Types of Surgery
General Surgery/SILS
The latest advance in minimally invasive surgery is a technique called the Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery, or SILS. The SILS technique allows the surgeon to perform a procedure through a single, thumb-size incision in the belly button. The incision site is disguised by the natural shape and texture of the belly button.
Procedures done with SILS include:
- Appendectomy
- Gallbladder removal
- Hernia repairs
Potential benefits include:
- Decreased pain
- Better cosmetic results (scar hidden in belly button)
- Faster recovery
- Fewer potential complications
Our board-certified general surgeons have advanced laparoscopic and robotic-training. To learn more about how SILS and other minimally invasive surgical procedures may be able to help you click here to contact a general surgeon.
Click here for a patient brochure
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Donna J. Barbot, M.D. Chair, Department of Surgery 215-836-5120 |
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Aley Tohamy, M.D. Bariatric Surgeon 215-836-5120 |
Reproductive Robotic Surgery
Chestnut Hill Hospital offers infertility treatment procedures, including robotics surgery for patients requiring tubal surgery or other laparoscopic procedures. Robotics helps achieve maximum results while reducing recovery time and maintaining patient comfort and convenience. Dr. Ben Gocial is one of only a select few Reproductive Endocrinologists trained in robotics surgery. Robotics techniques help to optimize the outcome of many surgical procedures, and may eliminate the need for additional treatment options, such as IVF.
For more information about reproductive robotic surgery, please click here to contact Dr. Gocial.
Click here for a patient brochure #1
Click here for a patient brochure #2
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Benjamin Gocial, M.D. |
Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure done by an interventional radiologist to treat uterine fibroids. The procedure involves placing a small catheter into an artery in the groin and directing it to the blood supply of the fibroids.
Tiny particles are injected through the catheter to block the blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and symptoms to subside. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They do not always cause symptoms, but their size and location can lead to pain, a feeling of fullness, and heavy bleeding. Only when a fibroid causes symptoms is it necessary to treat them.
Chestnut Hill Hospital board-certified interventional radiologists will provide you with additional information about this procedure if you are interested. Click here.
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Richard Gray, M.D. |
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Louis Domenico, M.D. Interventional radiology |
GYN Oncology
Women face special health concerns and challenges throughout life. From transitions that begin during adolescence, continue through mid-life, and reach beyond menopause, the gynecology team at Chestnut Hill Hospital will work with you to assess your individual needs. Together, we’ll take steps to help enhance your quality of life at every stage.
- Well-woman exams
- Adolescent gynecological care
- Annual screenings
- Services for peri- and post-menopausal concerns including hormone replacement and nutrition counseling
- Alternatives to hysterectomy
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures
Click here for a patient brochure
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J. Stuart Ferris, M.D. Gynecological oncologist 215-707-3015 |
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Enrique Hernandez, M.D. Gynecological oncologist 215-707-3015 |
Prostatectomy and Prostate-Related Surgery
Facing any kind of urologic surgery creates a great deal of anxiety for most men. Among your concerns is: “Will my body function normally following surgery?” Traditional open urologic surgery – in which large incisions are made to access the pelvic organs – has been the standard approach when surgery is warranted. Yet common drawbacks of this procedure include significant post-surgical pain, a lengthy recovery and an unpredictable, potentially long-term impact on continence and sexual function.
Robotic surgery, a minimally invasive approach that utilizes the latest in surgical and robotics technologies, is ideal for delicate urologic surgery. This includes prostatectomy, in which the target site is not only tightly confined but also surrounded by nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function.
Contact a urologic surgeon who uses minimally invasive procedures for prostatectomy and other urologic procedures.
Click here for a patient brochure
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James Brien, M.D. |
Uterine and Vaginal Vault Prolapse
You’re not alone. 120,000+ cases of uterine and vaginal vault prolapse are surgically treated each year in the US. Prolapse or falling of any pelvic floor organ (vagina, uterus, bladder or rectum) occurs when the connective tissues or muscles within the body cavity are weak and unable to hold the pelvis in its natural position
Sacrocolpopexy is a procedure to surgically correct vaginal vault prolapse by holding the vagina in the correct anatomical position. This procedure may also be performed following a hysterectomy to treat vaginal vault prolapse to provide long-term support of the vagina. If your physician recommends sacrocolpopexy you may be eligible for robotic surgery at Chestnut Hill Hospital. Our surgeons will perform the surgery through smaller incisions than those used for a traditional open approach and provide the following benefits:
- Significantly less pain
- Less blood loss and need for transfusions
- Less risk of infection
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stay
- Shorter recovery time
- Quicker return to normal activities
Contact a urologic surgeon who uses minimally invasive procedures for sacrocolpopexy and other urologic procedures.
Click here for a patient brochure
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Heidi Harvie, M.D. |
Hysterectomy
Traditional open gynecologic surgery, using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures. Yet with open surgery can come significant pain, trauma, a long recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves. For complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, surgeons using the da Vinci System can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while offering the numerous benefits over traditional surgical approaches including:
- Shorted hospital stay
- Less pain
- Less risk of wound infection
- Less blood loss and need for blood transfusions
- Less scarring
- Faster recovery and quicker return to normal activities
Contact a gynecologic surgeon who uses minimally invasive procedures for hysterectomy and other gynecologic procedures.
Click here for a patient brochure
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Lynda Thomas-Mabine, M.D. Gynecologist 215-248-3100 |
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Paul Neumann, M.D. Gynecologist 215-646-2213 |
Vein/Vascular Surgery
Noninvasive Testing – providing early detection of abnormalities in the arteries and veins that lead to common vascular diseases such as stroke, aneurysms, claudication, deep vein thrombosis and peripheral arterial disease.
- Comprehensive Treatment Options
- Counsel on lifestyle changes
- Medical management
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgery, when appropriate
Click here for a patient brochure
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Mark Kahn, M.D. Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery University of Pennsylvania 215-836-5120 |
Weight Loss
If you and your physician have determined that surgery is the best way to reach your weight loss goals, you can count on Chestnut Hill Hospital. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists including physicians, nurses, nutritionists and physical therapists is dedicated to helping you enjoy a healthier life.
We will work with your primary care physician to create a complete plan of care that meets your specific needs. Our support group provides education and long-term support that is significant in achieving permanent weight loss.
We offer various weight loss surgery procedures and will evaluate your condition to determine the most appropriate treatment.
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Adjustable Gastric Band (Laparoscopic Band)
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
Click here for a patient brochure
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Aley Tohamy, M.D. |