Additional Services

In addition to the primary surgical services we offer, there are a number of additional conditions we treat and procedures we perform for our patients at Missoula Surgical Associates.

Conditions

Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the tissue lining around the anus that may occur after passing large or hard stools. The tear can be detected by bright red blood in the toilet tissue after a bowel movement. Symptoms can also include pain, itching and irritation around the anus. If these fissures do not heal on their own, surgery may be needed to reduce spasm and pain.

Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed, causing pain on the right side of the abdomen that can become severe. As the organ swells, bacteria multiplies inside. If the appendix ruptures, this bacteria can spread throughout the abdominal cavity. This is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical treatment. An appendectomy is generally performed once appendicitis is suspected, to prevent this condition from occurring. Symptoms of appendicitis might include pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, pain that worsens with coughing or sudden movement, low-grade fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation and loss of appetite.

Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and fortunately, one of the less common. The cancer typically presents as a black or brown mark on the skin, but melanomas can also be tan, white or pink in color. Melanomas usually appear on areas of the skin that are subject to frequent sun exposure, such as the neck, face and legs. When melanomas are detected and treated early using surgical techniques, they usually have a good prognosis. However, this cancer can spread to other parts of the body if left unchecked, making it much more difficult to treat completely.

Lipoma
A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue. They are usually soft to the touch and painless. Most lipomas are small and harmless, but if they grow or become painful, your doctor might recommend surgical removal. Once the tumor is excised, it rarely returns.

Perirectal Abscess
A perirectal abscess is an accumulation of pus that develops around the anus. These abscesses might become painful and interfere with normal bowel movements. Surgery may be performed to remove the abscess. The extent of the surgical procedure will depend on the size of the abscess and may or may not involve an overnight stay in a hospital.

Pilonidal Cyst
These types of cysts typically develop at the base of the tailbone and are usually made up of hair and skin debris. The cyst may become very painful and foul-smelling, prompting patients to seek treatment. Some pilonidal cysts may be drained through a small incision, but a recurring cyst will likely need to be surgically removed.

Sebaceous Cyst
Sebaceous cysts form from the sebaceous glands, which are glands that secrete oil to keep hair and skin lubricated. If these cysts become large or bothersome, they may be drained. However, a high recurrence rate after this treatment leads some patients to seek surgical removal of the cysts.

Wounds
Missoula Surgical Associates offers treatments and services at the Wound Care Clinic at Providence St. Patrick Hospital.

PROCEDURES:

Appendectomy
An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. Its primary purpose is to produce a protein known as immunoglobulin that destroys bacteria to help the body fight infection. However, the appendix is not an essential organ for this function and if it must be removed, other parts of the body take over the immunoglobulin production. The appendix may be removed if it becomes inflamed and infected, to prevent rupture and spread of the infection.

Parathyroidectomy
Parathyroidectomy involves the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands. These pea-sized glands are located inside the thyroid and are responsible for secreting PTH, a substance that maintains a healthy balance of calcium and phosphorous in the body. When these glands stop working properly, a condition known as hyperparathyroidism can develop, which leads to elevated calcium levels in the blood. Surgical removal of the parathyroid glands is 95-percent effective in treating this disorder.

Splenectomy
This surgical procedure removes the spleen after it has been damaged by injury or illness. The procedure may also be performed in the event of diseases such as leukemia or hemolytic anemia. Splenectomies may be performed through a traditional open procedure or laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period.