General & Specialty Surgery Clinic

General & Specialty Surgery at Valley

Valley’s general surgeons perform a wide variety of procedures, from major surgeries to more routine outpatient procedures. Surgeries performed by the team include hernia surgery (open and laparoscopic), anti-reflux surgery, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), removal of soft tissue masses, endocrine surgery (adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid), a number of different cancer treatments, and more.

No matter the procedure, our exceptional team of surgeons and staff stress prompt attention to our patients, quality surgical treatment, and excellent follow-up care.

Conditions We Treat

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.

Procedures We Perform

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

DocTalk Videos and Patient Testimonials

DocTalk | Robot-Assisted Surgery Demonstration with Heather Wheeler, MD and Greta Bernier, MD

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.

DocTalk | Understanding Hernias | Wayne Lau, MD

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

From Three Surgeries to One: A Valley Patient's Hernia Surgery Story

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.