Our Surgical Services

Comprehensive general surgery care tailored to your individual health needs.

Thyroid Surgery

Gallbladder Surgery

Hernia Surgery

Endoscopy

Thyroid Surgery

asian doctor is explaining illness situation with thyroid gland model and ultrasound picture to elderly man in hospital

What is a Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland on the front of the neck that controls metabolism and is often called the thermostat of the body.

Thyroid Conditions

There are many disorders of the thyroid gland that can occur and most do not require surgery.

Hypothyroidism- A condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism- A condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid problems that may necessitate surgery include hyperthyroidism resistant to medical management, an enlarged thyroid gland that is causing symptoms, suspicious thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

What is the Gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small muscular sac that is attached to the underside of the liver and stores bile. Bile helps aid your digestion.

Liver with gallbladder, pancreas spleen and duodenum, Asian doctor holding human anatomy model for study diagnosis and treatment in hospital.

What Are Gallbladder Issues?

Gallbladder issues can cause indigestion, right-sided abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, and, rarely, pancreatitis.

What is Gallbladder Surgery?

Surgery to remove the gallbladder can be for gallstones or gallbladder dysfunction, called biliary dyskinesia. The surgery to remove the gallbladder is normally performed laparoscopically with 4 small incisions. It is an outpatient surgery and often is completed at the surgery center.

Surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of any tissue through an area that it doesn't belong. Hernias are most often found in the abdominal wall. They can, however, occur anywhere in the body.

What is Hernia Surgery?

There are multiple different ways to repair a hernia depending on size, location, overall health and baseline activity level of a patient. Your surgeon will review your symptoms, goals for quality of life and expectations, and create a surgical plan that is tailored to your needs. Many hernias require a scaffold, or mesh material, for your scar tissue to heal in a strong and lasting manner, but some hernias can simply require repair with suture.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgery can address multiple issues, including benign growths, nipple discharge, or cancer.

The most common form of treatment for breast cancer is surgery to remove the breast tumor. Some patients with breast cancer may have chemotherapy first to shrink the tumor. By making the breast tumor smaller, patients may have the option of breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy.

We understand how difficult having breast cancer is and will walk with you through the entire process, keeping your goals and priorities at the forefront of your treatment. We are sensitive to each patient’s feelings and needs and work closely with you for the best possible surgical outcome.

Breast Biopsy

Most abnormalities in the breast are found on physical exam, mammogram, or ultrasound. If you need a biopsy, it is often performed at Montrose Regional Health by a radiologist under imaging guidance. Many benign, non-cancerous growths do not require surgery. These include fibroadenomas and cysts. If it is a growing lesion or painful, a small lumpectomy can remove the lesion, often with good cosmetic.

Mastectomy

If a mastectomy is determined to be the best surgical option for a cure, the breast can be reconstructed at the same time as surgery or at a later time.

Checking Lymph Nodes

Surgery is also used to check the lymph nodes under the arm for cancer. Options for this include a sentinel lymph node biopsy, which removes 1-4 lymph nodes, or an axillary (armpit) lymph node dissection, which removes 10-30 lymph nodes.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women, where abnormal cells in the colon or rectum divide uncontrollably, eventually forming a malignant tumor. Colon cancer is successfully treated for many patients with a combination of surgery and sometimes chemotherapy.

The rates of new colon cancer cases and deaths for adults are decreasing due to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation to screen for colon cancer beginning at age 45.

Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery

Surgery of the colon refers to the removal of the abnormal segment of the colon and reconnecting the two ends (colectomy). In rare circumstances, a colostomy may need to be created. This is where the intestine drains into a bag through the abdominal wall. This may be temporary or permanent.

Most colectomies performed at Colorado West General Surgery are performed through a minimally invasive approach. This is also known as laparoscopy. This refers to surgery utilizing multiple small incisions instead of a single large abdominal incision (open or traditional colectomy). A lighted telescope is used to magnify the intestines. With the help of various grasping tools, the colon is removed and reconnected. This offers a less painful alternative to traditional colon surgery and a quicker recovery.

Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women, in which abnormal cells in the colon or rectum divide uncontrollably, eventually forming a malignant tumor. The rates of new colon cancer cases and deaths for adults aged 50 years or older are decreasing due to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation to screen for colon cancer beginning at age 50. This preventative test makes a difference in your overall health and well-being!

