General Surgery

• Hernia
• Laparoscopic and open hernia repair
• Retroperitoneal tumors
• Laparoscopic biopsy

• Gallbladder (inflammation and pain, gallstones, cancer)
• Bile duct (gallstones, benign bile duct strictures, extrahepatic bile duct cancer, bile duct injuries)

Breast surgery, whether as a treatment for breast cancer, or for a benign breast condition is a specialty of the General Surgery department, including the following:

• Abnormal Mammograms and Breast Imaging
• Axillary Dissection
• Breast-conserving Surgery
• Cancer, Lumps, and Cysts
• Mastectomy and Reconstruction
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Lahey offers access to the most advanced surgical treatment options for breast cancer including:

• Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation
• Axillary Node Dissection
• Lumpectomy
• Mastectomy
• Sentinel Node Biopsy

Most women diagnosed at Lahey with breast cancer are candidates for breast-conserving surgery, which includes lumpectomy.

All breast cancer treatment sites throughout the health system are certified by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), an organization that ensures the highest standards of care for individuals with breast cancer and diseases of the breast.

Learn more about these procedures in our Breast Health Center.

• Pancreatic cancer
• Ampullary cancer
• Cystic tumors of the pancreas (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, mucinous cystadenoma, serous cystadenoma, solid pseudopapillary neoplasm)
• Islet cell and neuroendocrine tumors (insulinoma, glucagonoma, gastrinoma, non-functioning)
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis

• Cancer of the duodenum and small intestine
• Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid and gastrinoma)
• Polyp
• Diverticula
• Obstruction
• Fistula

• Laparoscopic and open splenectomy

• Reflux (GERD)
• Paraesophageal hernia
• Achalasia
• Tumors (stomach cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), gastrinoma, polyps)
• Peptic ulcer
• Gastroparesis and postgastrectomy syndrome

• Thyroid (cancer, nodules, cysts, goiter, hyperthyroidism)
• Parathyroid (adenoma, hyperparathyroidism)

Our specialties include:

• Gastric bypass
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Adjustable gastric band
• Duodenal switch
• Revisional bariatric surgery

The main goals of weight-loss surgery are to:

• Help the patient achieve a more normal weight
• Reduce comorbidities and improve overall health
• Extend life expectancy and quality of life
• Improve the patient’s self-image and psychological health
• Modify behavior

Once it is determined that you are a potential candidate for surgical weight loss, and the appropriate tests have been performed, you and your surgeon will discuss surgical options. All types of weight-loss surgery are performed at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center—Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, duodenal switch and revisional surgery for failure after other procedures.

Nearly all of the weight-loss surgeries performed at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center are performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions, as opposed to the large surgical opening used in traditional surgeries. Performing surgery this way cuts down on  complications and speeds up your recovery time. Sometimes, some patients are not candidates for laparoscopic surgery. For these people, the procedure is done through a traditional open surgery.

See our Surgical Weight Loss Center for more details.

• Cancer Genetic Counseling
• Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

Refer an Outpatient to General Surgery

Our goal is to provide you with quick patient access and high quality care. To refer a patient for routine or urgent consultation to a specific physician or service, please call the Physician Referral Hotline.

Physician Referral Hotline: 781-744-8899
Fax: 781-744-5228

Transfer an Inpatient to General Surgery

A liaison is available 24/7 to expeditiously coordinate all necessary arrangements for physicians outside Lahey Hospital & Medical Center who wish to transfer patients to our department for care. If you wish to request a patient transfer, please call the Transfer Center directly. We will treat your patients with exceptional care and attention, while keeping you up-to-date on diagnoses and treatment plans.

Transfer Center: 781-744-5130

Physicians Practicing Outside the United States

If you are a physician referring a patient from outside the United States, please refer to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s Office of Executive and International Health.

Office of Executive and International Health
Telephone: 781-744-8401
Fax: 781-744-5306

We welcome you to take advantage of our superb surgical resources by calling to make an appointment with one of our surgeons. If you are not sure which physician you need, the scheduling coordinator will guide you to ensure that you are booked with the appropriate staff member.

Contact the General Surgery Department

Information: 781-744-8580

Appointments: 781-744-3982

What to Bring to your Appointment

• Any report of prior physician visits, laboratory tests, radiology reports and original x-ray pictures (preferable on a computer disc), or any other relevant tests supplied to you by your doctor or health care provider
• A list of your current medications and dosages
• Any family member, legal representative, or care provider that you feel would be helpful to you in making any medical decisions, if applicable
• Name and address of your referring physician and your preferred pharmacy, if applicable
• Insurance information
• Written authorization of referral from your insurance carrier, if applicable

First-Time Visit

We ask that first-time patients arrive a half hour before their scheduled appointments to allow time to register and establish a medical record.

Interpreter Services

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center provides interpreter services at no charge for patients who are non-English speaking, of limited English proficiency, deaf or hearing-impaired. Please notify us of the need for an interpreter when you book an appointment.

Concierge Services

Concierge Services are located off of the main lobby of Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington. Concierge Services offers travel assistance to patients, visitors and staff, including discounts at area hotels, airport transportation and access to a full-service travel agency, Great International Travel. Concierge Services at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center can be reached at 781-744-8550 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

International Patients

Patients or referring physicians living outside the United States can make appointments through the Office of Executive and International Health. Appointments can also be requested through our secure online appointment system. The Office of Executive and International Health also serves as the point of contact for hotel information, financial estimates, general assistance and information.

Office of Executive and International Health
Telephone: 781-744-8401
Fax: 781-744-5306