General Surgery
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Comprehensive Surgical Care for a Wide Range of Conditions
General surgery is a broad specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, skin, and soft tissues. Because of its wide scope, general surgery plays a vital role in both routine and complex care.
At Midland Surgical Associates, our experienced surgeons perform a full range of general surgical procedures using open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques, depending on what is safest and most effective for each patient. Surgeries are performed at Midland Memorial Hospital, Texas Surgery Center, Seminole Hospital, and in MSA’s own Angiosuite, allowing for continuity of care close to home.
Our approach combines advanced surgical expertise with personalized, patient-centered care.
Conditions and Procedures We Treat
Appendectomy
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed to treat appendicitis. This procedure is often done laparoscopically, allowing for smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
Colon Surgery
Colon surgery may be required to treat cancer, inflammatory conditions, diverticular disease, or bowel obstruction. Depending on the condition, surgery may be performed using open or minimally invasive techniques.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Colorectal cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the colon or rectum. Common symptoms include:
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Rectal bleeding
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Anemia
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Unexplained weight loss
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Changes in bowel habits
If the cancer is localized, surgical removal may be performed through:
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Open laparotomy, or
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Laparoscopic surgery
Our surgeons work closely with oncology specialists to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
Colostomy Surgery
A colostomy involves removing part of the colon and creating an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall to allow stool to exit into a colostomy bag.
Types of Colostomy
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Sigmoid Colostomy – Involves the last section of the colon; stoma usually on the lower left abdomen
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Descending Colostomy – Removes sigmoid and part of descending colon; stoma on the left side
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Transverse Colostomy – Removes larger portions of the colon; stoma located in the upper abdomen
In many cases, colostomies are temporary and may be reversed once healing occurs.
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches form along the colon wall. If these pouches become infected or inflamed, diverticulitis can develop.
Symptoms may include:
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Abdominal pain
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Fever
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Chills
Surgery may be required if complications such as rupture or recurrent infections occur. Procedures may include bowel resection, sometimes with temporary colostomy.
Esophageal Cancer Surgery
Esophageal cancer can affect either:
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The upper esophagus (squamous cell carcinoma), or
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The junction of the esophagus and stomach (adenocarcinoma)
Symptoms often include difficulty swallowing and weight loss. Surgical treatment involves removing the affected segment of the esophagus, depending on tumor size and location.
Gallbladder Removal
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is commonly performed to treat gallstones, infection, or inflammation. Most procedures are done laparoscopically for faster recovery.
Hemorrhoid Surgery
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal canal that can cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort. Causes include constipation, diet, genetics, and aging.
Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy
This procedure removes hemorrhoids entirely under general anesthesia and is most effective for severe cases.
Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
A less painful option that removes excess internal hemorrhoidal tissue and restores normal anatomy.
Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD)
A minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound to locate and tie off arterial blood flow, then repositions tissue back to its normal location.
Gastrectomy
A gastrectomy involves partial or complete removal of the stomach, most often to treat cancer. In some cases, severe ulcers may also require this surgery. Patients will need to follow long-term dietary adjustments after stomach removal.
Liver Surgery (Hepatectomy)
Liver resection is performed to remove benign or malignant tumors or cysts. This open surgical procedure removes part of the liver while preserving healthy tissue. In rare cases where the entire liver must be removed, transplantation is required.
Lymph Node Surgery
Lymph Node Excision
Removal of lymph nodes to evaluate or treat cancer spread.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Removal of a key lymph node to determine if cancer has spread, often avoiding more extensive surgery if results are negative.
Pancreatic Surgery
Pancreatectomy
Partial or total removal of the pancreas for tumors, cysts, or cancer. May be performed open or laparoscopically.
Whipple Procedure
A complex operation that removes and reconstructs parts of the pancreas, intestine, bile duct, gallbladder, and lymph nodes.
Portacath (Venous Access)
A portacath is a small implant placed under the skin that allows easy access to a vein for:
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Chemotherapy
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Long-term medications
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Blood draws
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Dialysis
Typically placed in the upper chest beneath the clavicle.
Skin Cancer Surgery
Surgical excision is the primary treatment for many skin cancers. Reconstruction may be needed if large areas are removed.
Types of Skin Cancer
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Basal Cell Carcinoma – Slow-growing, least aggressive
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma – More aggressive, sun-related
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Melanoma – Most dangerous; requires early detection
Mohs surgery may be used to preserve healthy tissue while ensuring complete cancer removal.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
Thyroidectomy
Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland to treat:
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Thyroid cancer
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Hyperthyroidism
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Goiter
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Airway or swallowing obstruction
Types of Thyroid Surgery
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Thyroid Lobectomy – One side removed
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Subtotal Thyroidectomy – Partial removal
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Total Thyroidectomy – Entire gland removed
Parathyroidectomy
Removal of overactive parathyroid glands to regulate calcium levels in the blood.
Skin Procedures
Benign Skin Lesion Removal
Many benign skin conditions, including lumps and noncancerous tumors, can be treated through in-office excision.
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Wide excision and minimal excision techniques are available
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Procedures are quick and performed under local anesthesia
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Minimal dressing is required, typically for about one week
Shaves and Biopsies
For certain skin growths, shave excisions or curettage biopsies may be performed to aid diagnosis and treatment.
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A superficial layer of skin is removed using a scalpel or curette
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Specimens are sent to pathology for evaluation
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Healing typically occurs within one to two weeks
Rubber Band Ligation
Rubber band ligation is a common in-office treatment for second-degree internal hemorrhoids.
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A small band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid
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Blood supply is cut off, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall away
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Less pain and quicker recovery compared to surgical hemorrhoidectomy