General Surgery
Welcome to Our General Surgery Services
At Cumberland Healthcare, we are committed to providing expert surgical care with a focus on safety, precision, and personalized treatment. Our team of experienced general surgeons is dedicated to offering high-quality care to patients with a variety of medical needs. Whether you require a routine procedure or more complex surgery, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
What is General Surgery?
General surgery is a specialty that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of a wide range of conditions. It includes surgeries of the abdomen, digestive system, breast, thyroid, skin, and soft tissues. General surgeons are trained to handle both elective and emergency procedures, often performing operations to treat illnesses, injuries, and congenital conditions.
Common Conditions Treated by General Surgeons
General surgeons treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Gallbladder Disease: Conditions such as gallstones that may require gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy).
- Hernias: Bulging of organs or tissues through an opening in the abdominal wall, often requiring surgical repair.
- Colon and Rectal Conditions: Diseases such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease may necessitate surgery that includes a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is a cancer screening tool that starts at age 45 for men and women, and earlier if risk factors.
- Breast Issues: Biopsy and removal of benign or cancerous tumors.
- Thyroid Disorders: Surgical removal of thyroid glands in cases of cancer or other dysfunctions.
- Trauma Injuries: Emergency surgeries for injuries caused by accidents, including internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Skin Conditions: Removal of tumors, cysts, or other growths on the skin.
Our Approach to Care
At Cumberland Healthcare, our approach is patient-centered, ensuring that you are comfortable and well-informed at every stage of your treatment. We take the time to discuss your condition, explain the surgical options available, and collaborate with you to choose the best treatment plan. Our team is dedicated to minimizing risks, enhancing recovery, and supporting your long-term health.
Surgical Services We Offer
Our general surgery services include:
- Endoscopy: A safe and minimally invasive medical procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your body using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light. It helps doctors diagnose and sometimes treat health problems most often in the digestive system without the need for surgery. The procedure is commonly used to find the cause of symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive procedures using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times.
- Hernia Repair: A surgical procedure used to fix a hernia, which occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak area in the muscle or surrounding tissue. During the procedure, the surgeon places the tissue back where it belongs and strengthens the weakened area often using stitches or a surgical mesh to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
- Bowel Resection: A surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased portion of the intestine is removed. The healthy ends of the bowel are then reconnected so digestion can continue normally. This surgery is done to treat conditions such as blockages, infections, inflammation, cancer, or injury to the intestines.
- Breast Surgery: Refers to medical procedures performed on the breast to diagnose or treat health conditions. It may be done to remove lumps or tumors, treat infections or cancer, relieve pain, or for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons.
- Port placement: A minor medical procedure in which a small device (called a port) is placed under the skin, usually in the chest or arm. The port connects to a vein and allows doctors to give medications, chemotherapy, fluids, or draw blood safely and comfortably over a long period of time, reducing the need for repeated needle sticks.
- Open Surgery: For more complex cases, we offer traditional open surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Outpatient Procedures: Some procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
- Before Surgery: Your surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation, including physical exams and diagnostic tests. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns.
- During Surgery: Our skilled surgeons perform procedures in state-of-the-art surgical suites, using the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best results.
- After Surgery: Post-operative care is crucial to your recovery. We’ll provide guidance on managing pain, avoiding complications, and gradually resuming your regular activities.
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced Surgeons: Our team of skilled surgeons has years of experience in general surgery and is committed to your health and safety.
- Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your comfort and well-being, offering personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs.
- Advanced Technology: We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure precision and enhance recovery times.
- Compassionate Support: Our team is here to support you throughout your journey, from initial consultation to post-surgery recovery.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one requires general surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision about your care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced general surgeons.
For More Information Call: 715-822-7500
Let us help you on your path to recovery with expert surgical care.
Anesthesia—Cumberland Healthcare’s anesthesia department is staffed with Board-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
Inpatient/Outpatient Surgery—While most of our patients experience our 9-bay same-day surgery unit, some stay overnight in our beautiful inpatient unit.
Preoperative Surgical Plan—Once your surgery is scheduled, you will need a physical, lab work, and an EKG, depending on what you are having done. Please consult your provider regarding any medications you are on and any vitamins, herbs, or over-the-counter drugs you may be taking. You may need to stop taking some medications several days to weeks before your surgery.
- A staff member will call you the day before your surgery to confirm your surgery and time of arrival.
- The night before your surgery, you may eat a light supper.
- Unless otherwise instructed, do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew after midnight.
- You may be instructed to take some medication with a small sip of water on the morning of your surgery.
- If you cannot keep your surgical appointment, be sure to get in touch with your doctor and the hospital’s surgical department as soon as possible.
- If you develop a cold, sore throat, fever, or other illness, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Day of Surgery
- Plan to arrive at Cumberland Healthcare as directed, which will be 1-2 hours before surgery.
- Upon arrival, register at the hospital front desk just inside the main entrance. After registration, you will be escorted to the Same Day Surgery waiting area.
- Before coming to the hospital, shower the evening before and the morning of your surgery with antibacterial soap. Do not apply powders or creams to your surgical site area.
- You may not wear contact lenses during surgery, so plan on wearing glasses as needed.
- Do not wear make-up, nail polish, or jewelry.
- Remember, “nothing to eat, drink, smoke or chew after midnight” unless instructed otherwise by your doctor; this includes water.
You may brush your teeth – but don’t swallow any water.
- Please bring a list of your prescriptions and over-the-counter medication.
- Be sure to have someone available to drive you home; you will not be allowed to drive home.
If you smoke – stop smoking as many weeks or days before surgery as possible. Do not smoke at least 24 hours before and 24 hours after surgery. Cumberland Healthcare is a smoke-free facility. - Please inform your nurse if you have any skin irritation, ingrown hairs, or other skin irritation in the area of your planned surgical site.
After Surgery
- You will be escorted to the recovery room. The length of time depends on the type of anesthesia used.
- Your surgeon will talk with your family in the waiting area
- If your surgery is inpatient – your family may return to your hospital room after talking to the surgeon.
- If your surgery is outpatient – your family may come to sit with you when you return to the Same Day Unit.
- While in same-day surgery, your blood pressure will be taken, and your dressings will be checked.
- If you feel any discomfort, your surgeon will order medication to relieve the discomfort.
- You will be given water, coffee, juice, and a muffin if you desire.
At Discharge
- Your nurse will review your post-operative instructions with you and your family.
- Any follow-up appointments will be made if necessary.
- Your postoperative prescriptions will be called to the pharmacy of your choice, or a paper prescription will be given to the patient directly to have filled.
- You will not be allowed to drive home, so be sure you have a ride available.
- A nurse will call you the day after surgery to assess your condition and answer any questions you may have.
- Call the hospital if you have questions or concerns that you feel need to be addressed immediately.
- To contact the Cumberland Healthcare Surgery Department, call 715-822-7370.
