When sections of the small bowel (small intestine) are diseased or obstructed, it may be necessary to surgically remove them. The small intestine has a key role in the digestive system and is the place where most nutrients from food are broken down and absorbed. Any condition that causes damage, disease or obstruction of the small intestine may lead to surgical necessity. Such conditions include:
• Cancer
• Intestinal injury
• Carcinoid tumors
• Noncancerous tumors
• Meckel's diverticulum
• Intestinal blockage (obstruction)
• Inflammation, bleeding or infection due to a condition like Crohn's disease
We are specialized in minimally invasive methods of surgery. This means that, when possible, surgeries are performed with a surgical scope that allows for completion of the operation through minor incisions. Because no major abdominal incision is made, minimally invasive surgery reduces post-operative recovery time and risk of complications. Once the diseased portion of the bowel has been removed, we will either:
REJOIN THE BOWEL - the ends of the remaining healthy intestine will be joined together. This is the usual outcome of small bowel surgery.
PERFORM AN ILEOSTOMY - when there is not enough healthy intestine to rejoin, we will create a small opening in the belly called a stoma.
PETE GARCIA M.D.
GENERAL VASCULAR
&
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
Board Certified & Practicing Medicine for Over 20 Years
