Strong Surgical Expertise When You Need It

Breast cancer is a significant health concern for women, with early detection being crucial for successful treatment. Guidelines recommend mammograms at different ages: baseline at 35-39, every one to two years at 40-49, and annually at 50 and above. Our experienced surgeons at MCSO offer comprehensive breast cancer treatment, from detection to biopsy to removal. We utilize advanced techniques like stereotactic needle biopsy and sentinel node biopsy for precise diagnosis and treatment planning. If cancer is detected, our surgeons guide patients through the entire treatment process.

Colon cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Diagnosis typically relies on colonoscopy, which may lead to biopsies if abnormalities are detected. Surgeons are often involved if biopsies reveal malignancy or if tumors are too large for endoscopic removal. Traditional open surgery involves removing the affected colon segment and reconnecting the ends. Alternatively, MCSO surgeons offer minimally invasive colon surgery, which can lead to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times when appropriate.

About 10% of Americans experience gallstones, leading to over 500,000 gallbladder surgeries annually. Symptoms typically include nausea and right upper abdominal pain, often triggered by fatty meals and lasting from minutes to hours. Diagnosis usually involves an ultrasound, with additional tests like a PIPIDA scan or MRI if necessary. The most common treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery compared to traditional methods. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure's benefits, risks, and whether you're a suitable candidate.

Hernias, protrusions of organs or tissue through weakened muscle walls, affect nearly 700,000 Americans yearly, with inguinal hernias being most common. There are two main treatment options:

• Open Repair: The traditional method involves several approaches under local or intravenous sedation. However, due to larger incisions, it tends to be more painful with a longer recovery period.
• Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic) Repair: Developed over decades, this technique is typically performed under general anesthesia, with the option of spinal anesthesia or local anesthesia in special cases.

At MCSO, surgeons utilize both open and laparoscopic techniques for tension-free repairs, often incorporating synthetic mesh to prevent recurrence.

The presence of pain, redness or swelling of the skin around the anal opening might indicate a perirectal abscess. These abscesses arise from small crypts higher up in the anal canal and track outward toward the skin. They often require surgical drainage, which can usually be accomplished in the office with local anesthesia. Fistulas can occasionally occur and require additional surgical procedures, which are also most likely performed at the hospital or outpatient surgery center.

Pilonidal cysts present as infections in the skin overlying the tailbone or sacrum. These can cause chronic infections and drainage and are best treated with surgical excision of the tissue involved.

Hemorrhoids are clusters of swollen veins in and around the anal canal that may cause itching, and at times, severe pain. You may be referred to a surgeon if your hemorrhoids suddenly become thrombosed, or blocked with a blood clot, causing severe pain. Other indications to see a surgeon might be for chronic irritation, such as itching, burning or bleeding. Some hemorrhoids can be treated in the office with a procedure called banding. This is commonly performed on hemorrhoids that bleed and that are high up in the anal canal where the tissue does not have nerve supply. In some cases, hemorrhoids need to be treated surgically, which can be done at the hospital or an outpatient surgery center.

Adrenal gland surgeries address cortex malignancies, often causing hormonal symptoms. Staging guides treatment, categorizing tumors based on size, invasion, nodal, and distant spread. Learn More about on adrenal carcinoma staging and prognosis.

Acute appendicitis, which is the inflammation or infection of the appendix, is a common reason people present to the emergency room with abdominal pain. Prompt surgical treatment is important to prevent the appendix from rupturing. This surgery can often be done laparoscopically, and in most cases, with an overnight stay in the hospital. Bowel obstructions, perforated intestines, stomach ulcers, and bleeding intestinal problems are other common surgical emergencies that your surgeon treats regularly. In addition, all MCSO surgeons are trained in Advanced Trauma Life Support.

MCSO surgeons employ minimally invasive techniques, using laparoscopic surgery with a video camera inserted into the abdomen for visualization. This approach features smaller incisions, resulting in reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery. Procedures include stomach tumor removal, treatment for small bowel diseases, and surgeries for conditions like hernias and gallbladder problems. Consult your surgeon to determine candidacy for these procedures.