General Surgery

The Ochsner department of general surgery has several subspecialties, including:

• Acute care surgery

• Breast surgery

• Colon and rectal surgery

• Endocrine surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• Robotic and minimally invasive surgery

• Surgical oncology

• Thoracic surgery

General surgery can treat a wide variety of medical conditions, from acute injuries to serious illnesses to chronic health problems. Many of the typical conditions we treat include:

• Abdominal wall hernias

• Achalasia — a disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach

• Appendicitis

• Breast cancer

• Burns

• Cancer

• Cysts, lipomas and other benign growths and tumors

• Enterocutaneous fistula — an atypical connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin

• Esophageal disorders

• Gallbladder disease

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Hemorrhoids

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Liver disease

• Pancreatic disease

• Skin cancer

• Thyroid and parathyroid disease

• Trauma

• Vascular disease

Ochsner general surgeons also work with surgeons and physicians in other surgical specialties to treat many types of complex conditions.

General surgery at Ochsner offers the resources and the capabilities that smaller healthcare facilities do not have. Our highly trained physicians and staff use leading-edge technology to perform complex surgeries, including:

• Arteriovenous fistula repair

• Cholecystectomy — gallbladder removal

• Esophagogastric fundoplasty — minimally invasive surgery to treat GERD

• Hernia repair

• Lumpectomy and mastectomy

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures

• Port placement

• Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) — a procedure that treats certain swallowing disorders

• Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion

• Robotic surgery

• Whipple procedure — a complex surgery to treat pancreas and bile duct disorders

We perform outpatient and inpatient surgeries. We also have an intensive care unit surgical suite for the most critical cases, as well as a minimally invasive minor procedure room.

Ochsner's general surgeons are skilled in handling even the most complex surgical procedures, making Ochsner the top referral center in the region. 

If you need reassurance that your surgery is necessary, Ochsner general surgeons are available for expert second opinions. Referring providers and staff can call our Regional Referral Center at 855-312-4190.

General surgery is a medical specialty that treats both sudden and ongoing conditions. Surgery may be performed  to remove soft tissue, such as a tumor, or it may repair diseased organs or broken bones. 

Ochsner general surgeons have been trained to provide expert care, including preoperative and postoperative supervision. ur general surgeons are trained to handle emergency situations where quick intervention may be necessary to save a surgical patient’s life.