Procedures

A Skin Cancer Resection is a surgical procedure where a tumor is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who already identified the presence of skin cancer on their skin. Different techniques can be applied, depending on the size and location of the tumor.

Usually, the skin cancer is extracted with a small blade or scissors. The removed skin tissue is analyzed by a pathologist, and the affected area gets either sutured or treated to prevent further bleeding. Healing occurs naturally in a matter of days.

A Skin Grafting is a surgical procedure where a damaged skin area gets covered with skin from other body parts.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have skin that does not seem to heal. Once the patient is under anesthesia, healthy skin from a "donor site" gets removed, and then placed on the severely damaged skin.

The donor site will vary depending on the amount of skin graft needed. Usually, the patient will be discharged quickly. When the procedure is more complicated, such as when the surgery is done on the patient's chest, it might take up to 2 weeks. Additionally, the skin graft must be protected for several weeks, in order for it to heal properly.

A Breast Biopsy is a surgical procedure where tissue is removed from the breast to determine if it is cancerous.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who present a suspicious abnormality in their breasts. Commonly, these are benign, such as cysts (fluid-filled lumps) or benign tumors (solid lumps). However, in order to discard the possibility of breast cancer, a biopsy is required.

Techniques:

• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Extracts a small tissue, through a needle
• Excisional Biopsy: An incision is made to remove the entire portion
• Incisional Biopsy: An incision is made to remove a small portion, normally used for diagnosis

If regular check-ups are done, Breast Cancer can be prevented.

A Mastectomy is a surgical procedure where one breast or both breasts, are removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have breast cancer, and choose this surgery to complement their treatment. Not every case of cancer treatment requires this surgery.

The type of surgery depends on the situation and the patient's preferences. From a simple mastectomy (entire breast removed), double mastectomy (both breasts removed), to more invasive surgeries, such as radical mastectomy (entire breast, axillary lymph nodes, pectoral muscles removed)

A Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure where only cancerous breast tissue is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have breast cancer, and choose this surgery to complement their treatment. Not every cancer treatment case requires this surgery.

This type of surgery depends on the situation and the patient's preferences. Additional therapy, such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy, might be required in order to decrease the likelihood of cancer coming back.

A Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure where sentinel nodes are removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who want to know if they have cancer. Sentinel nodes are lymph nodes where a tumor will probably spread to.

In order to identify it, a blue dye and/or radioactive substance is injected into the tumor, as well as its surrounding areas. This substance will proceed through the lymphatic vessels, following a path that leads to the sentinel node. Once identified, either by radioactive detectors or lymph nodes that turn blue, the sentinel node is removed.

An Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) is a surgical procedure where several lymph nodes are removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who would like to know if they have cancer.

Various lymph nodes (usually less than 20, although it can be more) are removed from the axilla (area below the arm). This operation is usually performed along a mastectomy or lumpectomy, although it can be done separately.

A Cryotherapy is a surgical procedure where tissue gets eliminated using extremely cold temperatures.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require a surgery that is minimally invasive, barely painful, and with a high healing speed.

This procedure can be applied internally using a cryoprobe. This instrument's tip gets cooled and inserted near or in the selected tissue, while the operation is supervised through ultrasound, MRI, or CT. Once inside, the cryoprobe tip freezes tissue nearby. However, it can also be applied externally.

An Esophageal Diverticulectomy is a surgical procedure where a small pouch of your esophagus is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing dysphagia or regurgitation, and to prevent internal bleeding or an infection. However, a surgical operation may not always be required.

Depending on the situation, a surgeon may perform an open surgery or laparoscopy. In both cases, a diverticulum is removed.

A Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery is a surgical procedure where the surgeon focuses on fixing the hiatal hernia which prevents acid reflux.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who experience Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition in which the stomach acid returns to the throat, causing "heartburn." In this situation, a surgery might be recommended to solve the problem faster, without taking several medications.

To treat this condition, an incision in the abdomen is performed. Once done, the surgeon focuses on fixing the hiatal hernia, and supporting the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents acid reflux. Patients might take a couple days before they can return home.

A Gastrostomy is a surgical procedure where a tube is inserted through the abdomen into the patient's stomach.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have are unable to swallow normally or have malnutrition.

The incision made in the abdomen is carefully selected by the doctor, after introducing an endoscope through the patient's throat, down the esophagus. The duration of this operation is less than an hour.

A Peptic Ulcer Disease Surgery (PUDS) is a surgical procedure where a patient's stomach is intervened to treat unhealing ulcers.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing complications due to ulcers, whether directly (ulcer not healing properly), or indirectly (bleeding, obstruction)

Depending on the situation, a surgeon might decide to remove parts of it entirely, and/or modify the stomach, to improve the patient's quality of life.

