Catawba Valley Surgery & Cancer Center
Catawba Valley Surgery & Cancer Center
1501 Tate Blvd SE #202 | Hickory, NC 28602
Phone: (828) 732-7400
Fax: (828) 732-7401
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
Catawba Valley Surgery & Cancer Center is served by Dr. Susan Pabst,
Dr. Brian McCluer, and Dr. Todd Fridley. Our doctors manage breast surgery,
GERD surgery, and lapriscopic surgeries.
SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDED AT OUR OFFICE:
Surgical Treatment of Breast Disease
Biopsy: When your patient finds a breast lump or has an abnormal mammogram,
they should be referred to us for further evaluation. Frequently a biopsy
is required to definitively identify the cause of the abnormality. Several
biopsy techniques are available depending on the circumstances, including
fine-needle aspiration, stereotactic core biopsy and open surgical biopsy.
Our surgeon will provide information to assist you and your patient in
choosing the best procedure.
When Cancer Is Found
Although the majority of abnormalities in the breast are benign, when
the diagnosis of cancer is made, further surgery may be required. Breast
cancer encompasses many different varieties and stages that may lead you
to recommend certain surgical therapies. But again, there are frequently
difficult choices to make.
Lumpectomy and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
One choice may be lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Sentinel
lymph node biopsy is a technique where only the first couple of lymph
nodes to receive primary lymphatic drainage from the breast are identified
and removed. This procedure helps to prevent the side effects that may
be seen when all of the axillary lymph nodes are removed, such as arm
numbness and pain, fluid collections, infections and arm swelling. Frequently,
radiation treatment may be added to the breast after lumpectomy and sentinel
lymph node biopsy.
Mastectomy
The other choice may be mastectomy, which may be followed by immediate
breast reconstruction by a plastic surgeon if the patient desires. Radiation
may not be required with this treatment. Additional chemotherapy or hormone
therapy may be recommended, depending on the stage of the disease.
Laparoscopic Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) results from exposure of the lining
of the esophagus to the contents of the stomach, which are usually acidic.
GERD treatment usually consists of medications that reduce acid secretion
or improve gastric emptying. These have proven effective for a majority
of patients. Patients who do not tolerate medical therapy may be helped
by laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Millions of Americans have occasional heartburn. But if your patient has
it more than twice weekly, it could be a sign of the more serious condition
known as GERD. GERD occures when stomach contents leak back up to the
esophagus. Untreated, GERD can lead to ulcers or even cancer. When medicine
and lifestyle changes do not work, your patient may need surgery.
Laparoscopic Fundoplication
Nissen fundoplication is standard surgical treatment for GERD. Carolina
Surgery & Cancer Center performs this procedure using a laparoscope,
so it requires only tiny incisions in the abdomen. Laparoscopic fundoplication
has been used safely and effectively in people of all ages. When performed
by experienced surgeons such as those at Carolina Surgery & Cancer
Center, the procedure is reported to be better than standard fundoplication.
Patients can leave the hospital in a day and return to work in approximately
two weeks.
Advanced Laparoscopy
A few tiny incisions are all that is needed for laparoscopic, or minimally
invasive, surgery. This revolutionary approach involves using a videoscope
and small instruments to perform operations that used to be done through
large incisions. This major advance has allowed patients to experience
decreased postoperative pain, minimal scarring and a much quicker return
to their everyday lives.
Laparoscopic Colon Surgery
If your patient needs colon surgery, make Carolina Surgery & Cancer
Center your first choice. Send them to the only surgeon in the area qualified
to perform these procedures and skilled enough to do them without a hand
port. Not only does this save an incision, it is less invasive, faster,
less painful, less costly to the patient and offers shorter recovery.
Advanced Laparoscopic Procedures
At Carolina Surgery & Cancer Center, our surgeons have always been
committed to learning and mastering the newest techniques and technology
for performing advanced procedures. These procedures, which historically
required large incisions and extended recovery periods, can result in
significantly reduced recovery time and much smaller incisions when performed
laparoscopically.
We presently provide advanced laparoscopic surgery for most intra-abdominal
problems, including:
- Appendectomy
- Lung disease: benign & malignant
- Hernia repair
- Colon disease: benign & malignant
- Gallbladder
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Splenectomy
After-Hours:
For after-hours emergencies please call 911 or go to Catawba Valley Medical
Center Emergency Department
Specialty Care Registration Packet