Services

General Surgery

Minimally Invasive Procedures and Robotic Surgery

At Manatee Physician Alliance, patients can rely on quality surgical care. Our specialized general surgeons are qualified to treat a wide range of diseases, illnesses and serious injuries. The operating room surgical teams work together for a safe and thorough procedure. From diagnosis to recovery, medical providers are there to provide quality care and support. 

General surgery procedures

Manatee Physician Alliance providers specialize in various general surgery procedures to provide numerous options to best fit the patients needs. Surgical procedures may include:

Central port placement 

A central port is helpful to patients undergoing cancer treatment. It is a device placed under the skin and connects to your major veins. It enables easy injections, blood draws and infusions in one access point.

The port prevents the need for continuous painful needle sticks into the veins, which can cause them damage overtime. This is especially helpful to patients that may need years of cancer treatment.

Hepatobiliary surgery

Hepatobiliary surgical procedures treat pancreas and bile system disorders. The bile system includes the liver, gallbladder and the small intestine. Hepatobiliary procedures can treat the following conditions: 

  • Bile duct stones
  • Cancer and pre-cancerous growths affecting the bile ducts, pancreas, gallbladder
  • Liver disease 
  • Pancreatic cysts and pseudocysts 

Gastrointestinal procedures

The gastrointestinal (GI) system involves the stomach and other organs that are part of the digestive process. The gastrointestinal process starts when you eat food. Your body breaks down food, absorbs nutrients and then disposes of waste. Gastrointestinal diseases interrupt this process. Gastrointestinal surgical procedures can treat the following conditions:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Stomach ulcer 
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Esophageal varices
  • Crohn’s disease 
  • Gallstones

Colon cancer colectomy 

A colectomy is beneficial for patients with early stage colon cancer. It can also be used to treat inflammatory colon diseases and diverticulitis.  The surgery consists of removing a portion of the affected colon area. It can be performed in open surgery or laparoscopically. 

Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy, or tracheotomy, is done for patients struggling to breathe. It addresses blockages, fluid build up or underlying health conditions causing respiratory failure.

A surgeon makes a small cut in your neck and into your windpipe to open the airway and aid breathing. A tube is then inserted into the hole to help move air into your lungs. Other common conditions that may result in a tracheostomy include: 

  • Coma 
  • Paralysis
  • Allergic reactions
  • Injury, infection or burn in the throat
  • Tumors

Reflux procedures

Acid reflux can be very uncomfortable. It occurs when the acid in your stomach makes its way into the esophagus. This acid helps break down food and is normally kept down by a valve. When the valve fails it causes heartburn, a burning sensation in the esophagus. Over time, untreated acid reflux can cause GERD. Common acid reflux procedures include: 

  • Fundoplication
  • LINX device
  • Transoral incisionless fundoplication

Thyroidectomy

The thyroid gland plays a major role in producing and releasing hormones that regulate your metabolism. Thyroid disorders or tumors disrupt your body’s ability to transform food into energy. A thyroidectomy is a surgery that removes the affected part of the thyroid gland. Thyroidectomy procedures can treat the following conditions:

  • Goiter
  • Thyroid tumor 
  • Thyroid nodules 
  • Hyperthyroidism  

Endoscopy

Different endoscopic procedures are used for investigation, diagnosis or treatment. It uses a long flexible tube with a camera and light at the end. It is used to view the different areas of the body and assist during surgery. 

To minimize scarring, it is often inserted through a small incision. A body cavity can also be used as an entry point such as the mouth, urethra or anus. When it is inserted through a body cavity, it can be a scarless surgery. In general surgery practice, common endoscopy procedures performed include: 

  • Colonoscopy 
  • PEG placement (feeding tube)
  • Upper endoscopy 

Minimally invasive surgery

Different types of minimally invasive surgeries are made possible with the help of laparoscopic techniques and endoscopic procedures. During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon inserts narrow tubes into the abdomen through small incisions. Then, they insert long narrow instruments through the tubes to manipulate, cut and sew tissue. While performing surgery, the surgeon may also use an endoscopic camera to gain visibility inside. 

Candidacy for minimally invasive surgeries vary from patient to patient. They are a beneficial option because they often involve smaller incisions and result in a faster recovery time. Common procedures performed with minimally invasive techniques include: 

  • Adrenal
  • Colorectal
  • Gallbladder surgery
  • Heller myotomy for achalasia
  • Hernia surgery and repair
  • Splenectomy
  • Single incision cholecystectomy

Robotic surgeries

Robot assisted surgery consists of a surgeon controlling a robotic surgical system. This technique gives surgeons more precision, flexibility and control.  The system has mechanical arms with attached surgical instruments. Surgeons control these arms through a computer console. The system camera also provides a high-definition, magnified and 3D view of the surgical site.

Robotic surgeries we offer include: 

  • Robotic single incision cholecystectomy
  • Robotic bariatric surgery
  • Robotic gallbladder surgery
  • Robotic colon resection
  • Robotic hiatal hernia repair
  • Robotic inguinal hernia repair

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive or robotic surgery is right for you.