Surgical Services


At Door County Medical Center we are in a unique position to be the primary medical provider in an area where residents don’t have direct access to larger medical facilities. For this reason, we offer a substantial list of services in comparison with many other rural hospitals. We also work with partners to supplement services that are of value to our community.

Doctor performing surgery with da Vinci robot

Our state-of-the-art surgery department features three operating rooms, individual rooms for admitting and discharging, and a spacious and comfortable recovery room. Four full-time anesthesiologists work directly with patients, unlike at larger hospitals where nurse anesthetists often provide anesthesia care.

Regardless of the procedures, you can be assured that the surgeons performing them are carefully selected based on proven performance, specialized skill sets and ability to connect with patients.

Many procedures have the option to be performed with the da Vinci Surgical System for Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery. Look for the symbol.

Key: - Robotic Surgery - Open Surgery

General Surgical Services

General Surgery at Door County Medical Center provides a wide range of surgical services provided by highly trained, experienced general and specialty surgeons.

A laparoscopic appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. It is a common emergency surgery that is performed to treat appendicitis, an inflammatory condition of the appendix.

Colectomy is an operation that removes a portion or all of the large intestine. This can be performed open (large incision in the abdomen) or laparoscopically with or without robotic assistance. Doctors use this procedure to treat inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis and to remove tumors, cancerous or non-cancerous.

A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. A colonoscopy may include a biopsy or polyp removal.

Also referred to as diagnostic laparoscopy, is a minimally invasive method diagnosing intra-abdominal diseases. Exploratory laparoscopy also allows tissue biopsy, culture acquisition, and a variety of therapeutic interventions. It may also include small bowel resection and lysis of adhesions

A minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause inflammation, pain or infection. The surgery usually involves a few small incisions, and most people go home the same day and soon return to normal activities.

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids. Incisions are made in the tissue around the hemorrhoid. The swollen vein inside the hemorrhoid is tied off to prevent bleeding, and the hemorrhoid is removed.

Gastropexy is a surgical operation in which the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall or the diaphragm. Gastropexy is sometimes performed as a treatment of GERD to prevent the stomach from moving up into the chest.

Heller myotomy is a surgical procedure in which the muscles of the esophagus are cut, allowing food and liquids to pass to the stomach.

When you have a paraesophageal hernia, the diaphragm weakens and allows most or all of the stomach to protrude up into the chest, above the diaphragm. Most paraesophageal hernias can be repaired laparoscopically with robot assistance. During the procedure, the stomach is moved back into the abdominal cavity and the diaphragm is closed to prevent the stomach from re-herniating. A special mesh is often used in this repair.

A hernia (or bulge) is a weakness or defect in the wall of the abdomen, allowing the contents of the abdomen to push outward. This weakness can be present at birth. More often, it occurs because of the wear and tear of daily living – heavy lifting, shoveling, etc. Hernias are more common in men, but can also affect women and children. They occur at any age. Most hernias are not life threatening. The repair of a hernia will decrease the discomfort you are having with the hernia and prevent the risk of major problems that can occur requiring emergency surgery.

A hernia will not heal on its own. Surgery needs to be done to repair the hernia. The surgery can be done with a laparoscope. This will leave a few small scars on your abdomen done laparoscopically, as compared to the traditional “open” repair, which leaves a longer scar. Most laparoscopic hernias are done robotic-assisted, repaired with mesh and will require a general anesthetic.

A procedure in which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach to assist in nutritional supplementation when/if you're unable to eat. This procedure is usually done in conjunction with an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) for better visualization and placement of the feeding tube.

A PowerPort is a special type of catheter placed underneath your skin. This allows you to receive chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics in a larger vein, assisting in dilution of the medicine and alleviate damage to your smaller vessels.

Including but not limited to sebaceous cysts, lipomas and other skin lesions, like moles.

Heartburn, Reflux and GERD Services

End the discomfort of living with heartburn and acid reflux. The Heartburn & Reflux Center of Door County offers the latest in diagnosis technology and treatment modalities, all at Door County Medical Center.

EGD is an endoscopic procedure that allows your doctor to examine your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (part of your small intestine). EGD is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home that same day. Your EGD may or may not be done using BRAVO® a technology that attaches a small device to the lower part of your esophagus to measure pH levels.