A Gastric Resection is a surgical procedure where a section of the stomach is surgically removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who experience ulcers or have stomach cancer.

To treat this condition, a surgery can be performed on a section or most of the stomach.

A Small Bowel Obstruction is a surgical procedure where an obstruction in the small intestine is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who experience abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or abdominal distention. This obstruction is caused when food can't escape from the digestive system.

To treat this condition, a laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive small incisions) is performed.

A Small Bowel Resection is a surgical procedure where a part or all of the patient's small bowel is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a blocked or infected small bowel or cancer of the small bowel.

To treat this condition, a laparoscopic surgery or open surgery can be done to remove the affected segment of the bowel.

An Ileostomy is a surgical procedure where a pouch, attached to the patient's abdomen, becomes an alternative route for waste to be released.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who can't release waste through normal means, due to problems with their colon and/or rectum. In these cases, a pouch is attached to the body through a surgical procedure, which becomes the recipient for feces. This pouch must be cleaned regularly, on a daily basis.

During an ileostomy, the ileum (the end of the small intestine, where our waste escapes) is taken through an incision, commonly done on the abdomen, on the lower right side. This is called a stoma.

A Colostomy is a surgical procedure where the end of the colon is brought up through the abdominal wall and becomes an alternate route for waste to be released.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who can't release waste through normal means, due to problems with their colon and/or rectum. In these cases, a pouch is attached to the body through a surgical procedure, which becomes the recipient for feces. This pouch must be cleaned regularly, on a daily basis.

To treat this condition, the colon's end is taken through an incision, commonly done in the left lower abdomen. This is called a stoma.

Colon Resection is a surgical procedure where the colon gets partially or fully removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who want to prevent conditions that harm the patient's well being, such as colon cancer or diverticular disease.

This can be treated removing either certain segments of the colon, or removing it entirely. This process is also known as colectomy.

A Rectal Resection is a surgical procedure where the rectum gets partially or fully removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have injured their rectum due to obstructions or perforations.

During the operation, the section that is causing the discomfort will be removed.

An Anal Fistula Treatment is a surgical procedure where the goal is to fix the fistula.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing discomfort around the anus area.

A Fistulotomy is usually recommended; however, if the patient cannot go under this surgery, other procedures are available.

An Exploratory Laparotomy is a surgical procedure where abdominal organs are checked.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require a diagnosis for an ailment, or to locate cancer, although it might have other purposes as well.

The Da Vinci Robotic Surgery is a medical system in which surgeons use robotic aid to perform minimally invasive surgery.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require minimally invasive surgery in order to treat their condition. A vast amount of surgical operations are possible with this system.

If you have a gallbladder attack or severe symptoms, we may may suggest surgery to remove your gallbladder. It’s an organ you can live without. Gallbladder removal is known as a cholecystectomy.

Gallbladder surgery can be done using open surgery (through one large incision) or minimally invasively (through a few small incisions or one belly button incision) using Da Vinci Robotic Surgery.

If you have a hernia, we may suggest surgery if need be. This can be done using open surgery or minimally invasive surgery. During hernia surgery, the weak tissue in the wall of the stomach or groin is secured and any holes are closed.

Common conditions that may affect your colon include: diverticulitis, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. If you have one of these conditions, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove all or part of your colon. This surgery is called a colectomy.

A colectomy may be done with open surgery through one large incision (cut). It can also be done with minimally invasive surgery through a few small incisions using Da Vinci Robotic Surgery.

Appendicitis is a very common surgical scenario. One out of every 2,000 people has an appendectomy sometime during their lifetime. A removal procedure of the infected appendix is required. Traditionally, the appendix is removed through an incision in the right lower abdominal wall, but this can also be done through minimally invasive surgery using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgery.

A Splenectomy is a surgical procedure where a patient's spleen is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require healing of a damaged spleen.

Usually, this treatment is done through a laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon makes short incisions in the abdomen, then removes the spleen and extracts it.

A Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure where the kidney is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a kidney that no longer functions properly, and/or prevent the development of cancer.

To treat this condition, a partial or complete nephrectomy is recommended, depending on the case. On a partial nephrectomy, only damaged or diseased tissue is removed; on a complete nephrectomy, the whole kidney is removed.

An Inguinal Hernia Surgery is a surgical procedure where a hernia is repaired.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing discomfort in their inguinal hernias, or whose hernias are strangulated. Surgery is especially recommended for children with this condition.

To treat this condition, a laparoscopic surgery or open surgery could be performed.

