Aneurysms
An aneurysm is an arterial blood vessel that has weakened and become enlarged. Untreated, aneurysms can rupture, leading to massive bleeding or sudden death. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysms. The vascular lab in our office allows us to detect aneurysms with an ultrasound machine and obtain precise measurements to see if aneurysms are enlarging. Our surgeons offer both the traditional surgical repair of aneurysms and the newer, less invasive, endovascular repair.

Breast Diseases
Breast cancer strikes approximately 200,000 women in the United States each year. Our surgeons offer expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and other benign diseases of the breast. We are able to provide ultrasound guided biopsies in our office. This simplifies and speeds the evaluation of many breast disorders. Because breast cancer is such a frightening disease, we strive to see any woman with an abnormal mammogram or any patient with a suspicious breast lump within days.

For further information regarding breast cancer, we recommend the following website: American Cancer Society

Cancer
In addition to breast cancer and colorectal cancer, which are discussed separately, we evaluate and treat a large variety of cancers. These include cancers of the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, gall bladder, liver, thyroid and skin, including melanoma. We often are asked to obtain biopsies to diagnosis other malignancies, such as lymphoma, that are not typically treated by surgery. Finally, many patients undergoing chemotherapy require a device called a Portacath to be implanted in their veins to make chemotherapy safer and more comfortable.

For further information, visit: American Cancer Society

Carotid Artery Disease
The carotid artery is the major blood vessel in the neck that carries blood to the brain. If it becomes narrowed or blocked by plaque (atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries”) a stroke or TIA (“mini-stroke”) may occur. We evaluate patients for the presence and severity of these blockages using non-invasive testing and recommend surgical correction when appropriate.

Crohn's Disease
See: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Colorectal cancer can be prevented or detected at an early stage by appropriate screening tests. When detected at an early stage, colorectal cancer is highly curable with surgical removal. The vast majority of patients do not require a colostomy, or “bag.”

For further information, please visit the following websites:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
American Cancer Society

Gall Bladder Disease
Gall bladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. While often thought of as a problem affecting middle aged women, gallstones can form in adult men or women of any age. Since 1990, most cholecystectomies have been performed with a laparoscope, which minimizes discomfort and allows for a faster recovery from surgery. We perform over ??? cholecystectomies each year, many on an outpatient basis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Heartburn affects 40% of Americans and 18 million people take medications for GERD. This condition occurs when acid from the stomach washes into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from mouth to stomach). It has a variety of causes including hiatal hernia (an enlargement of the normal opening in the diaphragm) and poor esophageal function. Medications and lifestyle changes control the symptoms in most patients. Some patients are not responsive to medications or cannot take medications due to side effects. These patients are generally candidates for surgical correction. Anti-reflux surgery is usually done laparoscopically with 4 or 5 small incisions allowing patients to return to normal activities in about 2 weeks. Our surgeons were the first in Mid-Missouri to offer laparoscopic surgery for GERD and are experienced in the evaluation and treatment of patients with this condition.

Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are naturally occurring veins in the anal area that may become enlarged and produce pain, swelling or bleeding. For many patients, following a high fiber diet, drinking more fluids and other simple measures are all that is required to relieve symptoms. For more severe problems, however, we offer a variety of surgical treatments. These include hemorrhoid banding, which can be performed in the office, often on the patient’s initial visit. We also offer the new “stapled hemorrhoidectomy,” or “PPH,” which is a less painful alternative to traditional hemorrhoid surgery and is performed on an outpatient basis.

For further information, we recommend the following websites:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Ethicon Endo-surgery

Hernias
A hernia is a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall that allows a bulge or a lump to develop. They are more common in men than in women and commonly occur in the groin area. They may also occur in old surgical incisions. Hernias can be repaired in many ways and our surgeons offer many different types of repair depending on the patient’s needs. The majority of inguinal (groin) hernias are repaired on an outpatient basis using a laparoscopic repair that minimizes discomfort and allows for rapid recovery.

Hiatal hernia
See: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are two distinct diseases of the intestine. Both can cause symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in the stool and weight loss. Both conditions are usually treated medically when first diagnosed. However, both may require surgery for complications of the disease that do not respond to medical therapy. We assist in the evaluation and management of patients with IBD. If surgery becomes necessary, we have experience in a wide range of procedures for IBD, including the so-called “pull through” procedure that avoids the need for a permanent ileostomy, or “bag,” for patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

There is much good information available regarding IBD at:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF)

Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disease refers to blockages that can occur in the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs. Such blockages are common in certain groups of patients, including diabetics and smokers. Our vascular surgeons evaluate these blockages with ultrasound examinations (available in our office) and arteriograms (x-rays of the blood vessels) which are performed at the hospital. They have a variety of surgical techniques to offer patients with severe blockages. These include traditional surgical procedures, such as bypass grafts, and endovascular procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting, that do not require large incisions.

For further information, we recommend the following website: Vascular Web

Ulcerative Colitis
See: Inflammatory Bowel Disease