Welcome to our General & Abdominal Surgery Detail Page, dedicated to exploring a wide range of abdominal conditions. Dr. Jason Harrison and the team at Highlander Surgical Associates bring years of experience and a commitment to excellence in performing simple and complex abdominal surgeries. Whether it’s appendectomies, gallbladder removals, or other procedures, choosing our practice ensures you benefit from advanced surgical techniques and personalized care, aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes for your health and well-being.

APPENDECTOMY

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Appendicitis surgery, also known as an appendectomy, is a common procedure to remove the appendix when it’s inflamed or infected, a condition called appendicitis. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture and cause a life-threatening infection. Appendectomy can be performed laparoscopically or in open surgery.

GALL BLADDER SURGERY (Cholecystectomy)

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Surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy. The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen, under the liver. Surgeons may perform a cholecystectomy if gallstones or other gallbladder diseases are causing problems. A cholecystectomy can be performed as an open procedure or laparoscopically, also known as keyhole surgery.

ABCESS SURGERY

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The most common surgery for removing an abscess is called incision and drainage (I&D). I&D is a simple procedure that can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office using local anesthesia. During the procedure, a cut is made into the abscess to drain pus and fluid. The hole is then packed with gauze and left open, and the gauze needs to be changed frequently for up to four weeks while the cyst heals. I&D is the primary treatment for skin and soft tissue abscesses, and can be used with or without antibiotics.

PILONIDAL CYSTS

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A pilonidal cyst is an unusual pocket in the skin, typically located near the tailbone on the top of the buttocks, that contains hair and skin debris.

Pilonidal cysts tend to develop when hair punctures the skin and becomes embedded. If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected, it can cause severe pain.

The surgical removal of a pilonidal cyst is called a pilonidal cystectomy. It’s a more extensive procedure than draining the cyst with a small incision, which is usually the initial treatment. A cystectomy involves completely removing the affected tissue, including the skin with the pores and the underlying tissue with the hair follicles. The procedure can range from simple to complex, depending on the circumstances.

HERNIAS

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Hernia surgery is also known as herniorrhaphy. During hernia repair surgery, a surgeon pushes bulging tissue back into place. A hernia occurs when the wall of an organ protrudes through a weak spot in the body wall or fascia that is surrounding it. There are a variety of different types of hernias and hernia repairs, depending on the location. Since the location of hernias vary, the type of surgery involved in repairing a hernia will vary.

Groin or Inguinal Hernia
A hernia between the abdomen and thigh. This type of hernia happens when tissue is forced through a weak area in the groin area, due to excessive strain or weight. Although this can be the result of activities it usually is a congenital “weak spot” that worsens with time. The earlier the repair is done the easier it is to recover from surgery.

Incisional Hernia
A hernia caused by a poorly healed surgical wound. The hernia will develop in the same way. The first sign will be a noticeable bulge at or close to the incision site.

Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a condition that occurs when the abdominal wall behind the navel is damaged, which can cause the navel to bulge outwards. This bulge can be made up of abdominal fat, parts of the small intestine, or fluid from the abdomen. A common sign of an umbilical hernia is a protruding bellybutton.