General surgery is the surgical subspecialty that involves treatment of any injury, deformity and disease with operative procedures. It is considered as an option when medications can no longer alleviate your condition. General surgery involves procedures of the breast, gastrointestinal tract, colon, gallbladder, liver, pancreas and rectum. Dr. Shillingford is a Board Certified laparoscopic general surgeon who assesses and treats a full-range of general surgery procedures using minimally invasive techniques. Some of the procedures include:
- Hernia Repairs (Umbilical, Ventral and Inguinal): Hernia is a weakness in the muscle wall that can occur as a result of previous surgery or excessive strain on the abdominal wall. There are three types of hernias including ventral or incisional (develops at incision site of an earlier abdominal surgery), inguinal (part of an organ bulges through the weakened muscle) and umbilical (develops at birth around the navel). The hernia is surgically repaired by reinforcing the weakened muscle with a prosthetic mesh patch and securing with sutures or staples.
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The gallbladder contains bile, the digestive fluid that is made up of salts, cholesterol and wastes. An imbalance in these components form hard structures called gallstones that can block an opening or channel in the digestive system. These stones can be removed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laparoscope (tiny camera) inserted through a small incision made on your abdomen. The laparoscope helps Dr. Shillingford to view the site of operation on a large screen, while special surgical instruments are inserted to remove the gallbladder.
- Appendectomy: The appendix is a small pouch found between the small and large intestine. Swelling in this structure is called appendicitis and causes severe pain. Dr. Shillingford will perform an appendectomy to remove the infected appendix.
- Bowel Resections (colectomy): Dr. Shillingford performs the colectomy procedure in patients suffering from colorectal cancer (abnormal growth of cancer cells in the large intestine). He uses a laparoscopic minimally invasive method to remove the tumor and stitch the healthy tissues together.
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure performed to diagnose and in some cases to treat problems of the upper digestive system. The endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end. It is recommended in conditions such as acute GI bleeding, chronic anemia, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Polypectomy: It is the surgical removal of a polyp. Polyps are a non-cancerous abnormal growth of the tissue along the lining of the gastrointestinal wall. Gastrointestinal polyps can be removed endoscopically through colonoscopy or surgically if the polyp is too large. During colonoscopy, the polyps are identified and cut using forceps. Larger polyps are removed by passing a wire snare, tightening the snare around the polyp base and then burning with electric cautery.
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is the procedure of insertion of colonoscope (a flexible tube with a small camera and lens attached) to view, diagnose and treat the conditions of large intestine (colon and rectum). The procedure can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. It is used to diagnose early signs of colorectal cancer, bowel disorders, abdominal pain, muscle spasms, inflamed tissue, ulcers, anal bleeding, and non-dietary weight loss. Polyps or growths can also be removed by colonoscopy which can be used for diagnosing cancer.
- Breast Procedures: Breast procedures include a number of non-cosmetic procedures associated with breast cancer. Surgeries involve the removal of the tumor, lymph nodes or the entire breast.
- Excision of Sebaceous Cyst: Sebaceous cysts are small bumps on the skin that contain an oily material. These cysts are surgically removed on an outpatient basis through a simple procedure.
Call to make an appointment for a consultation today and see Dr. Shillingford, a Florida General Surgery Surgeon.
