General and Abdominal Surgery

Northway Medical Centres have a team of highly-skilled general and abdominal surgeons. Experienced medical specialists who provide consultations, listen to their patient’s complaints, prescribe and perform the necessary examinations, and diagnose and treat the diseases of organs and soft tissues of the abdominal cavity, rectum, and perineum.  Surgeons with longstanding professional experience perform abdominal wall reconstruction (hernia repair), surgeries on the gallbladder, surgical removal of various skin and subcutaneous lesions, lymphoma, ingrown nails and many other general surgery procedures. They also offer procedures such as joint puncture, abscess management (incision and drainage), cyst puncture, removal of ingrown nails, nail resection, and wound dressing.

When should I see a surgeon?

You may need to see a general and abdominal surgeon if you suspect having or have any abdominal, colorectal or rectal diseases or if you need to have diagnostic tests, get professional advice or receive effective treatment. The most common diseases and health conditions that require seeing a surgeon include abdominal hernias (groin, umbilical or postoperative (incisional)), bladder stones, acute or chronic appendicitis, chronic anal fistulas, benign skin and subcutaneous tumors, ingrown nails, etc.

The most common diseases and health conditions

Abdominal wall hernia is the most common health condition healed by surgeons. A hernia of the abdominal wall can be congenital or acquired. Typically, hernias are classified based on their location (groin, umbilical, etc.). Abdominal wall hernias are usually visible, appearing as a lump beneath the skin. If the patient is not overweight, a surgeon can determine whether a hernia is present simply by visual inspection and gentle palpation of the affected area. If the doctor deems it necessary, an ultrasound scan may be required. In rare cases, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be recommended. Surgery is typically the course of treatment for abdominal wall hernias.

Abdominal separation (diastasis recti) is a condition where the abdominal muscles are separated by an abnormal distance due to widening of the abdominal midline (white line). It manifests as a prolonged bulge that becomes clearly visible when you tense your muscles in a sitting position or when you stand up. This condition is most common in men with obesity and in women after childbirth.

Although these health disorders may initially seem minor, and many patients are reluctant to seek treatment due to minor discomfort, over time hernias can cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to serious complications.

If left untreated, hernias can result in complications. The most frequent complication is the trapping of a hernia and the organs contained within it. If you suspect you have a hernia, it is important not to delay seeking medical attention. Consult a surgeon who will determine the best course of treatment. Timely diagnosis and hernia removal will help prevent the hernia from becoming trapped.

In more advanced stages, diastasis can cause low back pain, weaken the pelvic floor, and result in poor posture. Women after childbirth often report bladder leakage, persistent constipation, and sexual dysfunction. Abdominal separation often leads to the development of hernias in the abdominal wall, such as umbilical and midline hernias. Weakened abdominal support and severe muscle separation can lead to injuries of internal organs.

Another common condition is gallstones. In this condition, hardened deposits (stones) form in the gallbladder and can pass into the bile ducts, causing various problems. Gallstones often do not produce symptoms, but they can typically be detected through ultrasound. It is a common condition in people over 40, with a higher incidence in women. However, it can also be diagnosed in younger men and women.

If symptoms related to gallstones are left untreated, it increases the risk of developing gallbladder cancer and other severe complications. The most frequent complication is an acute gallstone attack, characterized by the sudden onset of sharp pain under the right rib cage that quickly subsides. However, if the pain persists, it can lead to acute gallbladder inflammation, known as acute cholecystitis. With cholecystitis, the pain may persist for several days, causing inflammation, accumulation of white blood cells, and an increase in the level of C-reactive protein (CRP).

To avoid any potential complications, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a surgeon to receive timely treatment.

What can I expect during a consultation with a surgeon?

During your visit, a surgeon will listen to your concerns, conduct a physical examination, perform the necessary tests, make a diagnosis, and prescribe the most effective treatment. When planning a surgery, your doctor will schedule the date and time, provide you with pre-surgery recommendations, and address any questions you may have.

