Surgery

Surgery centers across southwest Virginia

The board-certified surgeons at LewisGale Regional Health System live and work in our community, so you have access to surgical expertise when you need it close to home—backed by the resources of HCA Healthcare.

To learn more about surgical services at LewisGale Regional Health System, call our Consult-A-Nurse^® team at (877) 242-2362.

Our experienced surgeons can diagnose a wide range of conditions and provide compassionate preoperative, operative and postoperative care. With advanced imaging and using the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, more than 70 percent of our surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. That means you’ll be home sooner and begin a faster recovery.

Your first choice for surgical care

LewisGale Regional Health System's patient-focused surgical care offers the benefits of:

• Experienced surgeons trained at the nation’s top medical schools
• Surgical suites equipped with advanced technology
• Laparoscopic and other minimally invasive approaches including robotic surgery, which reduces pain and encourages a faster recovery

General surgery

Despite its name, general surgery is a medical specialty and not a generalized term for all types of surgery. General surgeons can perform a wide range of surgeries but typically focus on abdominal procedures, including surgeries for appendicitis, hernias and other intestinal conditions.

Some general surgeons may also specialize in treating ailments affecting the head and neck, breast, skin and soft tissues, extremities, vascular system and endocrine system.

The general surgeons at LewisGale Regional Health System have earned advanced certifications in laparoscopic surgery as well as breast and abdominal surgery.

Hernia surgery

What is a hernia?

A hernia is an abnormality that occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This could be problematic and, in some cases, life-threatening.

There are various causes of abdominal hernias, such as stress from lifting, previous surgical sites and genetic malformations. Both men and women of all ages are capable of having hernias.

There are various options to surgically repair a hernia, including open repair, laparoscopic repair and robotic laparoscopic repair. These surgeries typically use a mesh implant to strengthen the hernia repair and are well-tolerated by patients.

Heart and vascular surgery

Our cardiovascular surgeons offer a full spectrum of surgical services to take care of the heart and the arteries and veins that support it.

Our cardiothoracic surgical team has performed thousands of heart and vascular surgeries and is trained in the most advanced surgical procedures available, from coronary artery bypass to cardiac-assist device implantation. We also offer minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.

Bariatric surgery

Our minimally invasive laparoscopic bariatric surgery options offers a comprehensive clinical approach to surgical weight loss management that can ultimately produce positive changes to many existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and more.

Breast cancer surgery

Surgery may be a part of the treatment plan for breast cancer. Surgery will depend on the stage and spread of the cancer along with the location. LewisGale Regional Health System offers breast biopsy services to diagnose and stage breast cancer.

If surgery is needed, we offer single mastectomy, double mastectomy, lumpectomy and breast reconstructive surgeries.

Ear, nose and throat surgery

Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists perform a range of surgeries that offer solutions for ENT conditions. The ENT surgeons at LewisGale Regional Health System offer advanced surgical solutions for facial trauma, head and neck cancer, infections, deviated septum and much more.

Gastrointestinal surgery

We provide comprehensive gastrointestinal care, including surgical care for the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon and rectum. We provide advanced cancer care, colonoscopy screening, endoscopy services and more.

Neurological surgery

At LewisGale Regional Health System, our neurosurgeons perform a range of surgeries, offering solutions for a number of neurological conditions. We provide neurological care for aneurysms, brain tumors, certain brain disorders, movement disorders and spinal conditions.

Orthopedic surgery

Our orthopedic and spine experts are recognized for excellence in orthopedic care and spine surgery, which means we are committed to quality and continuous improvement.

If surgery is necessary, we provide the latest technology and techniques, including minimally invasive procedures that offer less pain and shorter recovery.

Ophthalmologic (eye) surgery

Our specialists in ophthalmology care offer advanced support and surgical options for our patients with eye or vision troubles. Our team performs eye surgery as well as advanced laser surgery.

Oral surgery

At LewisGale Regional Health System, we understand that your oral health impacts your overall health. That’s why we’re committed to providing communities in southwest Virginia with experienced oral surgeons to diagnose and treat complex oral conditions.

Individuals who experience oral pain or other problems associated with the mouth and jaw are often referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for help. These dental and surgical specialists diagnose, treat and manage diseases, injuries and defects of the mouth, teeth, jaw and face.