Surgery can repair a hiatal hernia by pulling your stomach back into the abdomen and making the opening in the diaphragm smaller.

A Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Your surgeon creates a sphincter (tightening muscle) at the bottom of the esophagus to prevent acid reflux. Most people notice a significant decrease in acid reflux symptoms after the surgery.

Breast Services

General surgeons at Door County Medical Center work closely with your primary care providers and the Door Cancer Center to make sure your surgical procedure is effective and thorough.

Door County Medical Center offers three types of breast biopsies:

  • Ultrasound Guided Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy (VAB) is a safe and minimally invasive procedure in which a sample of breast tissue is removed for testing. The procedure is performed under an ultrasound to make sure the needle is correctly positioned.
  • Stereotactic Breast Biopsy uses mammography to help locate a breast abnormality and remove a tissue sample for examination. Although we've been doing stereotactic biopsies for years, DCMC has been at the forefront of technology, often before the larger tertiary care hospitals. From a prone stereotactic table to a much more comfortable chair with the biopsies being done in the sitting position and, most recently, the adoption of the latest technology from Hologic® – The Brevera® System – the stereotactic cores are imaged in real time after each sample so that the doctor knows immediately that the abnormal calcifications are present. This decreases the time and discomfort of the procedure.
  • Open excisional breast biopsy removes the entire tumor or abnormal area.

Lumpectomy is a surgery to remove cancerous breast tissue. The procedure preserves the rest of the breast as well as sensation in the breast. It often includes a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Mastectomy is breast surgery that removes the entire breast when some one cannot be treated with a lumpectomy. It often includes a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Orthopedic Services

Patients travel to Door Orthopedic Center locally, regionally and nationally in order to get individualized care with exceptional results. We provide seamless, coordinated care in a state-of-the-art facility and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering excellent care with the latest techniques and technology.

A dedicated and experienced team with a track record of excellence, our team takes pride in taking care of you.

Door Orthopedic Center is Northeast Wisconsin’s destination of choice for all your orthopedic needs.

ACL reconstruction is surgery to replace or repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — a major ligament in your knee.

Arthroscopy is a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A surgeon inserts a narrow tube with a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision. The image is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor that helps your surgeon diagnose your injury and create a plan for treatment and recovery.

During biceps tendon repair, we make a small incision over the area where the biceps muscle attaches to the bone. The torn biceps tendon is brought up through the incision. Then, the tendon is reattached to the bone.

During carpal tunnel release, a surgeon makes an incision in the palm of your hand over the carpal tunnel ligament and cuts through the ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The surgery may be done by making one incision on the palm side of the wrist, or by making several small incisions.

Cubital Tunnel Release is done through an incision along the inside of the elbow. The structures putting pressure on the cubital nerve along the elbow are opened or released.

Elbow Ligament repair is done through an incision over the elbow. If the ligament can be repaired, it will be re-attached to the bone. If the ligament cannot be repaired, it will be reconstructed with a donor tendon from either the forearm or below the knee.

Bone fracture repair is a surgery to fix a broken bone using metal screws, pins, rods, or plates to hold the bone in place. The method could be used for repairs of all types of fractures, including but not limited to: hips, ankles, wrists, femurs, tibias, patellas, humerus, elbows and clavicles.

Contracture Release surgery involves making a precise incision in the hand to remove the thickened tissue. This allows for improved movement of the tendons and increases finger mobility.

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing your hip ball and socket with new, mechanical parts. It is an intricate surgery that involves precision and attention to detail.

Knee replacement surgery involves removal of arthritic cartilage and bone and resurfacing with metal and plastic. No surgery is minor, and knee replacement surgery is no different.

In labral repair surgery we work to reverse damage to the labrum, or cartilage, in the shoulder. Labral repair surgery can regain motion in the shoulder and ease painful symptoms.

Shoulder replacement involves replacing your shoulder with a new ball and socket. When necessary, this surgery can improve quality of life as much or more than any other orthopedic surgery.

Rotator cuff repair is surgery to repair a torn tendon in the shoulder. The procedure can be done with a large (open) incision or with shoulder arthroscopy, which uses smaller incisions.

Tricep Tendon Repair surgery is a procedure performed to repair a tear in the triceps tendon.Your surgeon will make an incision on the backside of your elbow. Then, the tendon will be stitched to repair it and attach it securely to your elbow through tunnels or anchors. After the surgery, your elbow will be placed in a cast or splint to enhance healing.

