General Surgery
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health's surgical team includes specialists who are highly trained to perform general surgery for a wide range of conditions.
General surgeons can operate on any area of the body. They typically perform routine and complex surgeries on the:- Abdomen
- Breast
- Head and Neck
- Blood vessels
- Digestive system
In addition to previously diagnosed health conditions, our general surgeons treat sudden injuries and provide surgical care when emergency room visits requires such.
Surgical Conditions We Treat
We specialize in the surgical care of many common conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Bowel blockage and obstruction
- Cancers (including colon cancer and skin cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Gallbladder and gallstones
- Hernias
Before Your Surgery
If your primary care physician thinks you may need surgery, we will schedule you for a consultation. Once we determine that surgery is the appropriate next step, we will begin arranging your procedure.
It is normal to feel nervous before having surgery. But rest assured, our surgical team will prioritize your safety and well-being.
As surgery is not a one-size-fits-all approach, you will undergo pre-operative testing so we can have all the information needed to not only reduce safety risks but also develop a care plan that meets your specific surgical needs.
Before your procedure, the surgery team, which will include your surgeon and an anesthesiologist, will explain what to expect, address your concerns and tell you how to prepare, including:
- What to wear, bring and leave at home
- When to stop eating and drinking
- Whether to continue or stop taking your medications
After Your Surgery
If you are undergoing an outpatient procedure, typically you should be able to go home the same day. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can stay throughout your procedure and either drive you home or accompany you home using a rideshare service. (Outpatient surgery may be performed in the Klein Ambulatory Care Center or the UM Chesapeake Surgery Center. Your surgical team will make this determination and discuss with you.)
If undergoing an inpatient procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area and monitored as you sleep. When you wake up, your nurse will assess any pain you are having and give you medication as needed. You will receive discharge instructions and prescriptions (if needed). We’ll also go over the plan for your pain management and how to care for yourself at home.