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General Surgery

General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases and conditions across a variety of body systems and organs. The term encompasses routine procedures performed in a doctor’s office to more complicated planned or emergency surgeries. Our general surgeons are highly skilled in procedures to correct diseases, disorders or trauma to the abdominal organs, breasts, skin, head, neck and vascular system.

Prior to surgery, be sure to review our Important Patient Instructions and Information.

Appendectomy: Open and Laparoscopic
Appendectomy is the removal of the appendix, a thin organ about four inches long located in the lower right abdomen at the junction of the small and large intestines. If appendicitis (infection of the appendix) occurs, an appendectomy is necessary. This may be done through either open or laparoscopic surgery, under general anesthesia. In open surgery, the entire appendix is removed whole through an incision in the lower abdomen. In laparoscopic surgery, very small incisions are made in the lower abdomen to insert a laparoscope (a thin tube with a tiny video camera at the end) and small surgical tools that are then used to cut and remove the appendix in pieces. Laparoscopic appendectomies frequently result in smaller scars, faster recovery times and a smaller chance of infection.

Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
Cholecystectomy is removal of the gallbladder, a small pouch located just under the liver that stores bile. Today, most cholecystectomies are done using laparoscopic surgery (in which the surgeon works by placing a tiny camera and surgical instruments through multiple small incisions) rather than open surgery (in which the surgeon makes one large, open incision in which to work). The procedure is done under general anesthesia. Depending on individual circumstances, it may be done on an outpatient basis through our Ambulatory Care Unit or as an inpatient procedure.

Colectomy (Colon Resection)
Colectomy, or colon resection, removes all or part of the colon (the large intestine). This surgery is done under general anesthesia, and can be done as an open procedure (in which the surgeon makes one large incision in which to work) or as a laparoscopic procedure (in which the surgeon works by placing a tiny camera and surgical instruments through multiple small incisions).

Colon Re-anastomosis
Colon re-anastomosis is the reconnection of sections of the colon, or large intestine. This procedure may be performed if the large intestine becomes damaged as the result of trauma, or as a follow-up surgery following placement of a colostomy during colon resection (see above).

Hemorrhoidectomy (Hemorrhoid Removal)
Hemorrhoidectomy is surgery to remove hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anal canal. The swollen vein is tied of to prevent bleeding, and then the hemorrhoid is removed using a scalpel, cauterizing tool or Transanal Hemorrhoidal Deartierialisation (THD). THD is a minimally invasive procedure to treat hemorrhoids which is new technology that is less painful and allows for quicker recovery. The procedure is done under general anesthesia or with spinal anesthesia and is usually a one-day surgery performed through our Ambulatory Care Unit.

Herniorrhaphy (Hernia Repair)
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It most commonly occurs with the intestines or upper stomach. There are several different types of hernias, classified by where they occur. An inguinal hernia occurs in the inner groin, a femoral hernia in the outer groin, an umbilical hernia near the belly button, a hiatal hernia near the upper stomach, and an incisional hernia near the site of an incision. Surgery to correct this involves pushing the herniated organ or tissue back in place and then repairing the damaged muscle wall or connective tissue through which the hernia occurred. Sometimes the herniated organ or tissue will become strangulated, meaning that the blood supply has been cut off to the portion of the organ that is herniated. In this case, the surgeon will also remove that part of the organ. This procedure is done under general anesthesia, and is generally a one-day surgery performed laproscopically through our Ambulatory Care Unit.

Small Bowel Obstruction Repair
If a blockage develops in the small bowel (also called the small intestine) and the contents of the intestines cannot pass through to exit the body, surgery to remove the blockage is necessary. This may be done through laparoscopic surgery (in which the surgeon works by placing a tiny camera and surgical instruments through multiple small incisions) or open surgery (in which the surgeon makes one large, open incision in which to work). After the blockage is removed, any damaged portions of the intestine are repaired or removed. The procedure is done under general anesthesia.

Billing & Payment Information

Please note that billing for surgical procedures will be submitted to your insurance carrier by more than one party; the physician’s practice for surgical services, Day Kimball Hospital for facility services and North American Partners for Anesthesia (NAPA) for anesthesiology services (if applicable). Please check with your insurance carrier for details about your specific coverage, copays, deductibles and any prior authorization requirements. If you have questions about your Day Kimball Hospital bill or need help paying for care, please contact our team of financial counselors. See our billing page for more information.