When you need surgery, whether planned or unexpected, you want the nation's best. That's why, at NewYork-Presbyterian, you'll find we have some of the nation's leading general surgeons committed to providing the best outcomes. Our surgeons from Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine are experts in a wide range of common health problems that require general surgery. Whether you're referred for abdominal pain (like with appendicitis), a lump or cyst you want removed, a hernia, or another common or emergent condition, our teams are at the forefront of surgical innovation to help you feel better. Our expertise in minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures, as well as the latest surgical techniques, leads to shorter recovery times and the best surgical outcomes for patients.
Leaders in elective and emergency surgical procedures
Our approach to care
The surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian provide compassionate, evidence-based care through a multidisciplinary approach. By collaborating with experts across other disciplines like gastroenterology, oncology, radiology, and anesthesiology, we ensure every aspect of your condition is considered.
Our team
Our dedicated team of surgeons provide comprehensive care for a wide array of procedures and patients of all ages. They are highly skilled in advanced minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopy and robotic surgery, and hold extensive expertise and training in sub-specialties from oncology to endocrinology. Along with exceptional support staff including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, we surround you and every patient with the highest standard of care.
General Surgery FAQs
Your care team will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions. These often include guidance on fasting (when to stop eating and drinking prior to your procedure), which medications to take or stop beforehand, and other preparations to ensure a safe surgery.
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes infected or inflamed. This causes pain in the lower right part of the abdomen, sometimes starting near the belly button and then moving. Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain. If appendicitis is caught early, it may be able to be treated with antibiotics. However, surgery is often needed to remove the appendix (called an appendectomy) and the associated infection as the appendix can rupture as soon as 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin.
A hernia is a condition where soft tissue or an organ bulges through a weak spot in a muscle or connective tissue. The weak spot, called a hernia defect, may have been present since birth or may develop gradually as you age due to consistent muscle wear and tear. In addition to a bulge that can be felt, symptoms of a hernia include pain, pressure, or burning in the area. Hernias can appear in the groin (inguinal), top of the thigh or outer groin (femoral), diaphragm or upper stomach (hiatal), belly button (umbilical), or at the site of previous abdominal surgery (incisional).
A hernia does not go away on its own; therefore, it often requires surgery to treat it. During a hernia repair, your surgeon will position the herniated tissue back in place and repair the abdominal wall defect. They may suture healthy tissue together to create a strong barrier wall. They will also often use surgical mesh to provide extra support to prevent the hernia from coming back. This procedure may be performed through an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach depending on the type of hernia and how complex the surgery will be.
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile and can help facilitate digestive. Cholecystectomies are often needed when one experiences gallbladder pain or dysfunction, such as gallstones.
The gallbladder is located under the liver and is typically removed via a small incision during minimally invasive surgery. Recovery time may vary, but most patients require only a short hospital stay.