SURGICAL SPECIALITIES

Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery

Surgical Associates is committed to minimally invasive surgery. Our approach is about maximizing your quality of life. That is why our highly skilled surgeons utilize minimally invasive surgical techniques that require smaller incisions during surgery, cause less bleeding and postoperative pain, result in a shorter hospital stay and lead to a quicker recovery time after discharge. Not only are our surgeons trained in laparoscopy, but they are also trained in robotic surgery.  

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery during which surgeons use very small surgical instruments that fit through a series of tiny incisions.  It allows our surgeons to work through a separate console that controls the robot at the operative table. Surgical Associates is committed to a future in robotic surgery.  We partner with Oklahoma Surgical Hospital which has three DaVinci robots. We believe in delivering not only the best care, but the most up to date surgical techniques to our patients. Our methods allow you to get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible. We will walk you through every step of the process starting with your preoperative visit through surgery and until your final postoperative visit.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Do you have an unpleasant burning sensation in your chest after you eat? Do you wake up with a sour taste in your mouth in the morning? Do you suffer from a chronic cough? You could be suffering from something called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or more commonly referred to as Gastric Reflux. GERD can be caused by a multitude of conditions, of which many require surgical correction including obesity, hiatal hernia, achalasia, esophageal motility disorders, and bile reflux. If you suffer from any of these problems and medications are unable to control the associated symptoms then surgery may be of benefit. Surgical Associates can work with your physician to determine what the best treatment for you is.

Hernia

Hernia repair is one of the most common types of surgeries.  Hernias typically occur in the groin area or abdominal cavity and require surgical repair.  Common types of hernias include inguinal, umbilical, incisional and epigastric hernias.  You may notice a lump or bulge and it often feels like a pulled muscle, but it is actually an internal organ or other body part that pushes through the muscle or tissue.  A consult with one of our surgeons will discuss your specific circumstances and what your best options and alternatives are for hernia repair.

Gallbladder

Do you have pain in your abdomen after you eat certain foods? Do you have gallstones or frequently experience loose stools? Does this pain radiate to your right shoulder blade? This may be a sign that your gallbladder is having a hard time working effectively. Gallstones can lead to inflammation, which can cause scar tissue to build up. As scar tissue develops, your gallbladder will have difficulty working effectively leading to abdominal pain. This is one of the most routine complaints that we see, so you can feel confident that Surgical Associates will effectively diagnose and treat your symptoms.

Appendix

Did you develop pain around your naval that radiated to your right lower abdomen in the last 24 hours? This is a classic sign of acute appendicitis. You will likely require an appendectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the appendix. Surgical Associates has performed thousands of these procedures and will get you back to your daily routine in no time.

Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal surgery is a focal point of services at Surgical Associates, where we are uniquely equipped to provide you with personalized care. We treat patients diagnosed with a peri-anal abscess, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease, or colon/rectal cancer.  We utilize the safest, most up-to-date treatment options for disorders of the small bowel, colon, and rectum. Our surgeons are fellowship trained and routinely treat complex surgical patients.

Diverticular Disease

Have you ever been diagnosed with diverticular disease after having a colonoscopy performed or been admitted to the hospital for diverticulitis? Diverticular disease is an acquired condition and a very common complaint. There are both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for diverticular disease. If your disease has been complicated by a fistula to another organ or a perforation, then a surgical correction might be suggested. Surgical Associates has some of Tulsa’s leading experts in diverticular disease therapy and will guide you through your care.

Anorectal Diseases

Common anal and rectal disorders include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistulas and fecal incontinence.  Noticing blood after bowel movements, difficulty with bowel function or pain are all signs of anorectal disease.  Often these conditions are a source of discomfort, embarrassment and worry.  Our leading colorectal surgeons will evaluate, diagnose and treat your symptoms, determining if surgery is recommended. 

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis are two conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of tissues in the gastrointestinal tract.  Symptoms common to both of these conditions are diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss.  If other treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, then you may be a surgical candidate.

Bariatric Surgery

The number of Americans suffering from morbid obesity has dramatically increased over the last several decades.  By 2030, some projections forecast obesity to affect 1/2 of the US population. Morbid obesity is a disease that is defined by a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI of 35 with co-morbidities. Obesity affects diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, joint problems, hernias and the need for transplantation.  Bariatric surgery modifies your digestive system and is one way we can help get you to a healthier weight.  The decision to have bariatric surgery is one that involves much more than treating obesity. It allows you to decrease the number of medications taken on a daily basis and allows sustained weight loss and health by changing how your body manages what you eat.  Surgical Associates works with a National Institutes of Health – designed bariatric team that provides state-of-the-art disease management. Our team is trained to treat morbid obesity and our patients are put into our bariatric program with lifelong follow up, including a support group system.

Surgical Oncology

If you have been diagnosed with cancer or your primary care doctor suspects cancer, you may be referred to Surgical Associates for a biopsy or surgical intervention to remove the cancerous growth or tumor.  Our surgical oncology specialists have trained for years to treat your individual cancer and deliver the highest quality surgical care.  Whether you are to receive chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination thereof, Surgical Associates will be an integral part of your care team.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

The thyroid and parathyroid glands, located in the front of your neck, produce a myriad of hormones that affect almost all your body’s metabolic processes. When these hormones are being produced in excess, you may be referred to a surgeon for evaluation. Workup often can reveal a nodule/mass, a cancer, a goiter, or they might diagnose you with an autoimmune disease. Depending on your unique set of symptoms, surgical intervention might be suggested. Our endocrine specialists will guide you through your care and strive to give you the best outcome possible. Surgical Associates has performed many of these operations, and we pride ourselves in the confidence that Tulsa has given us over the years.

Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose veins are most commonly seen in the legs and feet because standing upright increases pressure in the lower extremities. Exercise, leg elevation, and compression stockings can help prevent these from forming and progressing. If you are diagnosed with varicose veins and they are problematic, you may require surgical treatment. Thanks to profound advances in medical technology, the physicians of Surgical Associates are successfully treating varicose veins with the VNUS Closure procedure, using radio frequency ablation. The benefits of this procedure include little or no pain during surgery, minimal or no scarring, minimal recovery time, and noticeable improvement within a few weeks.

Benign and Malignant Skin Lesions

As the largest organ of the human body, the skin is often overlooked as an important site for cancer screening. Surgical Associates is currently treating all skin lesions including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and many other lesions of the skin. If you are diagnosed with a skin lesion, Surgical Associates are experts in the inspection, identification, and removal of benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions.