Overview
The Department of General and Specialized Surgery includes a team of experienced, board-certified surgeons who provide world-class care. We are skilled in the full range of surgeries for common conditions and complex medical needs.
General and Specialized Surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Florida: Why Choose Us?
Multiple specialists work together to provide you with the most effective and least invasive treatment. As our patient, you benefit from:
- Advanced surgical imaging: Our surgeons are among the few in the country using fluorescence-guided surgery. This technology allows surgeons to visualize body structures using special dyes and near-infrared light that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. This leading-edge technology enables our surgeons to provide excellent surgical accuracy and outcomes.
- Collaborative care: At our center, you have a team of specialists on your side. Our general surgeons work with gastroenterologists, endoscopists and radiologists to provide comprehensive care for any condition, no matter how complex. Meet our team.
- Minimally invasive expertise: We provide the latest laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques for a wide range of procedures. These methods use small incisions, so you have less pain and a faster recovery.
- National recognition: Surgeons at our center are consistently recognized for their excellent outcomes. Our gastroenterology and gastrointestinal (GI) surgery programs are nationally ranked for their expertise and care. The American College of Surgeons also recognizes us as an accredited program for rectal cancer and Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
- Convenient care: You don’t have to travel far to access nationally ranked Cleveland Clinic surgeons. Our specialists see patients in several locations throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast, and we offer video visits.
General and Specialized Surgeries
Our board-certified general surgeons are among the most knowledgeable and experienced in the region. We provide:
- Abdominal surgery.
- Abdominal wall surgery (hernia repair).
- Bariatric surgery.
- Breast health procedures.
- Colorectal surgery.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
- Gastroparesis.
- Robotic-assisted surgery.
- Spleen and adrenal gland surgery.
- Surgical endoscopy.
- Surgical oncology.
Abdominal surgery
We provide planned and emergency surgeries for conditions that affect organs in your abdomen (belly), including:
- Appendectomy (appendix removal): Our surgeons often provide appendectomy in emergencies to treat appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). In most cases, we use laparoscopic techniques, and you go home the same day.
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal): We provide cholecystectomy for patients who have painful gallstones or large gallbladder polyps. We use fluorescence-guided cholecystectomy to highlight blood flow and organs. This detail cannot be seen with traditional laparoscopic surgery and greatly lowers the risk of complications.
- Esophageal Surgery: We are a referral center for benign and malignant esophageal diseases. Our team has expertise in treating achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal diverticulum and esophageal cancer using minimally invasive methods.
- Liver and pancreas surgery: Our team includes surgeons who specialize in treating liver and pancreas diseases. Patients come to us for cryoablation of liver tumors, liver resection and surgery for neuroendocrine tumors and pancreatic cancer. The National Pancreas Foundation also has recognized our program as a Center of Excellence for pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. Find out more about our specialized liver and pancreas surgery.
- Splenectomy (spleen removal): We provide splenectomy in emergency situations, such as a ruptured spleen. Our surgeons also remove the spleen in certain cases of cancer, infection or enlarged spleen when needed. We use minimally invasive methods for splenectomy, whenever possible, to help you recover sooner.
- Stomach surgery: Our team treats GERD, gastroparesis, benign tumors and gastric cancer. We perform all these surgeries using minimally invasive techniques.
Abdominal wall surgery (hernia repair)
Our general surgeons provide a high volume of hernia repairs with laparoscopic methods. With our techniques, you have a faster recovery and less scarring. Learn more about abdominal wall surgery.
Bariatric surgery
General surgeons partner with bariatric surgeons to provide a range of weight loss procedures. We provide the latest bariatric options, including minimally invasive endoscopy.
Our team includes respected bariatric experts, including current and past presidents of the American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeons. Our Weston and Martin North locations have also received accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program®. Discover our Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
Breast health procedures
Breast care requires an experienced team with breast health experience. Our surgery team includes specialists in breast health. We work with breast cancer specialists, radiologists and plastic surgeons to provide leading-edge breast biopsies, surgery and reconstruction.
At our center, surgeons provide fluorescence-guided breast flap reconstruction. This technology highlights areas of tissue that have maximum blood supply. We then use the healthiest tissue to create your new breast. This method avoids problems with healing that are common after traditional breast flap reconstruction. Learn more about our breast health program.
Colorectal surgery
Many of our general surgeons provide colon and rectum procedures every day. For decades, surgeons on our team have been internationally respected as leaders and pioneers in this area of medicine.
At our center, we provide fluorescence-guided colon resection. With this technique, our surgeons can see which parts of your colon have optimal blood flow. Then, we reconnect the healthiest parts and avoid sections with poor blood supply. This method improves healing and reduces the risk of leaks after colon resection. Find out more about our Department of Colorectal Surgery.
Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery
GI surgery is a key part of our general surgery program. Our board-certified surgeons are nationally recognized for their skill and experience with these procedures. We provide the most effective surgeries for benign and cancerous digestive diseases.
Comprehensive GI treatment requires multiple specialists working together. We follow this model of care at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, so all your needs are covered. Here, our general surgeons partner with other specialists, including:
- Colorectal surgeons.
- Gastroenterologists.
- Nutritionists.
- Oncologists.
- Radiation oncologists.
- Radiologists.
Our surgeons provide a high volume of minimally invasive and traditional GI procedures on the digestive organs, including:
- Adrenal glands.
- Colon and rectum.
- Esophagus.
- Gallbladder.
- Liver.
- Pancreas.
- Small intestine.
- Spleen.
- Stomach.
Gastroparesis
We provide a multidisciplinary approach to gastroparesis treatment. Leading gastroenterologists, nutritionists, GI surgeons and nurses create your personalized, comprehensive care plan. Learn more about gastroparesis care at Cleveland Clinic in Florida.
Robotic-assisted surgery
Our surgeons are skilled in the latest minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery. This technique requires a skilled surgeon who has specialized training in using a surgical robot.
During robotic-assisted surgery, our specialists make tiny “keyhole” incisions. The surgeon uses a computer to control thin robotic arms, which can move in ways human hands can’t. Robotic-assisted surgery provides a high degree of precision and results in faster patient recovery.
Spleen and adrenal gland surgery
Our surgeons are highly experienced in spleen and adrenal gland procedures. We collaborate with other experts within our system, including endocrinologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Learn more about spleen and adrenal gland surgery.
Surgical endoscopy
Our specialists provide surgical treatment for digestive conditions using endoscopic techniques. With our expertise, we treat many GI conditions with no incisions, so you recover faster. Find out more about surgical endoscopy.
Surgical oncology
We provide advanced surgery to remove cancers that affect your abdomen, breast, digestive tract and adrenal glands. Patients frequently see our skilled surgeons for rare and complex cancer cases. Learn more about our surgical oncology program.
Appointments & Locations
Make an appointment at a Cleveland Clinic location in Florida, or schedule a virtual visit.