Surgery at Culbertson: Keep Your Procedures Local
Scheduling a surgical procedure can make many feel anxious, especially when considering the prospect of a long trip out of town. Being far away from home, family, and friends — not to mention the thought of commuting home while recovering — can make any surgery feel foreboding, no matter how necessary or beneficial it is. However, keeping your surgery close to home can help relieve some of those concerns and put you at ease during the important process of rebuilding your strength. Check out this list of surgical procedures available at Culbertson Memorial Hospital and learn more about how your hometown healthcare providers can help provide a much-needed sense of comfort.
Adenoidectomy
This procedure to remove the adenoid glands is usually performed in pediatric patients and often at the same time as a tonsillectomy. Adenoidectomy is recommended when enlarged adenoids block the patient’s airways or when chronic ear infections occur despite antibiotic use, leading to hearing loss.
Breast Biopsy
During a breast biopsy, a surgeon will remove a piece of breast tissue or tumor to be analyzed, after which doctors can determine if the mass is cancerous. Types of breast biopsies include:
- Fine needle aspiration — A thin, hollow needle attached to a syringe withdraws tissue or fluid.
- Core needle biopsy — A larger, hollow needle draws a sample from a mass felt by a physician or detected by ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. This is the preferred method if cancer is suspected.
- Surgical or open biopsy — A portion of the mass is removed surgically for examination.
- Lymph node biopsy — Surgeons will check the lymph nodes to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body using core needle biopsy, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and/or an axillary lymph node dissection.
Bunionectomy
A bunionectomy is a type of surgery that corrects bunions by bringing the big toe back to its correct position while also realigning the bones of the toe. This procedure is recommended for patients who experience significant pain in the foot limiting everyday activities, chronic inflammation of the big toe and swelling that does not improve, and deformity of the big toe causing it to cross over other toes.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Also known as carpal tunnel release, this procedure treats carpal tunnel syndrome, which is when the median nerve in the wrist is squeezed or compressed. The procedure may be performed with an open release — which is when the surgeon makes an incision in the palm of the hand and divides the transverse carpal ligament to increase the size of the tunnel and relieve pressure on the nerve — or endoscopic release, which is when the surgeon makes one or two small incisions and uses a special knife aided by an endoscope to divide the ligament.
Circumcision
Performed on male infants, circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. Circumcision is an elective surgery but is only performed if the child is healthy.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope to detect the presence of colorectal polyps or cancers. Polyps may be removed during the procedure and analyzed in a lab to determine if they’re cancerous. Patients are put under sedation and feel nothing for the duration of the procedure, which usually takes only about 30 minutes.
Cubital Tunnel Surgery
Also called cubital tunnel release, this procedure treats the compression or stretching of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Cubital tunnel surgical techniques may include:
- Simple decompression or releasing the tunnel over the nerve to relieve pressure. This may be done in open surgery or with an endoscope.
- Transposition or moving the nerve to a place in front of the elbow. This relieves pressure and stretching.
- Medial epicondylectomy or removing the bone at the elbow over which the nerve passes in the tunnel. This technique carries the highest rate of complications, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is an examination of the bladder and urethra using a cystoscope, which is similar to an endoscope or colonoscope. This procedure is used to detect the presence of cancers or other bladder problems.
EGD (Upper Endoscopy)
Also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy, an upper endoscopy or EGD is an examination of the upper digestive tract — including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum — with an endoscope. An EGD is a common procedure for gastroenterologists to detect the presence of gastrointestinal disorders.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
An endoscopic mucosal resection or EMR is a procedure in which an endoscope is used to find and remove abnormal growths or tissue from the digestive tract. EMR may be used to help diagnose and treat some early-stage cancers, Barrett esophagus, or precancerous conditions.
Esophageal Dilation
During this procedure, a surgeon uses a pneumatic balloon to relieve dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing.
Excision of Breast Lesions
Also called breast lump removal, excisional breast biopsy, or lumpectomy, the excision of breast lesions is a surgery to remove a breast mass suspected of containing cancer. Removal of breast lesions is usually an outpatient procedure and may be completed in about one hour.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera called a sigmoidoscope examines the rectum and lower colon. A flexible sigmoidoscopy may show irritated or swollen tissue, ulcers, polyps, and cancer.
