Upon first hearing about abdominal surgeries as a potential treatment option, people can feel unsettled and nervous. After all, when discussing the abdominal region, key organs are involved— stomach, liver, kidney, gallbladder, spleen, and intestines.
At EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region our board-certified Surgical Specialists are skilled and proficient in helping patients feel confident in knowing they will receive the top care in the Triangle region, backed with the latest surgical advancements and innovations.
Innovations in Abdominal Surgeries
Our Triangle Region Surgical Team specializes in an innovative, minimally-invasive surgical technique called laparoscopy. Laparoscopy utilizes tiny cameras and small surgical instruments that enable surgeons to perform procedures through a small incision. Minimally-invasive surgical techniques often allow patients to return home quicker and heal faster than they would from traditional, “open” abdominal procedures.
At EmergeOrtho, we specialize in the following abdominal surgeries:
Appendectomy
An appendectomy refers to the removal of the appendix, which is most often performed for acute appendicitis (infection of the appendix). If left untreated, an infected appendix may burst and cause an abdominal infection, resulting in severe illness. If the appendix bursts prior to surgery and the infection spreads to other organs, open surgery may be the only option. With open surgery comes a longer recovery time, larger incision, and a higher risk of complication.
If the appendix has not yet burst, laparoscopic appendectomy will likely be performed. This surgical technique involves the use of tiny cameras and small surgical instruments inserted through small incisions. The appendix is removed, and the incisions are then closed with sutures, surgical clips, or glue. Patients can usually return home within 24 hours and return to regular activities within a few days.
Colectomy
A colectomy is the surgical removal of a section of the large intestine or bowel. This procedure is typically performed to treat:
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Diverticulitis
- Colorectal Polyps
- Colorectal Cancer
During a laparoscopic colectomy, several small incisions are made in the abdomen where tiny cameras and small surgical instruments are inserted. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide so that the surgeons can see the organs and intestines clearly.
The diseased portion of the colon and/or tumor is then removed, and the colon is sewn back together. If the colon cannot be sewn back together, the ends of the intestine are joined together. The incisions are then closed with sutures, surgical clips, or glue.
Cholecystectomy
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pouch that stores bile produced by the liver. If the bile crystallizes, painful gallstones can form. Gallstones are the leading cause of gallbladder removal.
During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, several small incisions are made in the abdomen where tiny cameras and small surgical instruments are inserted. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide so that the surgeons are able to have a clear view of the organs and intestines. The gallbladder is then removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures, surgical clips, or glue.
Splenectomy
A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, which is an organ in the upper-left portion of the abdomen. It serves an important role in the immune system, filtering out damaged/old cells out of the bloodstream. Removing the spleen can leave the immune system compromised, so certain vaccinations and antibiotics may be needed.
Spleen removal is often needed due to:
- Injury/Trauma
- Enlarged/Ruptured Spleen
- Certain Blood Disorders
- Large Cysts
- Cancer
- Infection
During a laparoscopic splenectomy, a few small incisions are made in the abdomen where tiny cameras and small surgical instruments are inserted. The spleen is then removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures, surgical clips, or glue.
EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region: Leaders in Abdominal Surgery
If you are in need of abdominal surgery, you can trust the team at EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region to provide you with unparalleled patient care and the latest surgical approaches.
Schedule an appointment now or call us at (919) 220-5255 to learn how we can help you Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.