PATIENT INFORMATION provided by The Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgery (SAGES)

Many surgeries can be performed with minimally invasive procedures (sometimes called laparoscopic surgery). This type of surgery is done through very small incisions using specialized techniques, miniature cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights and high definition monitors. In many specialties, Advanced Surgical Institute surgeons can perform surgery through an incision that requires only a stitch or two to close.

Click on the links below for detailed patient information and, in some cases, links to videos.

Colonoscopy - Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the lining of the rectum and colon. It is usually done in the hospital or an endoscopic procedure room. A soft, bendable tube about the thickness of the index finger is gently inserted into the anus and advanced into the rectum and the colon. More Information.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy - Patients may be referred to surgeons because of an undiagnosed abdominal problem.
ERCP - ERCP is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the lining of the rectum and lower colon (bowel). It is usually done in the surgeon's office or a procedure room, but occasionally may be done in the hospital.
Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal - These hormones are involved in control of blood pressure, chemical levels in the blood, water use in the body, glucose usage, and the “fight or flight” reaction during times of stress. More Information.
Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux (GERD) Surgery - If you suffer from "heartburn" your surgeon may have recommended LAPAROSCOPIC ANTI-REFLUX SURGERY to treat this condition, technically referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). More Information.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy - One out of every 2,000 people has an appendectomy sometime during their lifetime. Treatment requires an operation to remove the infected appendix.
Laparoscopic Colon Resection - Each year, more than 600,000 surgical procedures are performed in the United States to treat a number of colon diseases. Although surgery is not always a cure, it is often the best way to stop the spread of disease and alleviate pain and discomfort. More Information.
Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal - Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. Today, gallbladder surgery is performed laparoscopically. The medical name for this procedure is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. More Information.
Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair - Approximately 600,000 hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States. Many are performed by the conventional "open" method. Some hernia repairs are performed using a small telescope known as a laparoscope. More Information.
Laparoscopic Spine Surgery - Most people are aware of back operations that are performed from the posterior approach, through the skin of the back, but are surprised when they are told they are going to have a back operation “from the front.” The spine (or back bone) can be reached from the front.
Laparoscopic Spleen Removal (Splenectomy) - The spleen is a blood filled organ located in the upper left abdominal cavity. It is a storage organ for red blood cells and contains many specialized white blood cells called “macrophages” (disease fighting cells) which act to filter blood. More Information.
Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair - Approximately 90,000 ventral hernia repairs are performed each year in the United States. Many are performed by the conventional “open” method. Some are performed laparoscopically.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Severe Obesity - Laparoscopic surgery for obesity is for people who are severely overweight. Laparoscopy involves using a specialized telescope (laparoscope) to view the stomach, which typically allows smaller abdominal incisions. More Informaton.
UpperEndoscopy -Upper Endoscopy (also known as gastroscopy, EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the lining of the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine).