Benefits of Preventative Surgeries

Common Preventative & Diagnostic Surgical Procedures

When patients have several risk factors that increase their likelihood of developing chronic health conditions, it’s normal for doctors to advise the patient to make lifestyle changes to help minimize that risk. However, in some instances, surgical intervention may be necessary to act before illness has the opportunity to develop.

When it comes to preventative care, these surgical procedures can help to avoid unwanted health complications.

Bariatric Surgery

Obesity and morbid obesity are serious health issues affecting the American public. Unfortunately, carrying large amounts of excess weight can bring on a variety of health issues if left unaddressed. While many people are able to lose weight naturally, others can benefit from surgical intervention.

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a viable treatment option for those with physical limitations that may prevent them from being able to lose weight or may struggle with keeping weight off on their own.

Weight-loss surgery can help to prevent the following health issues:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Arthritis
• Acid reflux
• Various types of cancer

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure performed to examine the inside of the rectum and colon to check for any signs of colorectal cancer or precancerous growths. During this procedure, a flexible tube and small camera are inserted into the anus and fed through the rectum. If polyps are found, other instruments are inserted to biopsy them for further examination.

For adults of average risk for colorectal cancer, it is recommended that men and women start getting colonoscopies at the age of 50. After starting, you should continue getting this cancer screening at least once every 10 years.

Get started by filling out our online open-access form to be pre-screened for a colonoscopy at St. John's Health.

Upper Endoscopies (EGD)

Although it’s common for doctors to use ultrasounds and x-rays to diagnose issues affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, an upper endoscopy (EDG) can also be performed in order to get a more thorough look.

During an EDG, a small thin device called an endoscope with a camera attached to the end is inserted into the throat and into the upper gastrointestinal tract. This allows your doctor to check for any abnormalities.

EDGs can be done to help doctors to diagnose and treat the following health issues affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract:

• Cancerous and noncancerous growths
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Ulcers
• Swallowing disorders

Prophylactic Mastectomy

A prophylactic mastectomy, also known as a preventative mastectomy, is a surgical procedure done to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. During this procedure, one or both breasts are removed, ultimately reducing the risk of developing breast cancer by upwards of 95%.

This procedure is appropriate for women who:

• Have a prevalent family history of breast cancer
• Have the BRCA1 gene
• Have the BRCA2 gene

Biopsies

A biopsy is a medical procedure that is typically performed by a surgeon. During a biopsy, a small amount of organ tissue, cells, or fluid are removed and collected for further analysis to aid in the diagnostic process. After collection, a pathologist examines the biopsied material to determine whether or not the sample is benign or malignant.

Some of the most common types of biopsies include:

• Incisional biopsy
• Excisional biopsy
• Endoscopic biopsy
• Colposcopic biopsy
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Core biopsy

Robotic Surgery in Jackson, Wilson, and Teton County

At St. John's Health, we are dedicated to providing ever-advancing individualized care. Our highly skilled surgeons use state-of-the-art robotics to assist with various surgeries in Jackson, WY. Robotics allows surgeons to be more precise, and carry out minimally invasive procedures that help patients to feel better, faster.

Some of the available robotic-assisted surgeries available at St. John's Health include:

• Colorectal
• Bariatric Surgery
• Gallbladder Surgery
• Inguinal Hernia
• Ventral Hernia
• Endometriosis Resection
• Benign Hysterectomy
• Kidney Surgery
• Prostate Surgery

Talk to your surgical care team today to discuss your robot-assisted surgery options at St. John's Health.