Surgery at Fort Sanders Regional
Fort Sanders Regional’s extensive surgical capabilities are transforming the surgery experience for patients in East Tennessee. From the area’s first robotically assisted surgery system, to minimally invasive brain and spinal cord procedures, we provide patients with more opportunities for an exceptional surgical experience. Our surgery center also offers traditional surgical options including advanced laparoscopy and day surgery procedures.
Robotically Assisted Surgery
Fort Sanders Regional introduced the robotic-assisted surgery system to East Tennessee in December 2004. The surgeon’s hand and finger movements are performed on a computer console that is directly linked to robotic instruments positioned inside the patient through tiny incisions. Small incisions can mean less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery for patients.
Hybrid Operating Room
Hybrid operating rooms provide many surgeons the ability to more accurately perform delicate procedures, by allowing for real-time CT imaging during a procedure.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery offers:
- Less scarring
- Less pain, and
- A more rapid recovery.
A laparoscope is a narrow, tube-like instrument with a camera and light on the tip. The camera allows physicians to see tissue and organs inside the abdominal cavity without fully opening it with a surgical incision. For most laparoscopic surgeries, the scope is inserted either through the abdominal wall or the belly button.
Laparoscopic procedures include:
- Removal of the gallbladder, appendix, adrenal gland, and several types of hernias (hiatal, incisional, inguinal, etc.).
- Liver biopsies
- Splenectomies (removal of the spleen)
- Bowel resections
What Type of Surgeries are Performed at Fort Sanders Regional?
Bariatric Surgery
Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Our heart (cardiac) and chest (thoracic) surgeons diagnose and surgically treat conditions of the heart, lungs, chest, and esophagus using a variety of cardiac treatment and intervention procedures.
Colon/Rectal Surgery
Surgeons specializing in colon/rectal surgeries evaluate and treat patients with lower intestinal tract abnormalities (large bowel, rectum, and anus), colorectal cancer, or other ailments such as hemorrhoids, often using minimally invasive techniques.
Day Surgery
Day surgery, or outpatient surgery, allows you to return home on the same day of your surgical procedure. These types of procedures are typically less invasive and include common surgeries such as tonsillectomies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder removal. Not all patients are candidates for day surgery, and some procedures require hospitalization.
General Surgery
General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Appendix
- Bile ducts
- Thyroid gland
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeons provide surgical intervention for brain tumors, aneurysms, and hemorrhages, as well as a host of spine conditions and issues caused by nerve and muscle diseases, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic back pain.
Orthopedic Surgery
Fort Sanders Regional’s Joint Center is a leader in hip and knee joint replacement providing pain relief, mobility and activity. Our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons, nurses, clinicians, and therapists work together to care for you.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involved with both the improvement of a person’s appearance and the reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects due to illness, trauma, or birth disorders.
Sinus Surgery
Otolaryngologists, commonly called ENTs, diagnose and manage diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and other related structures. If surgery is needed, Fort Sanders Regional provides the latest technology used for endoscopic sinus procedures.
Procedures include:
- Removal of adenoids with or without sinus wash
- Balloon sinus dilation
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Surgical Oncology
If you are fighting cancer and require surgical intervention, our surgical oncologists are here to help. They specialize in various types of cancers and work with your oncology team to perform biopsies and remove tumors.
Vascular Surgery
Vascular surgery is a surgical specialty in which diseases of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation are managed by medical treatment.
