Surgery

While we offer traditional open surgery, our surgical team prioritizes minimally invasive techniques. In addition to laparoscopic surgery, where surgeons use a long tube with camera and surgical instruments attached, we use robotic surgery across a variety of specialties.

Our surgical center has offered access to safe, high-quality robot-assisted surgeries since 2005, when we became the first hospital in Alaska to offer robotic surgery. During robotic surgery, surgeons use a control panel to maneuver robotic arms with miniature surgical instruments that are inserted through small incisions. Surgeons can then see the surgical area with enhanced detail through a three-dimensional, high-definition camera. The robotic arm moves with seven degrees of motion that mimic and, in some instances, expand on the dexterity of the human wrist.

Potential benefits of robotic surgery include:

• Faster recovery times
• Less pain
• Lower risk of infection
• Minimal scarring
• Shorter hospital stays

Minimally invasive surgery has expanded the possibilities of the type and quality of care we are able to provide you. While traditional, open surgery is always available as an option, our proficiencies allow us to offer bariatric, cardiovascular, colorectal, general, orthopedic, spine, thoracic, urologic and women's health surgery.

Bariatric surgery

Also known as weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery is a viable treatment option if medication, diet and exercise methods have proven ineffective in controlling weight loss. Our bariatric surgeons offer Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band or lap band and gastrectomy procedures.

Colorectal surgery

Colorectal conditions, including cancer, can occur at any age, regardless of your overall health or activity levels. If you experience any symptoms, such as inconsistencies in your bowel movements, blood in your stool, narrow stools, pelvic pain or unexplained weight loss, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Since these symptoms may closely resemble other diseases, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection is key to managing your health, and can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

General surgery

Our general surgeons encounter a variety of needs on a daily basis and will work with you to diagnose conditions, make recommendations and offer consultations on urgent surgical matters and elective surgical procedures. Some of the surgeries we perform include:

• Appendectomy
• Cholecystectomy, also known as gallbladder removal
• Hernia repair
• Splenectomy, also known as spleen removal

Heart and vascular surgery

The cardiac surgeons at our hospital have the advanced capabilities to perform both traditional and minimally invasive surgeries, including procedures addressing severe blockages, as well as those for people who have had multiple heart surgeries.

Heart procedures we offer include coronary artery bypass grafts, congenital heart abnormality repairs and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). During a CABG procedure, our specially trained physicians perform surgery while the heart is beating using a special device that stabilizes the target area. This surgical technique reduces complications, including heart muscle damage, arrhythmias and heart attacks. Shortly after, you are typically able to return home to your normal routine.

Orthopedic surgery

Our Orthopedic and Spine Center provides a holistic program for adults who experience degenerative and acute joint, back and neck conditions. These conditions can be a result of trauma, illness or aging. Our program's goal is to help you achieve your highest level of independence and physical function.

Specializing in hip and knee replacement surgeries, our team oversees the admission process and aftercare, including preoperative classes, surgery itself, hospitalization, acute rehabilitation, postoperative classes and post-discharge care. Our orthopedic surgery program has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval.

Spine surgery

We were one of the first community hospitals in the world to utilize robot guidance in spine surgery. The technique precisely locates anatomical structures so surgeons can place spinal and orthopedic bone screws, which may lead to faster recovery times.

Thoracic surgery

Thoracic specialists investigate and treat organs found in the body’s chest and upper abdomen, including the lungs, mediastinum, chest wall, esophagus, diaphragm and the great vessels to the heart.

If your daily routine begins getting affected by potentially troubling symptoms, such as chest discomfort, chest pain, trouble coughing, difficulty breathing, problems eating and cough, you should see a physician.

If you experience any of these concerning symptoms, your physician may recommend diagnostic tests such as:

• Angiography
• Blood tests
• Biopsy
• Cardiac catheterization
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Electrocardiography
• Endoscopy
• X-rays

Once tests have been completed, treatment may include lifestyle changes or medication. In other instances, surgery may be recommended. Thoracic specialists use surgical methods such as:

• Diaphragmatic pacing — Implantation of a small device that stimulates the diaphragm to move and expand the lungs
• Diaphragmatic plication for diaphragmatic paralysis — Stabilization of the diaphragm to restore normal lung function
• Lung transplant surgery — A surgical procedure to replace a failing lung

Urologic surgery

Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the bladder, urethra and kidneys in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system.

We diagnose urinary conditions through a variety of tests, including:

• Biopsy
• CT scan
• Cystogram, also known as an X-ray of the bladder
• Cystoscopy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound
• Urine test
• Urodynamic testing

Women's health surgery

Certain women's cancers and gynecological conditions may need to be treated through surgical means. Women and their doctors can choose traditional surgeries or minimally invasive options, such as brachytherapy or robotic-assisted surgeries. We also perform oncologic procedures as part of our gynecological surgical practices.

Procedures include:

• Endometrial resection
• Fibroid removal
• Hysterectomies
• Mastectomy, also known as breast removal
• Ovarian cystectomy