General Surgery (CP)
Leaders in General Surgery
Our general surgeons offer complete surgical services for the treatment of the adrenal glands, breast, colon, esophagus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, parathyroid, and thyroid. We offer advanced endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical approaches for treatment of benign conditions including achalasia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and hernias.
Our surgeons and staff work together closely to ensure your care plan is complete. Our goal is to treat your condition and help you return to the best health and quality of life possible.
What We Offer You for GENERAL SURGERY
- Specialized expertise from an excellent general surgery program dedicated to advanced treatment for conditions of the breast, esophagus, stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, hernias, gallstones, and more. Go to Conditions Treated
- Complete treatment options, always emphasizing the least invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgical approaches possible. Go to Treatments
- Clinical trial opportunities to join research studies of new surgical innovations. Go to Clinical Trials
- Team approach with highly experienced specialists working together closely to create a comprehensive care plan customized to your needs. Go to Your Care Team
- Full support that includes pain management, physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and more. Go to Support Services
- Ease of access with Stanford specialists conveniently located in Pleasanton, close to where you work or live. Go to Accessing Care
Our general surgeons have specialized core knowledge to diagnose treat and manage a variety of conditions requiring surgery involving the breast, endocrine, gastrointestinal tract, liver (hepatobiliary), pancreas, colon and rectum, including those requiring resections and transplants. They are dedicated to performing wide range of procedures addressing both the routine and common to the most complex conditions, including:
Achalasia
This condition affects muscles and nerves in your digestive tract and causes food to back up in your esophagus.
Appendicitis
This condition occurs when your appendix becomes infected. Severe appendicitis is dangerous because the infected appendix can rupture and cause sepsis.
Barrett’s esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a serious, long-term complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This precancerous condition results from irritation in the esophagus that develops after persistent contact with stomach acid.
Benign esophageal tumors
Benign (non-cancerous) tumors can sometimes form in your esophagus. Benign tumors grow slowly and aren't usually cause for concern. However, sometimes they become large enough to create a blockage (obstruction) or put pressure on other organs, needing to be addresses surgically.
Benign small bowel disease
Breast cancer
Our breast cancer surgery specialists care for your whole self: your breasts, your entire body, and your mind. Our compassionate, skilled surgeons tailor their approach to your personal preferences and needs, helping you make the treatment choices that are best for you. Our surgeons help our patients with diabetes through our bariatric and medical weight loss program.
Dysphasia
Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that causes difficulty or pain while swallowing or attempting to swallow.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is the organ under the liver that stores bile as it moves from the liver to the intestine. Gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a procedure we perform often for the many people who have gallbladder cancer, gallstones, and related conditions.
Gastroparesis
A digestive disorder in which the stomach has an inability to empty properly.
Hernias
Our doctors treat paraesophageal/hiatal hernias, inguinal hernias, abdominal wall hernias, and incisional hernias.
Liver disorders
We perform surgery to treat hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, and other conditions affecting the liver, the organ that helps detoxify chemicals and make proteins.
Neuroendocrine tumors
Cells in the neuroendocrine system support the function of both the nervous system and endocrine system (which affects your metabolism). But tumors can damage these cells in the stomach, intestines, and other areas of the body.
Pancreatic conditions
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the gland behind the stomach that secretes enzymes. This condition can be acute (a short-term “attack”) or chronic (long-term without improvement). We also treat pancreatic cysts, the masses that can be painful and lead to cancer.
Parathyroid disease
Hyperparathyroidism is the condition caused by over-activity of the gland in the neck that regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the bloodstream. Surgery is the recommended treatment for this condition.
Spleen conditions
We provide a wide range of surgical options for the treatment of conditions affecting the spleen, the organ in the abdomen that removes blood cells and forms part of the immune system. Procedures include the pancreatectomy, which preserves the function of the spleen and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Also called acid reflux, this condition occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Our goal is to treat your symptoms and prevent complications.
Your doctor will recommend the surgical procedure best suited to your unique condition and needs. The care plan will consider:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- The extent of the disease, injury, or condition
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease, injury, or condition
- Your opinion or preference
We perform the full range of surgical procedures, always emphasizing the least invasive approach appropriate for each patient in our care.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
The Stanford Health Care general surgery program offers excellent care for all appropriate patients in Pleasanton and surrounding communities. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may even have opportunities to participate in research studies of breakthrough treatments not yet available outside Stanford.
We work with you to take the most appropriate surgical approach.
Treatments
We offer diverse treatments to meet diverse needs. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive approaches, including:
Laparoscopic surgery
The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, a thin lighted tube. The tube can hold other surgical instruments needed and also be used to remove tissue samples or organs.
Robotic surgery
Transoral endoscopic surgery
This minimally invasive procedure offers the next-generation approach to head and neck cancers.
Personalized Treatments
Your care team will assess your unique needs and lifestyle to develop the best treatment plan for you. In addition to surgery, your doctor may recommend other actions to provide you with the most comprehensive and personalized care possible.
For example, if appropriate, your doctor may help you understand steps you can take to support your recovery or prevent the need for surgery again in the future. Or your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes designed to improve your health and quality of life such as:
- Exercise and nutrition programs
- Fall prevention
- Weight management
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new approach for surgery or follow-up care. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to trials of the latest advances.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
Your General Surgery Team
In a modern, welcoming setting, our team provides complete care customized to your specific condition and needs. We are committed to your safety, comfort, convenience, and recovery.
Your Doctors
General Surgeon
General surgeons practice the specialty focused on treatment of disorders in the abdomen and its components: the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, appendix, bile duct, and thyroid glands.
View All {0} General Surgeons »Breast Surgeon
Breast surgeons perform biopsies (taking tiny tissue samples) to test for cancer. They also surgically remove tumors, some surrounding breast tissue, and lymph nodes to evaluate them for the presence of cancer.
View All {0} Breast Surgeons »Colorectal Surgeon
Colorectal Surgeons treat disorders of the anus, colon, and rectum. They are general surgeons who received additional specialized training and certification to work in the field.
View All {0} Colorectal Surgeons »Stanford is an Academic Medical Center, which is a type of hospital setting where doctors teach the entire spectrum of medical education. Students range from beginning medical students to fully licensed and practicing doctors completing advanced subspecialty training. Stanford Medicine is a partnership between Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, you can expect to meet many providers and providers in training:
- Attending physician: a doctor who supervises doctors in training or in medical school
- Fellow: a doctor doing postgraduate level work and specializing in care of patients with specific conditions
- Resident: a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training (also called “residency”) here at Stanford. A resident is also called an intern.
- Medical student: a student who is currently enrolled in medical school with the goal of becoming a doctor
Extended Care Team
Our team includes additional professionals to make sure you get the complete care and support you need:
Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
Our skilled physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) can give you a thorough exam, write prescriptions, and help to prevent or treat any issues. Our APPs meet weekly to discuss patient needs.
Care Coordinators
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance prior to and during your appointment.
- Medical Assistant - Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take vitals before your appointment.
- Patient Care Coordinator - Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your test results.
- Patient Access Representative - Patient access representatives can answer any questions you have about insurance coverage, will assist you with applying for insurance, and can refer you to a Stanford financial counselor.
Research Coordinators
Our specialists are very involved in research efforts to advance surgical procedures. Research coordinators help screen candidates for possible participation in clinical research trials.
Support Services
We offer a vast array of support services to meet your complete needs as you receive your care:
We welcome you and make accessing care from the general surgery program at Stanford Health Care–ValleyCare easy and convenient.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.