General Surgery

Benign Cysts

Occasionally small masses develop underneath the skin that can be sore. These little cysts can occur due to occluded hair follicles. These cysts can become infected with bacteria, resulting in increased pain and redness and occasionally drainage. When that occurs, the cyst must be removed either in the office or in the operating room depending on location and size.

Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancers that can occur – squamous cell, basal cell, and melanoma. These may require removal to properly treat these skin cancers. Often a biopsy of these lesions is the first step in identifying a possible skin cancer which may be performed in the office. Skin changes such as increased size, discoloration and irregular borders should be an alert to be evaluated for skin cancer.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

For patients with hydrocephalus, the Neurosurgeons may need to place a shunt to decrease the pressure which is tunneled into the abdominal cavity for drainage. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt can be placed with laparoscopic assistance at the direction of the Neurosurgeon.

Gallbladder disease

One of the most common general surgery procedures performed is removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Often this presents with right upper abdominal pain after heavy meals. It is more common in women and over the age of 40. The gallbladder may contain gallstones that cause this pain. Usually an ultrasound is used to help identify the presence of gallstones. Often removal of the gallbladder can help resolve the pain. This procedure is performed laparoscopically through several small incisions.

Skin tumors/masses

One of the most common types of masses that appear under the skin is called a lipoma. These are benign fatty tumors present under the skin. They can be single or multiple locations throughout the body. While benign, these skin tumors can cause discomfort especially at pressure points. By removal of these skin tumors, the pain can be treated. Depending on the size and location of these skin tumors, they may be removed in the office or in the operating room.

Peritoneal dialysis access

For patients who require dialysis in the future, one access method is to place a catheter in the peritoneal cavity. A peritoneal dialysis catheter allows fluid to be placed in the abdomen to help exchange toxins in the body, and then to be drained out of the body. Peritoneal dialysis is performed daily and requires a catheter to be placed for exchange of fluid. The peritoneal dialysis catheter is placed laparoscopically through several small incisions.

Feeding Tubes

There are two locations of feeding tube access, the stomach and the jejunum. We place a feeding tube directly into the stomach or jejunum so that liquid nutrition and medications can be delivered. These procedures can be performed endoscopically or laparoscopically. Placing the feeding tube can be a temporary or permanent solution depending on the needs of the patient.

Post Operative Instructions

Locations

NWMIS makes it easy to get to us no matter where you are in the Portland or Vancouver metropolitan areas. We have three convenient locations where we practice. We love seeing patients, so please feel free to visit during regular business hours.

Vancouver Columbia Medical Plaza

8614 East Mill Plain Blvd Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98664 Get Directions

Providence Tanasbourne

10690 NE Cornell Rd. Suite 212 Hillsboro, OR 97124 Get Directions

Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital

1040 NW 22nd Ave Suite 470 Portland, OR 97210 Get Directions
Give us a call today and we’ll let doctors Daniel Tseng, Jeffrey Watkins, Sabrina Drexel, or Paul Kaminsky know we have a patient ready for their gentle and expert service.