A colonoscopy can discover precancerous polyps so that they can be removed before becoming cancerous, as well as find colorectal cancer early when it can be more treatable. Colonoscopy may also be indicated if you have blood or black in your stools, changes in bowel movements like new diarrhea or constipation, and follow-up for diverticulitis or colitis to assure normal healing.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation and infection of small pockets that form from high pressure in the colon wall. Many people have pockets, diverticula, without any symptoms or issues over their entire life. They are only aware they are present due to a colonoscopy or visualization on a CT scan. A high fiber diet is the best prevention to avoid diverticulitis. It is recommended to eat 25-30 grams of fiber per day.

When you have a diverticulitis attack, it is often treated with pain medication, antibiotics, and a liquid diet. Occasionally, you need to be hospitalized for complete bowel rest and IV antibiotics.

If attacks are severe or frequent, surgery may be advised. The surgeon removes the affected part of the colon and joins the remaining sections. This type of surgery, called colon resection, aims to keep attacks from coming back and to prevent complications. We may also recommend surgery for complications of a fistula or intestinal obstruction. Many times, this surgery can be performed laparoscopically, which allows for smaller incisions and faster healing.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are normal blood vessels around your rectum and anus. They can become enlarged and symptomatic, causing bleeding, pain, itching, and anal leakage. Hemorrhoids are typically managed without surgery initially. We will review different lifestyle modifications to help manage your hemorrhoid symptoms. If symptoms fail to improve, various other personalized treatment options are available. These symptoms range from anti-inflammatory suppositories, office-based banding of internal hemorrhoids, or surgical excision of internal or external hemorrhoids.

Endoscopy

This procedure helps to diagnose and follow known disorders of the upper GI tract including ulcers, cancer, trouble swallowing, anemia, pain, acid reflux, and Barrett's esophagus.

Healthy Human Body with Digestive System Anatomy. Conceptual 3D medical illustration on a clean, abstract background, highlighting the full gastrointestinal tract and overall wellness.

Direct Colonoscopy

Direct colonoscopy allows healthy adults to schedule a colonoscopy without an initial office visit. Our office staff will get all of your information over the phone, saving you time and the expense of an office visit. We understand that patients can have hectic schedules, and finding time to see a doctor can be a difficult task. The goal of this program is to make sure that busy patients have absolutely no reason to skip this important test.

Who is a Candidate for Direct Colonoscopy?

Patients are offered the opportunity to participate in this type of colon cancer screening program based on a review of their health records, medical history, and risk factors. These might include age, personal or family history of colon polyps, family history of colon cancer, or certain signs of potential cancer. This program is not intended for patients who have serious symptoms that might need to be discussed in detail before a colonoscopy. Healthy patients without any serious medical problems are eligible for a direct colonoscopy.

Is Having a Colonoscopy Without a Consultation OK?

For patients who are appropriate candidates for this type of program, the answer is “Yes.” A study including almost 16,000 patients was conducted from 2006 through 2010 by the Henry Ford Hospital to find out how well direct colonoscopy programs work. The results showed conclusively that direct colonoscopy programs are both safe and effective. The patient outcomes, including risks and complications, were no higher for direct colonoscopy patients than for patients who received a consultation. This type of initiative can save lives by ensuring

that patients can easily access this important screening test. Patients still receive one-on-one attention over the phone and email, covering all the necessary instructions, information, and education about the colonoscopy prior to their procedure.

What if a Patient Does Want a Consultation?

Participation in our direct colonoscopy program is simply a convenience that many patients find helpful. We will never rush you to make any decision regarding your medical care. If you have any questions or concerns that are not fully addressed prior to your procedure, or if you would feel more comfortable or confident with more time to speak with our surgeons, please do schedule a consultation.

Robotic Surgery

3d rendering robotic assisted surgery with dummy patient in operating room

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive way for our surgeons to perform certain operations using advanced technology. During the procedure, your surgeon controls small surgical instruments attached to robotic arms while viewing the surgical area on a high-definition, 3D screen. The robot does not operate on its own—your surgeon is in full control at all times.
At our practice, robotic surgery is commonly used for:

Abdominal wall hernias
Inguinal hernias
Paraesophageal and hiatal hernias
Colectomies (colon surgery)

Robotic surgery is performed through a few small incisions rather than one large cut. This approach allows for precise movements and better visualization, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery.
For many patients, robotic surgery may offer benefits such as:

Less pain after surgery
Smaller scars
Lower risk of infection
Shorter hospital stays
Faster return to daily activities

Recovery is often quicker than with open surgery. Many patients are able to get out of bed soon after surgery, begin eating within hours, and go home the same day or the next day, depending on the procedure.

Robotic surgery is not the best choice for every patient. Your surgeon will consider your specific condition, medical history, and surgical needs when deciding which approach is safest and most effective for you.