Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2018

Q What types of surgeriesdogeneral surgeonsdo? Answer: Despite what is implied by its name, the field of general surgery is a surgical specialty with a primary focus on abdominal, breast, skin and soft tissue procedures. General surgeons are experts in procedures of the gastrointestinal tract. These proce- dures range from diagnostic, such as endoscopy, to therapeutic, such as appendectomy. The approach to many abdominal procedures has evolved from open surgery to primarily minimally invasive surgery. Use of minimally invasive laparoscopy and robotics has been shown to minimize postoperative pain and shorten the length of overall recovery. First in the ER Emergency procedures are also common in the field of general surgery. Appendectomy, cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery) and hernia repairs are among the most frequently performed emergency procedures. Additionally, trauma patients require an emergency response from general surgeons. In a trauma setting, the general surgeon is typically the first surgical specialist to meet the patient. The general surgeon assesses the patient upon arrival to the emergency department, then directs the subsequent care of that patient. This care can range from lifesaving surgical intervention to coordinating care from other specialists for a multiple-injury patient. Cancer treatment andmore General surgeons are also experienced in surgical cancer treatment. This includes gastro- intestinal, skin, soft tissue and breast cancer. Due to the high incidence of breast cancer, mastectomy and partial mastectomy are among the most common general surgery proce- dures. Colorectal cancer is another common disease, making minimally invasive colon and rectal resections frequent. General surgeons are often called on to provide care for the sickest patients in the hospital, the traumatically injured and the critically ill. We pride ourselves on being able to perform a broad spectrum of surgical procedures, ranging from elective to emergency surgery. Your surgical team To learn more about Kootenai Clinic General Surgery, visit KH.org/general-surgery or call (208) 625-5201 . Ask the Expert Heidi Jackson, M.D., Kootenai Clinic General Surgery 22