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General surgery

Nationally recognized general surgery in Minnesota and western Wisconsin

When you need surgery, it’s important to choose a care team that partners with you – one that adapts expertise and innovation to your needs, helps you understand your choices and makes you feel prepared and supported at every step. At HealthPartners, we combine responsive, compassionate care with state-of-the-art surgical technology to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Our board-certified general surgeons are experts in performing a wide range of surgeries, from the common to the complex. We lead the way in many innovative surgical techniques, including endoscopic esophageal and gastric surgical procedures that don’t require any incisions.

It’s our policy to recommend the most minimally invasive procedure so you can heal faster and return home sooner. Our general surgeons perform surgeries at our outpatient surgery centers and hospitals, and work with you to choose the most comfortable, affordable location.

What does general surgery include?

General surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on conditions of the esophagus, stomach, breasts, endocrine system, colon, pancreas, rectum, skin and soft tissue that require surgery. The doctors who specialize in performing these surgeries are called general surgeons.

Our general surgeons work closely with our anesthesiologists, nurses, physician assistants and specialists to make sure you get the skilled, compassionate care you need every step of the way.

General surgery procedures we perform

We perform many types of surgeries, both required and elective. Some of the surgeries we commonly perform include:

  • Endocrine surgery – adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid
  • Esophageal and gastric surgery
  • Gallbladder surgery
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hernia surgery
  • Melanoma surgery
  • Minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery
  • Oncologic surgery
  • Ostomies
  • Skin and soft tissue surgery

If you were referred to a surgeon or if you are interested in an elective surgery, your first step is to schedule a consultation.

What to expect during a surgery consultation

Before you have any kind of surgery, you will always have a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. During your consultation, we’ll work with you to choose the best type of surgery for your condition. We’ll also discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during your procedure.

We’re here to answer all your questions about what to expect before, during and after the procedure – from preparing for surgery to understanding costs. Then, we’ll pick a date for your surgery and help you get it scheduled.

We provide surgery consultations at many locations throughout the Twin Cities, central Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Modern and innovative surgery locations

While we do perform many surgeries in our hospitals, your surgery won’t always take place there. Whenever possible, we schedule surgeries at our outpatient surgery centers. Our team will work with you to determine the best location for your procedure and answer any questions you have.

We can perform surgery at a number of our locations including:

Our clinics

Very minor procedures may be done at one of our clinics. We’ll determine whether this is appropriate for your procedure during your initial clinic visit. If your procedure is performed in a clinic, you’ll be able to return home immediately after your appointment.

With many different clinics in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, you’ll be able to choose a convenient location close to home. We’ll talk to you about whether a clinic is the best place for your procedure.

Our outpatient surgery centers

Our outpatient surgery centers were designed with the same innovative technology as our operating rooms so you can get the same expert surgery without needing to stay overnight. Outpatient surgery centers, sometimes called same-day surgery centers or ambulatory surgery centers, are best for laparoscopic surgeries and less invasive surgeries like hernia repair, gallbladder removals and appendectomies.

Getting surgery at an outpatient surgery center is often more comfortable and affordable than a traditional hospital operating room experience. You’ll be able to leave the center the same day as your surgery and recover at home.

Our hospitals

For more complex procedures, our general surgeons will take care of you at one of our hospitals. Afterwards, you’ll recover in one of our patient recovery rooms. Our dedicated nurses are available 24/7 to make sure you’re comfortable during your recovery, and you’ll have easy access to any necessary rehabilitation services.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)