General Surgery in Arlington, TX
What Is General Surgery?
General Surgery is a medical specialty that covers a wide range of surgical procedures to treat injuries or conditions typically affecting the abdomen, breasts, skin, and soft tissues. General surgeons are trained to manage both routine and emergency surgeries, including procedures like gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and surgery to treat reflux.
General surgery may appear to be a “catchall,” but many general surgeons do specialize in specific procedures that fall within one or two categories of general surgery. That allows them to develop deep experience and skill in those procedures and master the most advanced minimally invasive technologies, including laparoscopy and robotics.
Whatever general surgery procedure you may be considering, know that at USMD Hospital at Arlington, you’ll be treated by a physician-led expert team that puts patients first.
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USMD Hospital at Arlington was the first hospital in the DFW metroplex to use the highly advanced da Vinci® Surgical System for robotic surgery. Over the years, surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington have performed more than 20,000 surgeries using our robotic systems.
Many general surgeries can be performed by utilizing the hospital’s fleet of five da Vinci Surgical Systems, including:
- Hernia repair
- Gallbladder surgery (Cholecystectomy)
- Reflux (GERD) surgery
- Appendectomy
- Gastrectomy
- Colon and rectal resection
- Small bowel resection
- Splenectomy
Who Is A Candidate for General Surgery?
Some of the procedures performed by general surgeons on the medical staff of USMD Hospital in Arlington include:
- Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): A surgery to remove the gallbladder, often done to treat abdominal pain and or infection caused by gallstones usually performed using minimally invasive techniques.
- Hernia Repair: A procedure to fix a hernia, where an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Surgery typically involves reinforcing the area with mesh.
- Appendectomy: The surgical removal of the appendix, typically to treat appendicitis, a painful inflammation of the appendix. It is often done through small incisions using a minimally invasive technique.
- Abdominal Laparoscopic Procedures: Minimally invasive surgeries are performed in the abdomen using small incisions and a camera. They are commonly used for diagnosis or to treat issues with organs like the gallbladder, appendix, or intestines.
- Colon Resection (Colectomy): A surgery to remove part or all of the colon, usually to treat cancer, diverticulitis, or other diseases. The remaining healthy parts of the colon are then reconnected.
- Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy): The removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, often to treat thyroid cancer, nodules, or hyperthyroidism. It may involve a small incision in the neck.
- Parathyroid Surgery (Parathyroidectomy): A procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels, typically performed to treat an overactive gland (hyperparathyroidism).
- Hemorrhoid Surgery: A surgical procedure to remove swollen veins around the anus. It’s usually recommended when other treatments for severe or persistent hemorrhoids are ineffective.
- Benign and Malignant Tumor Removal: Surgery to remove abnormal growths, which can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). The goal is to eliminate the tumor and prevent further spread if malignant.
- Breast Surgical Biopsy: A procedure to remove a small sample of breast tissue for testing, often to check for cancer or other abnormalities. It can be done with a needle or through a minor incision.
- Breast Cancer Surgery: A surgery to remove breast cancer, which may involve removing just the tumor or the entire breast. Treatment options depend on the cancer's size, type, and spread.
- Lumpectomy: A breast-conserving surgery that removes only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue. It’s often followed by radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells.
- Mastectomy: A surgery to remove one or both breasts, typically to treat or prevent breast cancer. It may be recommended depending on the cancer’s stage, type, or genetic risk factors.
- Gastrectomy: A surgical procedure to remove all or part of the stomach, often performed to treat stomach cancer, severe ulcers, or other stomach diseases. The digestive system is then reconnected to allow food to pass normally.
- Small Bowel Resection: A procedure to remove a damaged or diseased portion of the small intestine, often due to conditions like cancer, Crohn's disease, or obstruction. The healthy ends of the intestine are then joined together.
- Splenectomy: The surgical removal of the spleen, typically done to treat trauma, blood disorders, or cancer. While the body can function without a spleen, extra precautions may be needed to prevent infections.
General Surgery Review
Had my appendix removed here and I was so so pleased with their work. From nurses and doctors to front desk. Thank you !
What are the Benefits of General Surgery?
At USMD Hospital at Arlington, surgeons on the medical staff follow a team approach to deliver high-quality care using the latest advancements in technology.
Here are a few benefits of choosing general surgery with us:
- Minimally invasive procedures: The surgeons on the medical staff are trained in minimally invasive techniques, including robotics and laparoscopic surgery, which result in smaller incisions, less scarring, and often faster recovery times for patients.
- Expert care: We are highly skilled and experienced in performing a wide range of procedures, ensuring that you receive expert care from start to finish.
- Comprehensive approach: General surgery involves more than just the surgical procedure itself. It begins with careful pre-operative care and continues with thorough post-operative care. The surgeons on the medical staff are dedicated to this comprehensive approach which helps set patients up for successful surgical outcomes.
What Technology Is Used for General Surgery?
Surgeons on the medical staff remain at the forefront of innovative technologies and utilize advanced and minimally invasive techniques to perform general surgery for DFW patients. USMD Hospital at Arlington is home to five da Vinci Surgical Systems, including the Single Port and the DV5, the most advanced available. These systems have been used to perform more than 20,000 surgical procedures to date.
General Surgery FAQ
What Are the Different Types of General Surgeries?
General surgery treats injuries or diseases in a range of areas of the body, especially in the abdomen, breasts, skin, and soft tissues. General surgeons are trained to handle a variety of procedures, but many do focus on a few specific procedures to amass a good bit of experience and expertise in those procedures.
In particular, the general surgeons on the medical staff at USMD perform a large number of general surgery procedures, including gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, and surgery to treat reflux (GERD) in the North Texas area, using the latest, most minimally invasive techniques.
How Can I Prepare for My General Surgery?
In short: Follow the instructions provided carefully. Once you’ve been scheduled for general surgery, you will receive pre-op instructions designed specifically for the procedure you will be undergoing. These differ with each type of procedure, but typically you’ll be advised to stop drinking and eating for a specific amount of time. You may also require various blood tests, x-rays, or other procedures beforehand to ensure you receive optimal treatment.
How Long Will It Take to Heal From General Surgery?
Healing time varies with the type of surgery performed and may be affected by your overall health situation before the surgery. Typically, recovery ranges from a few weeks to several months. The surgical team will discuss your post-op instructions with you on the day you’re discharged, including how long you can expect healing to take. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully, to ensure the best outcome and fastest possible recovery.
Is General Surgery Covered By Insurance?
Most health plans typically cover medically necessary surgeries. However, depending on your specific policy, you could be responsible for some or all of the costs. For planned, elective surgery, a member of the hospital’s business office team will review your insurance coverage with you before the surgery.
Patient-First Surgical Care
The general surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington work with their teams to ensure that patients are set up for success.
Patient-first surgical care means:
Your surgeon will explain your procedure to you in plain, patient-friendly language, to help you understand what the procedure involves.
You’ll understand why you need the procedure and what benefits or improvements you can expect to experience after the surgery.
You will know what to expect in terms of the procedure itself and how your recovery is likely to proceed.
Your questions will be answered in a timely manner, and any concerns you have will be addressed.