General Gastrointestinal Surgery

Latest Advances in General Gastrointestinal Surgery

Our experienced surgeons perform GI surgery to treat benign (noncancerous) conditions that affect the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, appendix, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, and bile ducts.

The surgeons at UT Southwestern work as a team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with disorders affecting the GI tract. Our collaborative approach provides accurate diagnoses and timely surgical intervention when needed. In addition to traditional surgical procedures, our physicians are skilled at the most advanced minimally invasive techniques used today.

Our Minimally Invasive Surgery Program is widely recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities and program offerings. Our research facilities help promote the development of new technologies in minimally invasive surgery. We also train surgeons and medical students in minimally invasive procedures.

Options for General Gastrointestinal Surgery

Our surgeons use minimally invasive surgery whenever possible for GI conditions, depending on each patient’s specific case. At UT Southwestern, we offer several types of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as:

• Endoscopic surgery: Endoscopy uses an endoscope inserted through the mouth, nose, or other natural body opening to access the area for treatment. The surgeon inserts small instruments through the scope to perform surgery.
• Laparoscopic surgery: Laparoscopy uses a laparoscope (thin, flexible tube with a lighted camera) inserted through a small incision to perform surgery. The surgeon inserts small instruments through other small incisions to access the treatment area
• Robotic surgery: Using a computerized system, the surgeon controls mechanical arms that hold a camera and surgical instruments to perform laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon uses a console that provides a high-definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical site. The robotic arms have a greater range of motion than human hands and wrists, providing greater flexibility for complex, delicate procedures.