During Trigger Finger Release Surgery, your surgeon will make an incision in the tissue over the tendon that helps bend your finger to make it easier to bend and straighten your finger.

Podiatry

Foot and ankle pain will limit your mobility. We at Door Orthopedic Center have the knowledge and expertise to properly evaluate, diagnosis and treat your complaints both conservatively and surgically.

In Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery, your surgeon makes an incision on the back of the lower leg just above the heel bone. The surgeon locates the two ends of the ruptured tendon and sutures the ends together.

Arthrodesis is foot fusion surgery, or the permanent fusion of separate bones in the foot. This procedure is used to treat flat feet, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, and certain fractures.

As a result, the patient should have less pain and greater joint stability. A bone graft from another part of your body, or from a donor, may be necessary to promote correct healing of the bones.

Because bunions vary in shape and size, there are different surgical procedures performed to correct them. In most cases, bunion surgery includes correcting the alignment of the bone and repairing the soft tissues around the big or small toe in order to relieve pain. Procedures include simple bunionectomy, cheilectomy, Tailor’s bunion, Keller bunionectomy and Lapidus bunionectomy.

Because bunions vary in shape and size, there are different surgical procedures performed to correct them. In most cases, bunion surgery includes correcting the alignment of the bone and repairing the soft tissues around the big or small toe in order to relieve pain. Procedures include simple bunionectomy, cheilectomy, Tailor’s bunion, Keller bunionectomy and Lapidus bunionectomy.

In this procedure, your surgeon will shave off or remove the telltale bump of the bunion, and any bony prominences or spurs.

Hammertoe surgery corrects a deformity in the second, third, or fourth toe to lessen pain or improve flexibility. Your provider may use one or more surgical techniques, depending on your specific case including fusion, tendon transfer or joint resection.

It is not uncommon for feet to contain extra, unnecessary or "accessory" bones. They don’t always cause problems, but when they do, the Kidner Procedure is performed. A small incision is made in the instep of the foot over the accessory navicular (bone). The accessory navicular is then detached from the posterior tibial tendon and removed from the foot. The posterior tibial tendon is reattached to the remaining normal navicular.

Surgical removal of an ingrown nail involves removing a small portion of the side of the nail and destroying the nail bed beneath.

Osteotomy is an orthopedic procedure used to realign the toe joint in patients who have severe bunions.

In plantar fasciitis surgery the goal is lengthening of the plantar fascia ligament. The plantar fascia ligament can either be partially transected (cut) or cut with a section removed. A bone spur is often a secondary manifestation of the tight plantar fascia ligament, and may not directly cause the pain experienced in the heel. Therefore removing the bone spur depends on the size of the spur, location of the spur, direction the spur points (forward or down), presence of a fracture, and/or a patient’s symptoms.

Gynecological Services

Learn more about the Gynecological surgery through the Women's Center

This surgical procedure involves dilating the cervix—with instruments or medications—to allow access to the uterus, then using a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument, to scrape away the uterine lining. D&C may be performed for a variety of reasons such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, to diagnose or treat abnormal uterine bleeding, or to clear the uterus after a pregnancy loss. D&C is typically performed in a hospital or clinic setting and is usually performed under general or local anesthesia.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus—the endometrium—grows outside of it, causing pain and infertility. Treatment options depend on the severity of the symptoms and may include medication, hormone therapy, and in severe cases, surgery, such as a laparoscopic excision or hysterectomy. The choice of treatment will depend on the individual and their goals for pain relief and fertility.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. The procedure may be performed for a variety of reasons such as uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, uterine prolapse, or chronic pelvic pain. The type of hysterectomy depends on the reason for the procedure and may involve removing the uterus only, or the uterus along with the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Hysterectomy may be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. The recovery time from a hysterectomy varies, but most women can return to normal activities within several weeks to a few months.

