General Surgeon

A physician performing a wide range of surgical procedures on many parts of the human body including breast surgery, hernia repair, and surgery for diseases of the endocrine organs such as the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It also includes Oncologic Surgery for removal of both benign and malignant tumors. It includes Gastrointestinal Surgery for treatment of diseases of the stomach, gall bladder and biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, appendix, and the colon and rectum.

A general surgeon has specialized knowledge and skill relating to the diagnosis, pre-operative, operative, and postoperative management of surgical problems.

The surgeons of Council Bluffs Surgical Associates provide compassionate, superior patient care.

The general surgeons at Council Bluffs Surgical Associates can also perform diagnostic tests such as endoscopy for examining internal organs. General surgeons may work with or refer patients to members of other specialties to ensure the best treatment program for each patient. In addition, general surgeons provide their expertise to Cancer Care.

Surgery, as defined by the American Medical Association, is the treatment of disease, injury, or other disorders by direct physical intervention, usually with instruments. Surgery involves the cutting into the skin or other organ to accomplish any of the following goals:

• further explore the condition for the purpose of diagnosis
• take a biopsy of a suspicious lump
• remove diseased tissues or organs
• remove an obstruction
• reposition structures to their normal position
• redirect channels
• transplant tissue or whole organs
• implant mechanical or electronic devices
• improve physical appearance

Many Americans face surgery every year, both elective and in cases of emergency. When facing surgery, patients should expect to go through several phases:

• Surgical Diagnosis: Surgical diagnosis is made after medical tests and evaluations reveal a condition requiring surgery.

• Preoperative Management: The preoperative management phase begins from the time surgery is decided to the point when the patient is brought to the operating room.

• Operative Care: The operative care phase lasts from the time the patient enters the operating room to when the patient goes to the recovery room.