General Surgery

General surgery covers the treatment of a wide range of illnesses and injuries, from hernias to conditions affecting the digestive system. At Summit Health, our skilled surgeons combine deep expertise with a genuine commitment to your comfort and recovery. We take the time to understand your health, explain your options clearly, and guide you toward the approach that fits you best.

Our general surgeons are experienced in both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Together, you and your surgeon will decide which method suits your needs, your condition, and your overall health.

Open surgery

For open surgery, your surgeon makes an incision by cutting through the skin and tissue to reach the area being treated. The size and depth of the incision depend on the type of procedure. Recovery time varies, too, and depends on factors like the surgery itself and your general health. Before and after your procedure, your general surgeon and nurse will walk you through how to care for your incision so it heals quickly and properly.

Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is often called minimally invasive surgery because it uses small incisions, typically up to half an inch. Your surgeon inserts thin tubes fitted with a tiny video camera and specialized surgical tools through these openings. Using the camera's live images from inside your body, the surgeon performs the procedure with precision.

Because the incisions are so small, many patients who have laparoscopic surgery heal faster and feel less pain than those who have open surgery. That's one reason this approach has grown so popular. Still, minimally invasive surgery isn't right for everyone. Your surgeon will let you know whether you're a candidate for open or laparoscopic surgery.

Other benefits of laparoscopic surgery include:

• Less bleeding
• Lower risk of infection
• Smaller external scars
• Less internal scarring
• A quicker return to your regular activities

Our general surgeons treat many conditions and perform a broad range of procedures. Some of the most common areas we care for include the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Intestines
• Hernias

Skin cancer and Mohs surgery

If you've been diagnosed with skin cancer, we offer the latest surgical techniques to treat and cure it while protecting as much healthy tissue as possible.

Mohs micrographic surgery is widely considered the single most effective treatment for skin cancer. It's frequently used for patients with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. During Mohs surgery, your surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue and examines it immediately, rather than waiting until after the procedure. This means they know precisely when all cancer cells are gone, allowing them to preserve more healthy tissue and leave minimal scarring. Learn more about Mohs micrographic surgery.

Bariatric (weight loss) surgery

Overeating and inactivity can contribute to being overweight, but research shows that family history and genetics also play a significant role. If low-calorie diets and exercise have brought little or only short-term success, bariatric surgery might be the right path toward a healthier weight and a healthier life.

If you're struggling with obesity, learn more about our bariatric surgery service and how weight loss surgery might help you.