General Surgery
What is general surgery?
The practice of General surgery focuses on a wide range of conditions throughout the body. Think of a general surgeon as someone with broad surgical expertise, trained to treat many different health concerns. Because of their extensive knowledge, general surgeons may also receive additional training in areas like trauma, intensive care, burn treatment, oncology, and bariatric surgery.
With advances in technology, many general surgeons now use minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery. At SIH, we offer robotic-assisted procedures for general surgery, which can mean smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery for patients.
What areas of the body does it impact?
According to the American College of Surgeons, general surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in the:
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Abdomen and Pelvis
- Hernia of the abdominal wall and groin
- Digestive Tract
- Gallbladder removal
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small and large intestine
- Diseases of the rectum and anus
- Breast, Skin and Soft Tissue including burns
- Abscesses
- Skin cancers
- Fatty tumors
- Cysts
- Endocrine (thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands)
- Surgical Oncology (as part of a multidisciplinary care team)
When is general surgery appropriate?
All paths to care start with your primary care physician. If you have pain, discomfort, or notice anything out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They will examine the area and run any needed tests. Once they determine you need surgery, your primary care physician will write a referral to general surgery. General surgeons perform procedures such as:
- Appendectomy (Appendix removal)
- Biopsy
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder removal)
- Colectomy (Partial or total removal of colon tissue)
- Diagnostic testing
- Endoscopy
- Hernia repair
- Hemorrhoid Surgery
- Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic procedures
- Ostomy
- Skin lesion removal
- Small bowel surgery
- Thyroidectomy
What sets SIH apart for general surgery needs?
At SIH, we are dedicated to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We are proud to offer the largest and most advanced robotic-assisted surgical program in Southern Illinois, giving patients access the latest surgical technology. With three da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical systems, a Mako robotic-arm assisted system, and an Ion Endoluminal robotic-assisted platform, we can perform procedures with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.
Our trauma surgeons all bring their expertise to general surgery cases, expanding our team of skilled surgeons. This collaborative approach ensures that every patient receives comprehensive, high-quality surgical care tailored their needs.
