General Surgery

General Surgery at Southern Indiana Surgery Center

General Surgery at Southern Indiana Surgery Center is a surgical specialty that encompasses nine core components of procedures and operations involving a broad range of ailments. The term general should in no way be construed as a lack of specific training, as general surgeons specialize in commonly performed procedures that treat a wide variety of familiar illnesses that occur frequently. They specialize in advanced surgical techniques including Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery and Robotic Surgery.

General Surgery Specialists at SISC

Luke Fife, MD
General Surgery

Camilo Santiago, MD
General

James N. Topolgus Jr, MD
Monroe Medical Group
421 S Landmark Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403
812-676-3000

The general surgeons at SISC have extensive knowledge and expertise in medical conditions involving:

• Alimentary (or digestive) tract, including the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, stomach, large and small intestines
• Abdomen and its contents, including the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, appendix, colon, spleen, and kidneys
• Endocrine system, including adrenal glands, thyroid, parathyroid, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thymus, ovaries, and testes
• Breast/skin/soft tissue: breast cancer
• Surgical oncology, including head and neck surgery
• Vascular system, excluding the heart and intracranial vessels
• Pediatric surgery
• Emergency surgery, including burns and trauma such as musculoskeletal, hand, and head injuries
• Surgical critical care, including critically ill patients in intensive care, the emergency room, and trauma or burn centers

SISC general surgeons manage all aspects of the surgical procedures involving these (and often additional) components, as well as diagnoses, preoperative and postoperative care.

Surgeries Performed at Southern Indiana Surgery Center

General surgeries offered at SISC utilize advanced technology and high-tech instrumentation which allow for less invasive procedures. Laparoscopic techniques are performed when possible which can reduce cost, accelerate the healing process, and minimize pain.

Common surgeries performed by general surgeons include:

• Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix as treatment for acute appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix due to infection)
• Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gall bladder
• Breast biopsy/lumpectomy: Open breast biopsies and core breast biopsies are performed to diagnose breast abnormalities
• Hernia repair (abdominal or inguinal): Weak areas are strengthened and/or repaired to prevent organs or tissue from protruding through the thinning regions
• Nissen fundoplication: Surgery to treat GERD which tightens the sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus
• Varicose vein surgery: VNUS closure, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy are performed at SISC to treat or remove varicose veins
• Thyroid surgery: Total or subtotal removal of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) or removal of one side of the thyroid (lobectomy)
• Parathyroidectomy: Removal of the parathyroid glands
• Procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH): Latest technique to reduce the enlargement of hemorrhoidal tissue

Minimally Invasive Surgery at SISC

The surgeons at SISC are trained in the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques available. We understand that surgery is not routine to our patients and are committed to providing the highest quality surgical care with the fastest recovery time. While open, more traditional surgery is sometimes the best option, we strive to employ new, less invasive approaches whenever possible.

Minimally invasive surgical procedures offered at SISC include:

• Endoscopy: A flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera is used to look inside a specific part of the body.
• Laparoscopy: A slender, fiberoptic instrument with a light and camera is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen enabling tiny surgical tools to be used.
• Arthroscopy: Used to diagnose and treat joint conditions, a thin instrument with a camera and light (arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision, the images are projected on a monitor, and specialized tools are used to repair the joint
• Laryngoscopy: An endoscope is used to examine the back of the throat, the larynx, and the vocal cords.
• Bronchoscopy: A thin tube (bronchoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth, down the throat and into the lungs to diagnose pulmonary problems.
• Cystoscopy: A hollow tube (cystoscope) with a camera is inserted into the urethra and then the bladder to diagnose, treat, and/or monitor bladder conditions
• Hysteroscopy: The cervix and uterus are examined through the use of a thin, lighted tube (hysteroscope) which is inserted into the vagina
• Gastroscopy: An endoscopy of the gastrointestinal area is utilized to view the upper digestive tract.

At Southern Indiana Surgery Center, we set the highest standards for both scheduled outpatient procedures and life-saving emergency surgeries. Our goal is for every patient to have a successful surgical outcome to enhance his or her quality of life.

Disclaimer: These pages are not intended to provide medical or surgical advice or physician instruction on medical care or treatment. If you are a patient, consult with your doctor about treatment options that may be appropriate for your medical condition.