Advanced Laparoscopy: Revolutionizing Gastrointestinal Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that requires a mere 1/2-inch incision and is typically done on an outpatient basis. It has revolutionized the field of general surgery. Benefits include:

• Less pain
• Minimal scarring
• Fewer complications
• Fewer adhesions
• A shorter recovery time - two to four days rather than the traditional six weeks

Although not possible on every patient, we believe that advanced laparoscopy is the best option for abdominal surgery.

Your Choice for Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Care

Our experience, dedication and ability to address the entire spectrum of surgical needs allow us to provide our patients with unparalleled, comprehensive, quality care. Premier surgeons were pioneers in laparoscopic surgery in East Tennessee, performing the first laparoscopic gallbladder, hernia and hiatal hernia surgery. Since then, we have remained at the forefront of the most progressive advanced laparoscopic techniques. Today, we are leading the way in gastrointestinal laparoscopic care.

Experience Counts

We offer expert care of routine and complex gastrointestinal surgical problems.

• Colon/rectum. Curative resections of the colon for benign and malignant disease are routinely performed laparoscopically. These procedures meet the standard of care for resection margins and lymph node retrieval while minimizing recovery times.
• Esophagus and stomach. We continue to provide minimally invasive approaches to patients with complex problems of the foregut, including paraesophageal hernias, gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD), and achalasia.
• Gallbladder. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been standard for some time, for qualifying patients we now offer single-site laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which leaves only a single, small scar at the umbilicus.
• Hernia. Treatment of hernias has become complex due to the variety of treatment options available. We specialize in helping patients determine which approach is best for them.

Other areas of minimally invasive expertise:

• Incisional, ventral and inguinal hernias
• Small bowel resection
• Small bowel obstruction
• Resection of benign and malignant tumors of the stomach

• Surgery of intra-abdominal solid organs, including spleen and adrenal glands

Laparo-endoscopic Single-Site Surgery

Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site (LESS) surgery, also known as single port access and single-incision laparoscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive, single-site procedure performed through the umbilicus (navel) that is available for qualified gallbladder and select appendectomy patients.

Recognized by the Cleveland Clinic as one of the Top Ten Innovations of 2009 because of its significant potential for patient benefit, the procedure allows access for up to three surgical and imaging instruments through the "keyhole" incision. The surgeon removes the port after the procedure, allowing the natural contours of the navel to hide the surgical incision.