General & Specialty Surgery

• Adrenal gland disease and cancer
• Appendicitis
• Breast disease (benign and cancer)
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
• Hernias (abdominal, groin, and lumbar hernias)
• Melanoma
• Small intestine disease (benign and cancer)
• Skin and soft tissue lumps and cysts
• Spleen disorders or injuries
• Thyroid and parathyroid disease (benign and cancer)

For other conditions, please visit our surgical services page. 

• Robotic and laparoscopic surgery in the abdomen
• Port-a-cath insertion
• Temporal artery, sural nerve, and muscle biopsies
• Thyroid nodule biopsy
• Lymph node biopsy
• Risk-reducing mastectomy for patients with genetic mutations
• Minimally-invasive lung biopsy

Valley uses a sophisticated robotic platform designed for complex, minimally invasive surgeries. This high-tech system features an ergonomic console where the surgeon views high-definition 3D video from a camera inside the patient. From the console, the surgeon controls four interactive robotic arms equipped with precision instruments. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the system precisely mimics the movements of the surgeons’ hands while also filtering out even the slightest tremors. For patients, benefits may include significantly less pain, less scarring, shorter recovery time, and faster return to normal daily activities. 

Watch a robotic hernia surgery demonstration with Heather Wheeler, MD, and Greta Bernier, MD. 

Find out what you need to know about hernias, from Valley surgeon Wayne Lau, MD. 

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce hormones. Hormones control and coordinate your body’s metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth, development, and responses to injury, stress, and environmental factors. When issues arise within the endocrine system, surgery is sometimes the best treatment option.

Endocrine surgery is an uncommon specialty. At Valley, we are fortunate to have Nicole Zern, MD, serving our community. She specializes in surgical care for benign and malignant disease of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. In addition to her specialized fellowship training in endocrine surgery, she is a board-certified general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Learn more about what conditions Dr. Zern helps treat, the minimally-invasive techniques she uses, and what to do if you think you may have a hormone problem or endocrine condition that needs attention.

After a long post-surgery recovery, Michael developed a large hernia in his abdomen and was told by a doctor at another hospital he'd need three surgeries to correct the condition. After getting a second opinion from Wayne Lau, MD, he learned only one comprehensive surgery was needed. Not only that, but Dr. Lau's approach and professionalism prompted Michael to switch to Valley to have the surgery.