General Surgery

When you need surgery, trust the general surgeons at VHC Health in Arlington and the DC metro. They treat conditions like appendicitis, cysts, hernias, gallstones, hemorrhoids, and tumors. Your team uses safe, modern techniques to reduce pain and help you heal. Rely on us to recommend the best treatment for your body and needs.

What Does a General Surgeon Do?

General surgeons treat many parts of the body. They often work with other specialists, nurses, and primary care providers. Together, they make sure you understand your treatment and know what to expect. You can always ask questions, and your surgeon will help you feel prepared and supported.

Conditions We Treat

Choose a general surgeon at VHC Health Surgical Specialists if you need care for:

• Abdominal organs, including the liver, spleen, gallbladder and pancreas
• Breast, skin and soft tissue
• Digestive tract, such as the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and small and large intestines
• Endocrine glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenals

Deciding on Surgery

Before recommending surgery, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. You'll discuss the possible risks and benefits of surgery.

Your doctor may want to try other treatments first, like medicine or lifestyle changes. But if surgery is your best option, learn about:

• Gallbladder surgery
• Hernia surgery
• Skin and soft tissue care

Less Invasive Approach

Whenever possible, VHC Health surgeons use small incisions or no incisions. This approach is called minimally invasive surgery. It's different from open surgery, which uses a long incision. Less invasive options lead to:

• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of problems
• Less pain after surgery
• Less scarring
• Quicker return to normal activities

Ask your surgeon what to expect from your treatment.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Our surgeons use special tools and cameras to see inside your body and treat your condition. That means safe, precise surgery.

Laparoscopy: A surgeon inserts a thin tube with a light and camera through small cuts in the abdomen. This helps check organs, take samples, or remove unhealthy tissue.

Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a tiny camera looks inside the digestive tract. This helps find problems in the esophagus, stomach, intestines, or rectum.

Robotic Surgery: A surgeon controls a "robot" with arms that bend and rotate further than human hands. Learn how robotic surgery works and why VHC Health is a Center of Excellence.

Bronchoscopy: A small camera tube looks inside the lungs. Your surgeon uses it to find infections or blockages and remove tissue or fluid samples.

Sigmoidoscopy: A short, flexible tube checks the lower large intestine. It can find causes of bleeding or pain and remove small polyps (lumps).