Foreign Body Removal
Foreign body removal is simply the removal of a foreign object from any part of the body. This can include objects inserted into the ears or nose, or objects that have been swallowed.
Ganglion Cyst Removal
This surgery is the removal of a ganglion cyst, which is a fluid-filled, noncancerous lump on the wrist, hands, ankles, or feet. Ganglion cyst removal is usually an outpatient procedure completed under local or general anesthesia.
Hammer Toe Surgery
Hammer toe surgery is a surgical procedure to correct hammer toe, which is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe causing the toe to bend at the middle joint.
Techniques may include:
- Tendon lengthening, which lengthens the tendons causing joint imbalance.
- Tendon transfer, which takes tendons from the bottom part of the toe and places them on the top part, pulling the tendon into a straight position.
- Arthrodesis or joint fusion, during which a small part of the bone in the toe joint is removed to ensure the toe can extend fully.
An external wire or pin or internal plate holds the bones in place while the bones fuse together. This technique is used for patients with a rigid toe joint.
Hydrocelectomy
Hydrocelectomy is a procedure to remove a hydrocele, or a buildup of fluid around one of the testicles, which is common in male children. During this outpatient procedure, a small incision is made in the scrotum and the hydrocele is drained using suction.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC)
During this minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder, four small incisions are made in the abdomen and the gallbladder is removed using specialized tools and a laparoscope.
Laparoscopic Epigastric Hernia Repair
This form of hernia repair is a correction of an epigastric hernia, or a hernia of the upper abdomen between the bellybutton and sternum. Surgery is the only treatment for this type of hernia and patients only need a couple of sutures and often go home the same day.
Laparoscopic & Open Inguinal Hernia
Another hernia repair, this is the treatment for an inguinal hernia, which is when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles and bulges in the groin. The surgery may be completed through open surgery — during which the surgeon makes an incision in the groin to view and repair the hernia and the abdominal wall closed with stitches and mesh — or laparoscopic surgery, where the surgeon makes several small incisions in the lower abdomen and uses special tools and a laparoscope to correct the hernia. Recovery time is usually shorter with laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic & Open Umbilical Hernia Repair
This is the correction of an umbilical hernia, where tissue bulges through an opening in the abdominal muscles near the bellybutton.
Myringotomy
A myringotomy is the placement of ear tubes. This procedure is most commonly performed on pediatric patients with chronic or recurring ear infections. Surgery is done while the patient is under anesthesia and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Port Insertion & Removal
During a port insertion, a central venous catheter is implanted underneath the skin to allow easy access to the veins for blood draws or intravenous treatments like chemotherapy.
Prostate Biopsy with Ultrasound
A prostate biopsy is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a small sample of prostate tissue to be analyzed for cancer. Samples may be collected through core needle biopsy — the main method performed by a urologist — in which a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the prostate through either a hole in the wall of the rectum or through the perinium. Approximately 12 samples are then collected.
Tonsillectomy
This is the surgical removal of the tonsils. The surgeon places a tool into the patient's mouth to keep it open and either cuts, burns, or shaves the tonsils away. Wounds heal naturally and without stitches.
Trigger Finger Surgery
As the name suggests, this is a procedure to correct trigger finger, a condition affecting the tendons in the finger and resulting in a locking or catching sensation when fingers are bent or straightened. Also known as trigger finger release, this surgery divides the A1 pulley to allow the flexor tendon to glide across the tendon sheath more easily.
Vascular Surgery
Vascular surgery refers to a variety of surgeries that treat conditions affecting the body's blood vessels. These procedures may be recommended when vascular diseases become advanced or increase the risk of negative health outcomes. Surgeries may include ablation, angioplasty, stent placement, stent graft placement, and thrombolytic therapy.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is the sterilization of the male reproductive organs. During this procedure, the vas deferens is cut or blocked to prevent sperm from being carried from the testicles to the urethra. Vasectomies are outpatient procedures done under local anesthesia; the patient can return home the same day.