What is a Surgicalist


Typical procedures that our surgeons perform are Appendectomy, Cholecystectomy, and Colectomy. Please note: If you would like a Valley Surgicalist Group surgeon to perform your surgical procedure please call (623)-512-4326..


What is appendicitis?


What are the signs and symptoms?

Common signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:


  • Lower right side abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Inability to pass gas
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Low grade fever
  • A sense you might feel better after passing stool


Pain associated with appendicitis often starts off mild, becoming more severe over time. If the patient feels right side tenderness along with any of the above symptoms, it is extremely important to call a doctor. A majority of patients who experience symptoms will end up with a ruptured appendix within 48 hours.


How is appendicitis diagnosed?





What is the recovery time?

Immediately following surgery, and depending on the type of pain medicine, a patient may feel out of sorts for 2-3 days. Full recovery can take up to 6-8 weeks. Some patients are able to return to work after 1 week, as long as no heavy lifting takes place. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity is not allowed for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

Are there any possible complications?

Like with any operation the most common complications are bleeding and infection. By infection what is meant is an abscess in the area where the appendix rests. As that area is infected in appendicitis, there is a chance that an abscess can develop about a week after surgery. In this case a drainage procedure may be required along with antibiotics. Other rarer complications may include the intestinal inability to move food (ileus), blood clots to the lungs or leakage of bowel contents from the site where the appendix was removed.

Are there long term consequences?



What is a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is the removal of the gall bladder. This procedure is prompted by either the presence of gallstones causing pain and possibly infection or a nonfunctioning gallbladder.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

  • Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen which may extend around to the back
  • Low grade fever
  • Nausea
  • Feeling bloated
  • Jaundice

How is a cholecystectomy performed?

Before surgery is recommended, the patient may undergo a series of exams and tests to determine the severity of the problem.


Besides a complete physical exam, a patient may also require:


  • Blood tests and complete blood count
  • Liver function tests
  • Coagulation profile
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Cholescintigraphy (a test which evaluates possible obstruction)
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which diagnoses and treats problems with the biliary or pancreatic ductal system
  • Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) which is an MRI for the bile ducts Upon completion of all testing and exams,


Upon completion of all testing and exams, if a surgery is required there are two methods to remove the gall bladder: laparoscopic and open.


In a laparoscopic surgery (more than 90%), small incisions are made through which a narrow tube called a port is placed. Carbon dioxide is then pumped into the opening allowing the surgeon to see surrounding organs. The gallbladder is removed through this opening, and the area is closed with sutures or glue. The surgery typically take less than an hour.


During an open operation, an incision is made along the upper abdomen. The gallbladder is removed and the site is stapled or sutured closed. This process takes from 2-3 hours to complete.


What happens after surgery?

Upon waking up from anesthesia, the patient may be able to start drinking small glasses of water. If the patient is not feeling sick, eating may also be allowed. It will be important to continue to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day while recovering. A high fiber diet is also prescribed in order to ease potential pain from bowel movements.


Patients are urged to gradually increase activity levels and get up every hour or so to prevent blood clots.

What is the recovery time?


What are the complications that may arise?

Complications that may possibly arise include:


  • Injury to the bile duct
  • Bleeding
  • Infection


There may be other risks due to the condition of the patient. Concerns should be addressed with the surgeon before the procedure. Patients experiencing any of the following should contact their doctor immediately:


  • Fever/chills
  • Swelling, redness, or bleeding at the incision site
  • Increased pain at the incision site
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Pain behind the breastbone


What is a colectomy?



How is a colectomy performed?






What happens during surgery?






What happens after surgery?


What is the recovery time?


What are the complications that may arise?

Some of the complications that could arise are:
  • A leak where the colon is sewn together
  • Internal bleeding
  • Infection
  • Hernia
  • Blood clot
  • Damage to nearby organs
  • Hernia
  • Scar tissue