An Umbilical Hernia Repair is a surgical procedure where an Umbilical Hernia is repaired.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who experience pain below their belly button, where an Umbilical Hernia is located. In children, surgery is not usually required, as it naturally heals when the child reaches 3 or 4 years old. In adults, this surgery is suggested to prevent a hernia from being incarcerated or strangulated.

To treat this condition, a surgeon makes an incision below the belly button to find your Umbilical Hernia. After it has been located, the surgeon pushes carefully the surrounding organs back towards the abdomen. Any opening or weak spot caused by this hernia will be repaired.

A Hiatal Hernia Repair is a surgical procedure where a Hiatal Hernia is repaired.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who experience acid reflux, or for those who have a Hiatal Hernia caused by pressure in the abdomen.

To treat this condition, a laparoscopic surgery or open surgery is suggested. The surgeon narrows the patient's diaphragm opening, preventing reflux, and wraps the upper section of the stomach around the end of the esophagus.

A ventral hernia is a bulge through an opening in the muscles on the abdomen. The hernia can occur at a past incision site (incisional), above the navel (epigastric), or other weak muscles sites (primary abdominal).

To treat this condition, a technique called laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is used to fix tears or openings in the abdominal wall ausing small incisions, laparoscopes (small telescopes inserted into the abdomen) and a patch (screen or mesh) to reinforce the abdominal wall. It may offer a quicker return to work and normal activities with decreased pain for some patients.

A Single-Incision Robotic Surgery is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon performs through only one opening.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require a minimally invasive surgery.

An Appendectomy is a surgical procedure where the vermiform appendix is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing appendicitis.

To treat this condition, different techniques may be applied, ranging from laparoscopy to open surgery.

A Hernia Repair is a surgical procedure where a Hernia is repaired.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing discomfort with their hernias.

To treat this condition, different techniques may be applied, ranging from laparoscopy to open surgery.

A Nissen Fundoplication is a surgical procedure where a hiatal hernia is repaired or acid reflux is prevented. The surgeon narrows the patient's diaphragm opening, preventing reflux, and wraps the upper section of the stomach around the end of the esophagus.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who experience acid reflux, or who present a hiatal hernia, caused by pressure in the abdomen.

To treat this condition, a laparoscopic surgery or open surgery is suggested.

A Heller Myotomy is a surgical procedure where the surgeon cuts the muscle layers that are causing discomforrt outside the esophagus, without affecting the inner layers.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing achalasia, a condition that causes lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) to be unable to relax normally, consequently making food and liquid swallowing difficult.

To treat this condition, the surgeon performs a laparoscopy and then cuts the muscle layers that are causing discomfort outside the oesophagus, without affecting the inner layers.

A Diagnostic Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure where small incisions are performed, in order to diagnose a condition.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require a minimally invasive operation to diagnose certain conditions.

An Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure where one or both adrenal glands are removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing tumors in their adrenal glands.

To treat this condition, different techniques may be applied, ranging from a laparoscopy to an open surgery.

An Esophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (EGD) is a surgical procedure where a diagnostic endoscopy is performed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require a diagnosis, which involves checking the gastrointestinal tract up to the duodenum.

A Colonoscopy is a surgical procedure where a large bowel and/or a small bowel examination is performed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require to check either one of these bowels, such as when checking for gastrointestinal hemorrhage, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, among others.

To perform this operation, a careful preparation must be done by the patient. Before the operation begins, a sedative is suggested, for discomfort reduction caused by the examination. A flexible fiber optic camera is passed through the anus in order to be able to visually diagnose a condition.

A Bronchoscopy is a surgical procedure where an airway examination is performed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require checking their airways.

To perform this operation, a bronchoscope is introduced into the patient's nose or mouth.

A Trauma is any lesion or harm caused by an external element.

A patient can present different types of trauma, ranging from psychological trauma caused by a stressful experience to physical trauma caused by a physical accident.

Depending on the condition, the surgeon might perform several trauma procedures ranging from trauma evaluation, exploratory laparotomy and resuscitation, to emergency general surgery procedures such as appendectomies, cholecystectomies, among others.

A Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure where a stoma in the neck is created.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require an alternative to being fed or to breathe since their airways are obstructed. Through a stoma, the patient can breathe properly, or be administered ailment if needed.

To treat this condition, an incision is done on the patient's neck, right below where Adam's Apple is located. Then, an incision on the trachea is done, and then a tracheostomy tube is inserted.

A Central Line (also known as Central Venous Catheter) is a medical device implanted under the patient's skin to facilitate intravenous medicine administration.

This device is recommended for patients who require frequent administration of medications through their veins.

