General Surgery
Dedication to Excellence in Surgical Care at Butler Health System
Butler Health System
(BHS) surgeons comprise many specialties and backgrounds, but they share the same commitment
to compassionate, individualized care. Any surgery-even a relatively standard
diagnostic procedure such as a colonoscopy-can be stressful. Trust is
essential-in the skill and expertise of the surgeons, in the training
and care of the surgical team, and in the quality of the technology and
facility where the procedure occurs.
For more than 100 years, Butler Memorial Hospital-the centerpiece of BHS-has
been earning that trust in our community and throughout the region. State-of-the-art
surgical tools and techniques have come a long way since our hospital
was founded in 1898, but our team of surgeons understands that surgical
skill and technology are only part of the equation. Communication, personal
attention, and genuine care for each patient are equally important to
ensuring successful outcomes.
Watch Joe's experience with robotic surgery performed by Dr. Andrew
Szabo, a recognized SRC Center of Excellence Master Surgeon:
Learn more about general surgery at Butler Memorial Hospital:
Thinking About Surgery?
Many conditions are best treated by surgery, but it is best to know all
your options. Discuss any questions and concerns you may have-no matter
how small-with your doctor. Be sure that you thoroughly understand the
recommended procedure and why your doctor believes it is the right course
of treatment for you. Never hesitate to get a second opinion from another
surgeon if you are unsure about your options. The more informed you are,
the more likely you are to be satisfied with the results of your treatment.
Learn more here about what to expect when having surgery.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are offered as an alternative to
traditional open surgery for a broad range of procedures. Open cuts into
the body, as required by traditional surgery, carry risks such as infection,
bleeding, and blood clots. Using minimally invasive techniques, surgeons
are able to perform advanced surgeries through much small incisions-some
of which only require a single stich to close. Others allow procedures
to occur through natural body openings. In most cases, these techniques
involve use of small tubes called endoscopes, which often have miniature
cameras built-in to direct the surgeon as he/she works.
Surgery and Aging
While age can be a factor to take into account when considering surgery,
there is no reason for age alone to prevent you from getting a needed
operation. Every year, millions of older Americans undergo surgery, according
to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). If your heart and lungs are
functioning well and you are in good overall health, you have a high chance
of a successful outcome. Ask your doctor to discuss age-related risks
specific to you, and be sure to ask any questions you need answered in
order to weigh the positives of surgery against any possible negatives.
It is also important to tell your doctor about any medications you may
be using-including prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medicines.
Positive lifestyle changes can help you prepare for a successful outcome
to surgery.
Listen to a recent radio show featuring Dr. Tony Maalouf discussing the
BHS Robotic Surgery Program