North Valley Surgical Associates offers the following definitions of common surgeries, with links to quality websites containing additional information. If you wish to learn more about any topic, click on the >>more link and you will be taken to an informational website not affiliated with North Valley Surgical Associates. To return to the NVSA website, use your browser's "back" arrow.

Please keep in mind that the material provided below is presented for information only. If you have concerns about your health, consult your personal physician.

	Appendectomy Appendectomy is the removal of the appendix for inflammation or infection. >>more link source: www.yoursugery.com
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	Cholecystectomy Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gall bladder and its contents. >>more link source: www.yoursugery.com
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	Colectomy Colectomy is the removal of part of the colon (large intestine or bowel). >>more link source: www.yoursugery.com
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	Endocrine Surgery Thyroidectomy & Parathyroidectomy link source: www.webmd.com Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of one half of the thyroid lobe or total thyroid gland. >>more Parathyroidectomy is the surgical removal of usually one of the four parathyroid glands due to hyperparathyroidism (excessive production of parathyroid). >>more
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	Gastroesophageal Reflux Surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease is performed to prevent the flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. >>more link source: www.webmd.com
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	Hemorrhoidectomy Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids, enlarged blood vessels in the anal area. >>more link source: www.webmd.com
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	Hernia Surgery Hernia Surgery repairs a weakness of the abdominal wall, usually in the weakness a the site of an abdominal incision from a prior surgery. >>more link source: www.yoursugery.com
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	Laparoscopy Surgery /Minimally Invasive Surgery Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure where a small fiberoptic camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen near the belly button. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to allow better viewing of the organs within the abdominal cavity. Other small incisions are made in the lower abdomen to allow the additional placement of instruments.
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	Mastectomy Breast cancer or precancer is usually treated with either a partial mastectomy (known as a lumpectomy) or the traditional mastectomy (removal of the breast). >>more and >>more link source: NIH & American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
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	Nissen Fundoplication Surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease is performed to prevent the flow of stomach contents into the esophagus.>>more link source: www.webmd.com
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	Oncology Surgery Removal of cancerous growth from the skin or internal tissue. >>breast cancer surgery & >>colon & rectal cancer link source: National Cancer Institute
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