Usually, this device can be placed on the neck, chest, groin or arms. Local anesthesia is administered, so the patient will remain conscious during the procedure, while not feeling any discomfort from it.

A Port-A-Cath (or Port) is a medical device, implanted under the patient's skin to facilitate intravenous medicine administration.

This device is recommended for patients who require frequent administration of medication through their veins.

To insert this device, an incision is done on the chest, where the port is stored. Local anesthesia is administered, so you will remain conscious during the procedure, while not feeling discomfort from it. To insert this device, an incision is done on the chest, where the port is stored.

A Chest Tube is a medical plastic device used to remove air, fluid or pus from the intrathoracic region.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require draining undesired material from their chest.

The procedure consists in doing an incision along the upper border of the rib and then mounting and securing the chest tube in the desired location. Anaesthesia is used on this procedure.

A Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (also known as PEG) is a surgical procedure where a tube connects to a patient's stomach through the abdomen.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have difficulties to be fed orally. Patients are given an enteral nutrition, which involves the gastrointestinal tract.

On this procedure, the surgeon inserts an endoscope through the mouth and into the stomach of the patient. By taking leverage of the endoscopic camera, the doctor will view the stomach lining to define the PEG tube insertion place. Lastly, a small incision is performed in the abdominal wall in order to insert the feeding tube.

A Diagnostic Ultrasound is a surgical procedure where a diagnosis is given by using an ultrasound.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require checking their body internally.

An Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy is a surgical procedure where a Biopsy is obtained with the assistance of an ultrasound.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require a more efficient surgery, with ultrasound-powered techniques that increase the surgeon's precision.

A Simple Skin Excision is a surgical procedure where a damaged tissue gets removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a skin area that looks particularly different. A skin lesion can be benign (lump, sore) or it can indicate the presence of skin cancer. The type of surgery depends on what type of skin lesion it is.

Usually, the skin lesion is extracted with a small blade or scissors. The removed skin tissue is analyzed by a pathologist, to determine if it is benign or not, and then the affected area gets either sutured or treated to prevent further bleeding. Healing occurs naturally in a matter of days.

A Suture Removal is a surgical procedure where temporary sutures are taken out of a patient's body.

This surgical procedure involves the usage of forceps and scissors. Depending on the area where the suture was done, the healing time varies. This time varies from 3 to 5 days for sutures done on the face, to up to 2 weeks for sutures done in the limbs area.

A Small Abscess Drainage is a surgical procedure where an abscess is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require an abscess extraction. This operation is the standard treatment for abscess extraction if no special conditions are met.

In certain cases, this treatment is not always recommended as the first solution, but as a last resort.

A Skin Biopsy is a surgical procedure where damaged tissue gets removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a skin area that looks particularly different. A skin lesion can be benign (lump, sore), or it can indicate the presence of skin cancer. The type of surgery depends on what type of skin lesion it is.

Usually, the skin lesion is extracted with a small blade or scissors. The removed skin tissue is analyzed by a pathologist, to determine whether it is benign or not, and the affected area gets either sutured or treated to prevent further bleeding. Healing occurs naturally in a matter of days.

Wound Care is a surgical procedure where injuries are carefully taken care of.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require treatment for chronic wounds, ostomy or continence conditions. Nurses who take care of these patients are usually named Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOC) nurses.

An Open Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure where the gallbladder is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who require a laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, but are not capable of having that procedure.

Patients take up to 2 weeks to fully recover.

A Bile Duct Surgery is a surgical procedure where a patient's gallbladder is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who experience bile obstruction. If you have dark urine, yellow-colored skin or eyes, discomfort in the right section of your abdomen, and/or light-colored stools, you might be experiencing bile obstruction.

To treat this condition, a Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) is recommended.

A Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure where the gallbladder is removed.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing gallstones or gallbladder-related conditions.

To treat this condition, different techniques may be applied, ranging from laparoscopy to open surgery.

A Hemorrhoid Surgery is a surgical procedure where the surgeon shrinks, removes or burns a hemorrhoid or several that might be causing pain or bleeding.

This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are experiencing hemorrhoid bleeding, pain, hardening and / or swollenness.

To treat the hemorrhoid, the surgeon might apply a small rubber around it to shrink it, inject a chemical into the blood vessel of the hemorrhoid, use a laser to burn it, or use a scalpel to remove it.

An Advanced Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical procedure where the surgeon applies very small incisions on the abdominal cavity, instead of large incisions like in the traditional laparoscopy surgery.

A trocar is inserted in order to provide high definition image quality and help the surgeon view the procedure without obstacles.

While this procedure is optimal for several conditions, your surgeon will be the professional to choose the right technique depending your case.