General Surgery

Leading care when and where you need it

From the complex to the routine surgeries, our General Surgery team is focused on providing you the care you need close to home. Using the latest diagnostic technology and innovative surgical techniques, we’re committed to providing you a positive outcome and fast recovery that will get you home sooner.

Our surgical team works closely with the Perioperative Services team to provide guidance, support, and care before, during, and after surgery to ensure the best patient experience and surgical outcomes.

Avid fly fisherman Leigh Oliva was incapacitated with pain from diverticulitis. He was treated with the help of Dr. Simon Drew. Leigh is back to his normal activities and grateful for the skilled and thoughtful care he received from Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) General Surgery.

Treatments and services

  • Gall bladder surgery: An extremely common procedure, gall bladder removal no longer requires major incision. Instead, it is performed laparoscopically, through four small openings in the abdomen. This minimally invasive approach allows for reduced pain and faster recovery than traditional surgery. Most patients return home the same day of surgery and return to normal activities in a matter of days.
  • Hernia surgery: The goal of hernia surgery is to repair weak tissue in your abdominal wall through which your intestines and other tissues may protude. In addition to being painful, an untreated hernia can grow in size and eventually become life threatening. Hernias are best repaired when they are small. The location of your hernia will determine the specific type of surgery required and the length of your recovery. Most patients return home the same day as the surgery.
  • Thyroid surgery: Surgery is a safe and effective treatment for cases of thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and hyperthyroidism. Performed in SVMC’s operating room, thyroid surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same or the next day.
  • Fast track colon surgery: Fast track colon surgery at SVMC uses a proven and highly regarded protocol for managing colon surgery. This method has been shown to decrease complications and speed and ease recovery. Benefits include the use of pain control drugs other than narcotics, which slow the contraction of the bowel, and an emphasis on lung function. Participation in the fast track program requires patients' commitment to a detailed nutrition regimen both before and after surgery and early and frequent walking to stimulate recovery. Patients are provided with detailed education about all aspects of the procedure. If you or your surgeon feel that you cannot meet the program guidelines, you can choose the more traditional method of colon surgery.
  • Plastic surgery: Our plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than 35 years of experience. Surgeries provided include those on breasts, including reduction and augmentation; facial fractures; skin, including burns and scar revision; cosmetic procedures, like facelift, rhinoplasty, and mastopexy; and hands, for carpal tunnel.
  • Breast cancer: As part of our Breast Care Program, we offer a number of different breast surgeries. Depending upon the specifics of your case and history, your breast care specialist may recommend a lumpectomy, a partial mastectomy, or a total mastectomy with or without reconstruction. Performed in our operating room, breast surgery is performed with the input and under the watchful eye of your entire Breast Care Program team. Our on-staff Breast Navigator will meet with you in advance of surgery to share the specifics of the procedure as well as what you might expect in terms of recovery and recommended physical therapy.
  • Other surgery: Other surgeries we commonly perform include:
    • Bariatric surgery
    • Ear, nose, and throat surgery
    • Eye surgery
    • Gynecologic surgery
    • Oral surgery
    • Podiatric surgery
    • Urologic surgery

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Our team

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Contact, hours, and location

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