General Surgery at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group
The general surgeons at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group are committed to providing an excellent surgical experience. We take the time to discuss your options and answer your questions, encouraging you to take an active role in your treatment. You can take comfort in the expert care, compassion and communication you will receive before, during and after your procedure.
We embrace a multidisciplinary approach, which means that we value relationships, communication and collaboration with primary care and specialty physicians. This approach allows us to schedule faster follow-up appointments for your peace of mind.
The average first appointment is scheduled within five days. Patients with urgent matters can be seen on the same day.
We offer general surgical treatment for:
- Benign and malignant tumors of the digestive system
- Colon/rectal disorders
- Cancer
- Hernias
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver disease
- Weight loss
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Trauma
- Endocrine disorders of the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal system
- Skin lesions and melanoma
- Spleen disorders
- Stomach disorders
Many surgeries are performed by laparoscopy, a minimally invasive approach that can limit post-operative pain and shorten recovery time. Some surgeries can even be performed on an outpatient basis.
The many advanced surgical procedures we offer include:
- Weight loss surgery, including bariatric surgery, gastric bypass and gastric banding
- da Vinci® Surgical System robotic-assisted surgery
- LINX® procedure for treatment of GERD
Services may vary by location.
Request an Appointment Online
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If this is a medical emergency, please call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency department. For urgent visits, please note our immediate care locations.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, dry cough and/or sore throat. GERD affects 40 percent of Americans, and approximately 20 million people have pursued medical management. Although a surgical cure has been available for decades, most patients have chosen to use medication to manage their GERD.
However, over-the-counter medication does not treat the underlying problem. While it neutralizes the acid coming up from the stomach, the acid still comes up. The only way to stop the reflux from occurring altogether is by surgical management.
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is pleased to offer LINX, a new laparoscopic procedure to treat GERD. This procedure involves a string of metal beads that are drawn together by a magnet. When this string is placed around the lower esophagus, the magnet pulls the beads together and closes off the esophagus from the stomach. When the patient swallows, the beads separate to allow food to pass into the stomach. The magnet then draws the beads back together to keep acid from going up into the esophagus.
The success rate for LINX is very high. Of the patients who undergo this procedure, 90 to 95 percent are able to stop taking medication completely and the remaining 5 to 10 percent rarely take medication. There are also several advantages to this procedure over the previous approaches used to treat GERD. Recovery time is typically quick, with patients commonly going home the same day. Patients are also encouraged to eat right away after the LINX procedure, whereas previous surgical approaches have required patients to follow a liquid diet for up to two weeks.
Patients 21 years of age and older who are healthy enough for surgery may qualify for LINX. All patients must undergo pre-surgical testing to determine their candidacy. These tests include:
- Upper GI barium swallow
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Esophageal motility study to determine if the esophagus is the actual cause of GERD
- 48-hour acid test to determine the frequency of reflux events
Patients who do not qualify for LINX may be candidates for the more traditional laparoscopic procedure performed by Northwestern Medicine surgeons.
Find out if you’re a candidate for LINX. Call 630.668.0833.
Locations
To learn more or schedule an appointment with a General Surgeon, please visit the Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group locations below.
Crystal Lake: 815.455.2752
DeKalb: 815.766.9901
Geneva: 630.668.0833
10370 Haligus Road, Huntley: 815.455.2752
10350 Haligus Road, Huntley: 847.802.7230
McHenry: 815.455.7252
Orland Park: 708.590.5520
Palos Heights: 708.923.4400
Sandwich: 815.786.7150
Sycamore: 815.766.9901
Wheaton: 630.668.0833
TTY: 711
*Services may vary by location. Call for more information.
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