Advanced oral care and procedures provided through LewisGale Regional Health System include:

• Disease management, including soft and hard tissues
• Surgical reconstruction of inadequate bone structures
• Dental implants
• Preparation for dentures
• Facial pain diagnosis and treatment
• Oral cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Corrective jaw surgery for conditions such as cleft lip and palate
• Sleep apnea diagnosis and surgical treatment
• Treatment for head and neck injuries

Pediatric dental care

LewisGale also offers pediatric dental care for children with special dental needs or injuries. Our services include the use of sedation or anesthesia for advanced procedures.

Urologic surgery

We offer full-service urologic care and treat most conditions of the bladder, kidney, urinary tract and the male reproductive system. We surgically treat a number of conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

Our surgeons operate using minimally invasive techniques and expert precision, meaning we have the skills needed when operating near delicate structures, like the bladder or prostate gland.

Surgical oncology

In certain cases, surgery may be a key component of a patient's cancer treatment plan. Surgery may be needed to remove a tumor, provide targeted radiation therapy or as a reconstructive tool.

LewisGale Regional Health System offers comprehensive cancer care services. Our oncologists are with you every step of the way, from pre-surgical care to recovery after your procedure.

Kidney transplant surgery

For patients with chronic kidney disease, the nationally recognized Virginia Transplant Center offers hope for a healthier future. It is Virginia's only community-based transplant program. Through transplantation, a donated human organ is implanted into another person to restore health and prolong life.

For someone whose kidneys are no longer working, a successful kidney transplant offers the promise of a better quality of life and longer life expectancy than what kidney dialysis can provide.

Plastic surgery

If you’re considering plastic surgery, the plastic surgeons at LewisGale Regional Health System can provide information, advice and a full range of plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgical treatment options.

What is the difference between plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery?

• Plastic surgery refers to any surgery that reshapes or repairs body structures.
• Reconstructive surgery is a type of plastic surgery that repairs deformities resulting from accidents, disease or congenital abnormalities. This type of surgery is intended to improve movement and minimize disfigurement.
• Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery that reshapes facial or body features to improve appearance.

Types of plastic surgery we perform

• Abdominoplasty—Removes wrinkled skin and fatty tissue from the stomach
• Body fat reduction—Uses liposuction to remove fatty deposits from the hips, buttock, thighs and other areas
• Breast augmentation—Enlarges the breasts
• Breast reconstruction—Restores form to the breast after mastectomy; Also reduces or lifts the breast
• Cheek implants—Gives the appearance of cheekbones
• Chemical peel—Uses chemicals to repair damaged skin
• Chin augmentation—Uses an implant to redefine the shape of the chin
• Cleft lip and palate surgery—Repairs birth abnormalities of the mouth
• Dermabrasion—Scrapes the facial skin to smooth out fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth
• Ear surgery—Repositions or reshapes the ears
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)—Removes excess fat and skin on the upper and lower eyelids
• Facelift (rhytidectomy)—Removes wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and neck
• Forehead lift—Removes wrinkles on the forehead
• Hand surgery—Corrects defects of the hand that are the result of injury or genetics
• Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)—Reshapes the nose
• Prosthesis change—Removes the old prosthesis, replacing it with a new one
• Scar revision—Reduces the surface area of scars, making them less noticeable
• Tissue expansion—Involves stretching adjacent healthy skin to cover an incision

Is plastic surgery right for you?

To help you decide if plastic surgery is right for you, talk with one of our nurses about treatment options. If you decide surgery is right for you, you’ll meet with a plastic surgeon who will provide more in-depth detail about your surgery and recovery.

After your surgery, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician who will make sure your recovery is on track. You’ll be informed about any medications you’ll need, and a professional technician will teach you how to use cosmetics to help conceal incisions, discoloration or swelling.

Payment for plastic surgery

Reconstructive surgical procedures may be covered by major insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Payment for consultations is due at the time of your visit. Payment for cosmetic procedures is due before the day of surgery unless other arrangements have been made.

Anesthesia services

On the day of your surgery, a physician trained in anesthesiology (anesthesiologist) will explain the best pain prevention alternatives for you based on information gathered during your pre-admission interview. Your anesthesiologist will monitor your well-being continuously during surgery.

If you receive a general or spinal anesthetic, you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after your surgery. PACU nurses will monitor your blood pressure and provide pain medication upon request. Your physician or nurse will determine when it’s appropriate for you to return home or be moved to a postoperative room to continue your recovery.

Preparing for surgery

At LewisGale Regional Health System, our goal is to provide you with the best possible care before, during and after your surgery. You can play an important role in making sure your admission, surgery and recovery go smoothly.

Learn more about what to expect before, during and after surgery. Don't hesitate to ask a member of your surgical team if you have further questions about preparing for your surgery or postsurgical care.