What is General Surgery?
It is a surgical specialty focusing on surgical treatment of many areas of the body; the procedures offered should reflect the training and experience of a particular general surgeon.
General surgery involves the surgical treatment of many areas of the body including the aorta, appendix, arteries of the leg, bile duct, breast, carotid artery, chest, colon, esophagus, gallbladder, lung, hernia, rectum, stomach, small bowel, spleen, veins, wounds. General surgery can be performed through a traditional “open” incision or through several small incisions; this is called laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery.
General Surgeons
Eric Boyle, MD is a board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Boyle received a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania and received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital Clinical Campus of Drexel Medical School and Temple University School of Medicine. He also completed a fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center.
Traditional or “Open” Approach to Surgery
This means that a patient will usually have a large, single incision. Some types of surgery need to be done this way for safety reasons. Recovery time may be increased after an open surgery.
Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery
This type of surgery, done through small incisions using special instruments, was developed in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. The first type of surgery done this way was gallbladder and appendix removal. Today, minimally invasive surgery is one of the most important parts of general surgery. Patients should be sure their surgeon has adequate experience performing minimally invasive surgery, before having a procedure.
Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Procedures Offered by Dr. Boyle:
- Laparoscopic Gallbladder (Cholecytstectomy)
- Laparoscopic Gastrectomy
- Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
- Laparoscopic Colon Resection
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Liver biopsy
- Laparoscopic Appendectomy
- Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (Reflux Surgery)
- Laparoscopic Splenectomy
- Lung: Thoracoscopic Lung biopsy or wedge resection