General Surgery | St. Joseph Medical Center

Our Approach

At St. Joseph Medical Center, our general surgery team uses the newest, safest technology available, including minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain and recovery time. We create individual plans for procedures - and patient safety during surgery is always our top priority.

We perform a wide range of general surgeries (many using minimally invasive techniques), including surgical management of the following:

Appendix
Gallbladder
GERD
Hernia
Spleen
Colon
Breast
Skin
Anus/Rectum (as well as hemorrhoids)

St. Joe’s also offers specialty surgeries including:

Dental surgery
Diagnostic surgery
Ear, nose and throat surgery
Gastroscopy/colonoscopy procedures
Hysterectomy
Neurosurgery
Obstetric and gynecologic surgery
Orthopedic surgery
Trauma surgery

GERD

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach acid, bile and enzymes repeatedly flow back up the esophagus. This results in acid reflux, heartburn and often chest pain. GERD is common, affecting about 20% of the US population. Without treatment, it can lead to serious health complications.

EGD screening

We provide EGD diagnostic screening for GERD. EGD (esophagogastric duodenoscopy) is a simple procedure using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end). The endoscope is placed down your throat to look at your esophagus and identify whether GERD is the cause of your symptoms.

GERD treatment

If diagnosed, initial treatments include diet and lifestyle changes and medications, but when these don’t work, surgery is often recommended.
If surgery is needed, our team is prepared to discuss surgical treatment options to find the best procedure for your individual needs.

Tips for Managing Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD

Heartburn that happens 2-3 times a week could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious form of acid reflux that can damage the lining of the esophagus. If you have chronic heartburn, talk to your health care provider.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.

Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It feels like a burning sensation in the center of the chest, and sometimes in the throat.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up, or “refluxes,” into the esophagus toward the throat. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and a sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.

GERD is a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs at least 2-3 times a week. If untreated, GERD can cause inflammation (esophagitis) or changes in the lining of the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus). Barrett’s esophagus may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

While chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, it’s not the only one. Less common symptoms can include:

Non-burning chest pain
Difficulty swallowing (called dysphagia), or food getting stuck in the esophagus
Painful swallowing (called odynophagia)
Persistent laryngitis or hoarseness
Persistent sore throat
Chronic cough
Asthma that’s new or occurs only at night
Regurgitation of foods or fluids, or the taste of acid in the throat
Feeling as if there’s a lump in the throat
Worsening dental disease
Waking up with a choking sensation

If you have persistent acid reflux symptoms two or more times per week, despite taking over-the-counter medication, it may be time to see your primary care provider. In addition, contact your provider for advice if you have any of these symptoms:

Difficulty swallowing, or pain when swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in your vomit, or dark-colored stools
Symptoms that worsen or interfere with daily activities

Your primary care provider can help you find the right treatment based on your symptoms, and may refer you to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive conditions) if appropriate.* If your condition is serious, you may need to see a surgeon.

*Some PPO insurance plans allow you to go straight to a gastroenterologist without a referral if symptoms are severe. Check with your insurance.

Two treatment approaches can offer effective relief for moderate to severe GERD symptoms:

Prescription medications: Most people gain good control of their symptoms with medications such as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec. Known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), these drugs reduce acid production by blocking the acid pumps (or proton pumps) in the stomach. More powerful than over-the-counter medicines, PPIs are the most effective medications available for controlling acid reflux.
Surgery: If PPIs cause side effects or don’t control your symptoms, surgery may be an effective option. It can help strengthen the sphincter between your stomach and your esophagus, making it a better barrier to acid reflux.

Over-the-counter medicines can help treat occasional mild (once a week or less) heartburn:

Antacids, such as Tums and Mylanta, neutralize the acid in your stomach. They work quickly, but only for a short time.
H2 blockers, such as Pepcid and Zantac, reduce acid production. They take longer to start working, but provide relief for 6-12 hours.

In addition, these lifestyle changes are known to help prevent or reduce reflux and GERD symptoms:

Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just a few pounds may reduce your symptoms.
Avoid trigger foods that promote reflux, such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, fatty foods and carbonated beverages.
Avoid large meals and late-night eating, and don’t lie down after eating.
Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
Quit smoking. Smoking weakens the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, reduces the production of acid-buffering saliva, and causes coughing, which pushes acid into the esophagus.

Hernia Repair

Is a hernia holding you back from enjoying life to the fullest? At St. Joseph Medical Center we understand the impact that a hernia can have on your daily activities and your overall quality of life. That's why we're dedicated to providing expert hernia repair that gets you back to doing the things you love.

