and techniques. As a teaching facility, Saint Vincent Hospital is also involved in developing and practicing new techniques and devices that help make procedures safe and convenient.
Common Conditions and Procedures
General surgery procedures include:
- Adrenalectomy – Surgery on the adrenal glands
- Appendectomies – Surgical removal of the appendix
- Biliary – Surgery of the bile delivery system
- Cholecystectomies – Removal of the gallbladder
- Colectomy – Surgical bowel resection in the colon
- Colorectal – Surgery on the rectum, anus and colon
- Gastrointestinal – Surgeries involving the digestive tract
- Hernia repairs – Repair of organs that have pushed through muscle or tissue
- Laparoscopic bowel resections – Removal of diseased sections of the bowel
- Laparoscopic splenectomies – Surgery of the spleen
- Nissen fundoplication – Laparoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Oncologic – Procedures for cancer-related conditions
- Pancreatic – Procedures involving the pancreas
Minimally Invasive Surgery
As part of general surgery, we offer a range of minimally invasive surgical options in addition to traditional procedures. These methods use smaller incisions or natural body openings to diagnose and treat many abdominal, gastrointestinal and soft-tissue conditions. Our team also performs advanced laparoscopic procedures and endoscopic surgery with laser capabilities when appropriate.
Robotic surgery, including the da Vinci® surgical system, is also used as a minimally invasive approach for select general surgery procedures. Our surgical staff has considerable experience in minimally invasive techniques.
Types of Minimally Invasive Techniques
These techniques support both diagnosis and treatment across general surgery:
- Endoscopy – A tube, light and camera used to view the digestive tract
- Laparoscopy – A tiny incision followed by placement of a small tube and camera
- Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) – Access to the abdomen through oral, rectal or pelvic openings
- Parathyroidectomy – Performed through a small incision in the neck
- Sigmoidoscopy – A tube, light and camera inserted through the rectum
Before Your Surgery
Before elective surgery, you’ll have an appointment with the Pre-Admission Testing Department. During this appointment, you will be assessed by a nurse and will also go over pre- and postoperative care information relevant to your upcoming procedure. Your Pre-Admission Testing appointment will be scheduled at the time your surgery is scheduled.
Please have all of your health information ready including the name and dose of any medications you take. On the day of your procedure, you will receive a complete pre-operative evaluation from an anesthesiologist who will review your information.
FAQs - Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Surgery
Most healthcare providers recommend nonsurgical options as the first line of treatment for many conditions. However, if noninvasive treatment options, such as medication and lifestyle modifications, do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Communication is vital in any surgery. Knowing what to expect from your surgery can help put you at ease and manage expectations during and after the procedure. Planning ahead for surgery can help you manage the challenges of a surgical procedure and increase your chances of better outcomes.
Below is a list of questions from the American College of Surgeons to help you in your discussions with your doctor and healthcare team before your surgery.
- Why do I need this operation?
- How will the operation be performed?
- re there other treatment options, and is this operation the best option for me?
- What are the risks, benefits and possible complications of this operation?
- Will my health history and the medications I am currently taking mean that the risks, potential complications and benefits will differ for me?
- What are my anesthesia options?
- What can I expect before the operation?
- What can I expect for my recovery in treatment, medication, diet and home care?
- Could you tell me about your experience with this operation?
- Is the surgical facility accredited and adequately staffed?
- Are all of the people involved in my operation covered by my insurance (anesthesia, pathology and radiology)?
Many health conditions can affect the outcome of your surgery. Now that you know the important questions to ask before your operation, it's time to put together a list of things you should not do before surgery. Be sure to discuss the following with your healthcare provider and ask if there is any other critical information you need to know that is not included in the list below:
- Do not eat or drink after a specific time, the evening before or day of surgery.
- Try to cut down or quit smoking. Patients who smoke are more susceptible to infections. Additionally, smoking may affect blood circulation and delay healing.
- Do not consume any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.
- Stop taking blood thinners two weeks before surgery. Blood thinners make it harder for your blood to clot and can prolong bleeding during your surgery.
- If you use any controlled substances, tell your doctor. Opioids and other drugs can cause complications and impact your surgery.
- Do not take any supplements, herbs, vitamins or minerals before surgery unless you get clearance from your health care provider.
- Avoid shaving the area or near the site of the operation. Shaving can irritate your skin, making it easier to develop an infection.
The 24 hours before your surgery may be a busy time for you and your loved ones. Here's a checklist to make sure you have packed everything you need for your surgery or procedure:
- A pair of flat and comfortable walking slippers with rubber or nonskid soles
- A lightweight camisole or cotton shirt to wear under your hospital gown
- Reading materials, such as books or magazines
- A copy of your insurance cards, advance medical directives, and medical history
- Eyeglasses with a case (instead of contact lenses)
- Personal care items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, denture case and razor (electric only), but be sure to leave your credit cards and jewelry at home
- Loose-fitting clothes, such as a sweatsuit and comfortable shoes to wear when you go home
- Your cellphone and charger, plus important telephone numbers of friends and relatives
Patients may experience pain after surgery, while others may develop side effects or even complications after an operation. Some people have a greater risk of complications from underlying medical conditions. Swelling and soreness around the site of the cut are common. Your surgeon will inform you what side effects to expect before and after surgery.
Complications that may develop with surgery include any one or a combination of the following:
- Infection
- Too much bleeding
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Accidental injury
The following are some of the questions to ask your doctor following your operation:
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- What kind of supplies, equipment and help will I need when I go home?
- When can I go back to work?
- When is it ok for me to start exercising again?
- Are there any restrictions on my activities?
Do not hesitate to ask questions before discharge to clarify any confusion about your care. Remember, asking now can save you a trip to the hospital later.