This minimally invasive procedure allows a doctor to examine the inside of the uterus. It involves inserting a thin, flexible instrument called a hysteroscope, through the vagina and cervix, and into the uterus. The hysteroscope allows the doctor to view the inside of the uterus and check for any abnormalities or issues such as fibroids, polyps, or uterine scarring. The procedure can also be used for treatment of certain conditions, such as removing polyps or correcting a uterine septum. Depending on the situation, hysteroscopy can be performed under either general or local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Myosure is a minimally invasive gynecological procedure that uses a specialized instrument called a resectoscope to remove uterine tissue, such as fibroids or polyps. The resectoscope—similar to a hysteroscope—is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, allowing the doctor to visualize and remove the tissue. Myosure is typically performed under general or local anesthesia, takes 30 minutes to an hour, is less invasive, and has a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods. Myosure can help improve symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure.

NovaSure® Ablation is a minimally invasive gynecologic procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. It involves the use of a radiofrequency device that is inserted into the uterus through the cervix, and which delivers heat energy to the endometrial lining, causing it to shrink and eventually stop bleeding. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation and typically takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. After the procedure, most women return to their normal activities within a few days. It is considered to be a highly effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding and is an alternative to more invasive procedures such as a hysterectomy.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the ovary or on its surface and that can cause pain, irregular periods, and infertility. Treatment depends on the type, size, and symptoms of the cyst. Small, asymptomatic cysts may be monitored with ultrasound until they resolve on their own. Larger or symptomatic cysts may be treated with medication, such as birth control pills, to shrink the cyst or relieve symptoms. In some cases, surgery—ranging from laparoscopic cyst removal to a complete oophorectomy (removal of the ovary)—may be necessary in order to remove the cyst.

Ophthalmology Services

We partner with top Ophthalmologists from Aurora BayCare Clinic to provide ophthalmology surgery to the community.

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye that can make it hard to see clearly. The doctor uses tiny tools to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

Ear Nose and Throat Services

DCMC offers various ear, nose and throat procedures by partnering with Prevea ENT doctors. This service allows patients to remain close to home for the following procedures.

This surgical procedure removes the adenoids, a patch of tissue high up in the throat that, like the tonsils. It is performed when the adenoids become enlarged and obstruct breathing or cause repeated infections, and is performed under general anesthesia, typically taking less than an hour. The adenoids are removed through the mouth, and the recovery time is usually quick, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days.

The eardrum is the thin layer of tissue that separates the outer and middle ear. A myringotomy is a procedure that creates a small opening in the eardrum, which allows fluid—blood, pus and/or water—that is trapped in the middle ear to drain, thereby relieving pressure and pain. Generally, at the time of the procedure, a small tube is inserted in order to maintain the opening and ensure continued drainage. This procedure is commonly performed under general anesthesia, and recovery is usually quick, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days.

The lingual frenulum is a small band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A restrictive lingual frenulum—or tongue tie—is a problem whereby the band of tissue is overly tight or restricts the mobility of the tongue, which can lead to difficulties with speech and swallowing. A frenulectomy releases or removes the frenulum and is typically performed under local anesthesia.

This procedure corrects a deviated septum, which occurs when the thin wall that separates your nostrils—the septum—is displaced to one side. The goal of the surgery is to improve breathing, reduce sinus pressure and alleviate any related symptoms. It is performed through the nostrils, without external incisions, and typically takes 1-2 hours. The recovery time is generally a few weeks, with some swelling, bruising, and discomfort.

A tonsillectomy is a procedure that removes the tonsils—small lymph nodes located in the back of the throat. This procedure is usually performed as a treatment for frequent and persistent tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), sleep-disordered breathing, or to alleviate other tonsil-related conditions. They are typically removed using a scalpel or a special instrument called a curette, and the procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. Recovery from a tonsillectomy can take several days to a week, during which time patients may experience pain, discomfort, and swelling in the throat.

A turbinate reduction is a procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia, that reduces the size of the nasal turbinates—small bony structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify the air. In some cases, they can become enlarged and obstruct breathing, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and snoring. During turbinate reduction, a portion of the turbinate is removed or reshaped to improve airflow and relieve symptoms.

A uvulectomy removes the uvula—the small, bell-shaped tissue that hangs from the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The procedure is often used to treat snoring, sleep apnea, recurrent throat infections, or as part of other oral surgeries. The uvula is usually removed with a scalpel or laser. The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia. Recovery time may vary, but most people can return to normal activities within a week.

Contact Us

Talk with your primary care provider about surgical options that may be right for you. Questions about surgical services? Send us a message

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