We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we tailor our treatment plans to meet your individual needs and preferences.

About hernias

Hernias can occur in the abdomen, groin or diaphragm. While most abdominal hernias aren’t considered emergencies, they can be painful and interfere with your quality of life. Based on the severity of the hernia, it may need to be surgically repaired. Many patients undergo elective surgery to prevent the possible complication of a strangulated hernia in the future.

Hernias do not go away on their own. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the signs and symptoms of a hernia:

Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum (the pouch that contains the testicles)
Increased pain at the site of the bulge
Pain while lifting
Increase in the bulge size over time
A dull aching sensation
A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction

Hernia types include:

Inguinal hernia - located in the groin, one of the most common types of hernia
Femoral hernia - less common groin hernia
Incisional hernia - hernias that result from an incision in a previous operation
Ventral hernia - occurs on your anterior abdominal wall and can be present at birth or developed later
Spigelian hernia - can be difficult to detect as it is a hernia that does not involve all layers of the abdominal wall so the bulge may not be as obvious

Treating hernias

Our surgeons offer minimally invasive hernia procedures and surgeries on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Treatments include:

Open surgical repair - one incision, usually over the hernia
Laparoscopic repair - multiple small incisions, usually away from the hernia

Both repairs close the hernia using sutures, mesh, or both. Deciding which option is best is based on multiple factors, is highly individual, and is determined after an in depth discussion with your surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

You may need hernia surgery if you have persistent symptoms, such as pain or discomfort that interferes with daily activities, or if your healthcare provider recommends surgery due to the risk of complications.

Yes, hernia surgery is generally safe, with low complication rates. Modern surgical techniques and advancements in technology have significantly improved outcomes and reduced the risk of complications.

The recovery process varies depending on the type of surgery performed and individual factors. Typically, patients can expect some discomfort and activity restrictions in the days following surgery, with gradual improvement over several weeks.

Your healthcare provider may recommend dietary or lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding heavy lifting or straining, and gradually resuming normal activities. It's essential to follow your provider's instructions for a smooth recovery.

While hernia surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and recurrence of the hernia. Your healthcare provider will discuss these risks with you before surgery.

The duration of hernia surgery varies depending on the complexity of the hernia and the chosen surgical technique. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Colon Care

Colon screening

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to image, inspect and diagnose conditions within the lower gastrointestinal tract and digestive system.

It is recommended that colonoscopy screenings begin at the age of 45. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer may be encouraged to begin screenings earlier (your primary care doctor can provide recommendations for your specific situation).

A colonoscopy uses a scope with a thin tube that has a tiny camera at the end called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is inserted through your rectum and displays images of your colon through a monitor in real-time.

With a colonoscopy, your doctor can carefully evaluate sensitive conditions like ulcers, polyps, cancer, or other colorectal issues such as inflammation and infections. The detailed images created by the colonoscope also allow for accurate diagnoses of colon cancer and help determine next steps for cancer treatment.

Colon surgery

If your colonoscopy results in any concerns, our team will evaluate the results and work with you on necessary next steps. Often, surgery can correct or improve many conditions. And, if colon cancer is found, 90% of cases can be cured when caught early.

There are many types of colon surgeries we perform right here, close to home.

Breast Care

Breast screening

Mammograms use low energy X-rays to examine the breast as a diagnostic and screening tool to detect the early presence of breast cancer.

Mammograms are recommended annually for women age 45 to 54. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every 2 years, or continue yearly screening. Some women are at an increased risk for breast cancer and may be encouraged to begin screenings earlier (your primary care doctor can provide recommendations for your specific situation).

St. Joseph Medical Center’s imaging department provides easy scheduling for mammograms. You can schedule a mammogram today by calling 406-883-8402.

If our imaging team finds something that needs a second look, we’ll help you navigate next steps to get immediate care.

Breast surgery

If it’s determined breast surgery is needed, our expert general surgery team is here to provide personalized, compassionate care. We treat a variety of breast conditions including:

Breast cancer:

Lumpectomy
Mastectomy

Benign breast disease, such as:

Cysts
Mastitis
Benign breast lumps
Breast pain
Breast abscess

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Getting a Referral

Most insurance requires a referral from a primary care provider prior to being seen for an initial evaluation. Please reach out to your primary care provider to request your referral, or call our office for further assistance. You can reach us at 406-883-5680.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, we can help you find one using our provider directory.