Specialty Surgeons in Amarillo, TX
At BSA Health System, we understand the fears and concerns that accompany surgical procedures. That’s why our surgical specialists provide compassionate care and strive to keep you informed every step of the way. Whether you need inpatient or outpatient care, our doctors offer high-quality, efficient surgical treatments that range from ENT surgical treatments to minimally invasive spine surgery. No matter your needs, the staff at our surgery center are committed to helping you feel supported and cared for— from preoperative surgical care to treatment, rehabilitation, and beyond.
Our Surgical Specialties
When inpatient or outpatient surgery is required, our doctors offer exceptional care from a team of board-certified surgeons. Our services include:
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Ear, nose, and throat surgery
- General surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Oncologic surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Robotic surgery
- Spine surgery
- Vascular surgery
We understand the importance of staying comfortable and informed during your surgical treatment journey, which is why we place great emphasis on educating our patients both pre and post-operatively. Knowing what to expect, how to care for yourself, and information about being discharged from the hospital will help your experience go as smoothly as possible.
Robotic Surgery
The BSA Robotic Surgery Center provides state-of-the-art technology partnered with physician expertise to provide a safer alternative to traditional surgery for a wide variety of procedures. Backed by a full-service hospital, BSA’s surgical team is here to get you back to your life with minimal or no pain.
As the Texas Panhandle’s only facility with the Da Vinci 5 and three da Vinci XI Surgical Systems, BSA Health System is proud to offer patients surgical solutions with faster recovery times and reduced side effects. BSA is leading the way in West Texas as the first to introduce the Da Vinci 5 Surgical System. This robotic-assisted system enhances surgical precision, leading to better patient outcomes in procedures. This innovative technology revolutionizes surgery for our surgeons, care teams and most importantly, our patients. The Da Vinci XI is another breakthrough robotic surgical technology that provides a minimally invasive surgical option with multiple patient benefits.
Our surgeons utilize Da Vinci 5 and the Da Vinci XI Surgical Systems for the following procedures:
- Colon and colorectal surgery
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Gastric reflux disease
- General surgeries
- Gynecologic surgery
- Head and neck surgery
- Hernia repair
- Pelvic reconstruction
- Removal, both complete or partial, of the prostate or uterus
- Spine surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Urinary tract procedures
- Urologic surgery
Minimally invasive surgery, particularly robotic-assisted procedures, offers a range of benefits compared to traditional surgeries. Patients experience significantly less pain, smaller incisions, and reduced scarring, leading to a faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. With less blood loss and a lower risk of infection, complications are minimized, making the procedure safer. These advantages also contribute to a quicker return to normal daily activities, allowing patients to resume their lives sooner. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery provides better clinical outcomes, making it a preferred option for many surgical procedures.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
BSA is pleased to be the first medical center in the Texas Panhandle to offer patients a minimally-invasive spine surgery solution. The ExcelsiusGPS, the next revolution in robotic spine surgery from Globus Medical, is designed to improve accuracy and optimize patient care by using robotics and navigation, much like GPS in a car.
On the day of your surgery, medical images are taken and imported into ExcelsiusGPS. The surgeon uses these images to determine the size and placement of implants and creates a patient plan based on the patient’s anatomy. This plan is used to guide the rigid robotic arm to a specific region of the spine, similar to a planned route or pathway on a GPS. The surgeon uses this pathway or route to accurately place the implants using surgical instruments. Throughout the procedure, the surgical instruments and implants are continuously displayed on the screen for the surgeon and staff to monitor. This display allows the surgeon to view live feedback during the procedure for more precise implant placement.
Hernia treatment
A hernia often feels like a pulled muscle, but it is actually an internal organ or other body part that pushes through the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. You should see a primary care provider if you have a painful or noticeable bulge. The bulge may be more noticeable when you’re standing, and you can feel it if you put your hand directly over the affected area.
Most hernias happen in the groin area or abdominal cavity (the area between the chest and the hips). The most common types of hernias include:
- Hiatal (hiatus) hernia – Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen).
- Inguinal and femoral hernias – Fatty tissues or a part of the intestine pokes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. Inguinal hernias are more common in men, and femoral hernias mainly affect older women.
- Umbilical hernia – Fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen near the belly button.
Unfortunately, a hernia won’t improve over time; in fact, it can grow larger, become more painful, and lead to serious complications. These complications can include obstructions, where part of the intestine becomes trapped, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or the formation of a lump. Another potential complication is strangulation, which occurs when part of the intestine gets stuck in a way that cuts off its blood supply, necessitating immediate emergency surgery to prevent tissue death.
If you think you have a hernia, don’t wait to seek help – especially if a hernia bulge turns color or you have symptoms of a strangulated hernia. Early treatments are less risky and offer the best chance of success. Surgery is the most common and successful way to repair a hernia, and most are minimally invasive outpatient procedures with short and easy recovery times. There are three common procedures: - Open surgery – A cut is made and the protruding tissue is put back in place. The weakened muscle is then stitched back together.
- Laparoscopic surgery – Instead of a cut, tiny incisions are made to insert surgical tools to perform the procedure.
- Robotic hernia repair – This can be used for some smaller hernias, weak areas, or to reconstruct the abdominal wall.
You don’t have to travel for high-quality hernia care. We offer convenient online appointment requests with our primary care providers and clinics that are close to home. Choose a location and provider that best fits your needs below and request an appointment now.
Pre-admission and Pre-registering for Surgery
You can schedule a pre-admission appointment by calling 806-212-8888 at least two days prior to surgery, but no more than seven days prior to your scheduled surgery date. Your appointment will last about two hours. You can pre-register for your pre-admission appointment by calling 806-212-6284 or 800-243-5055. You can also pre-register online here.
Please bring the following items to your pre-admission appointment:
- Any physician paperwork
- Co-payment or patient responsibility payment
- Copy of Living Will or Power of Attorney
- Insurance cards
- Your driver’s license
- Your medications
Preparing for Your Surgery
Please follow these guidelines before your surgery:
- Do not shave the day or night before surgery, as this can irritate your skin.
- Follow the specific instructions given by the pre-admission nurse regarding medications.
- Plan for someone to drive you to the hospital. A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors.
- Notify your physician of any change in your physical condition such as a cold, sore throat, or fever.
- Take a bath or shower with the solution provided to you at pre-admission, or use antibacterial soap. Do not apply lotions or powder to the surgical area.
- You may brush your teeth but avoid swallowing any water.
After Your Surgery
Once your procedure is complete, your surgeon will provide a report to your loved ones in the waiting area while you are in recovery. Your length of stay in the hospital depends on your surgery and the type of anesthesia you received. If you have been cleared to go home the same day as your surgery, you will return to the Day Surgery Unit for recovery needs and care instructions. If you are staying in the hospital, you will be taken to a room after you are awake.
An adult must drive you home at discharge. Please communicate with your nurse if you anticipate any issues involving your discharge transportation.