The most frequent tests, procedures, and surgeries

Medical specialists typically utilize ultrasound scans in diagnosing any abdominal diseases. However, sometimes you might need to have computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy is a very common procedure. This surgery is recommended if the patient is diagnosed with gallstones followed by dull pain and/or sharp pain under the right rib cage.

Laparoscopic repair of hernia in the abdominal wall is another procedure of general surgery. During this minimally invasive surgery, a surgeon creates small incisions, inserts the required instruments into the abdominal cavity, repositions the hernia contents or tissues to their natural position, and tightens the weakened muscles. If the hernia is larger or not responding well to treatment, the doctor may suggest an open repair surgery. In each case, the surgeon will initially assess the patient’s condition, conduct the necessary tests and examinations, and then recommend the most suitable treatment option.

Abdominal separation (diastasis) is treated differently in men and women after childbirth. If an obese man seeks medical advice for abdominal separation and no abdominal wall hernia is detected during the examination, surgery may not be recommended. However, if a hernia is diagnosed, the recommended course of action would be surgical repair for both the hernia and diastasis. If a hernia is left untreated, it may result in recurrent hernias or the development of new ones.

For women after childbirth, surgical diastasis repair can be performed even in the absence of abdominal hernias. The choice of surgical technique depends on the current symptoms. In cases where there is excess skin, surgeons typically perform a full tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, which involves removing excessive skin and fat and tightening the separated abdominal muscles. If a patient does not have excess skin, the surgeon may opt for a minimally invasive (endoscopic) tummy tuck procedure, performed through small incisions that leave minimal scarring.

Northway Medical Centres also offer lipoma (adipose growth) removal and resection of ingrown nails.

Lipomas, also known as benign growths of fatty tissues, are typically removed for cosmetic reasons. However, larger lipomas can sometimes cause health problems such as nerve or blood vessel compression and tissue malnutrition. Surgical resection of the lipoma is performed under local anesthesia.

The most common causes of ingrown nails are wearing tight shoes, infection, improper grooming and trimming of the nail, trauma, and heredity. Ingrown nails can cause sharp pain, swelling, redness, and abscess formation. If left untreated, an ingrown nail can lead to bone infection beneath the nail.

Our center also provides other general surgery procedures, including surgical excision of skin lesions, drainage of subcutaneous abscesses, and removal of connective and soft tissues. Experienced specialists in general and abdominal surgery also perform lymph node removal, laparoscopic appendectomies, gallbladder removal, and adhesion removal.

Patients with obesity often consult with a general surgeon regarding gastric pouch resizing surgeries. If left untreated, obesity can lead to various comorbid diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, joint pain, snoring, sleep apnea, and infertility. Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most effective treatments for obesity.

According to recommendations, surgical treatment for obesity can be considered for patients diagnosed with grade 2 obesity (BMI>35) who also have other health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, joint pain, snoring, elevated blood pressure, etc.). In the case of grade 3 obesity (BMI>40), surgical treatment is recommended even in the absence of other comorbid diseases. Surgical treatment options for patients with a body mass index close to the recommended range (BMI>32-34kg/m2) are determined on an individual basis.

At Northway Medical Centres, we offer the most common surgical treatments for gastric bypass, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, minimally-invasive gastric bypass, and gastric band surgeries. After the surgery, patients are advised to consult with a dietician to receive recommendations on portion control and adhere to dietary guidelines. To maintain the results of the surgery, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s recommendations responsibly and engage in sufficient physical activity.

General and abdominal surgical procedures at Northway Medical Centres are performed in modern operating theaters equipped with cutting-edge and internationally recognized medical equipment and tools.

Northway Medical Centres have signed a contract with the Territorial Health Insurance Fund, allowing the base price of the surgery to be covered by the State Social Insurance Fund’s budget for patients with compulsory health insurance.