General Surgeons are trained in many varied surgical procedures and offer these to the communities in which they serve based both on the needs of their patients and the local facility’s ability to support these surgeries.
Breast Care
We offer breast care solutions, both cancer-related and otherwise, with the only local Board-certified General Surgeon devoting much of his practice to this sub-specialty. Included are breast exams for complicated conditions, consultations for further evaluation, biopsies (open, stereotactic and ultrasound-guided), benign breast surgeries, cancer operations (lumpectomies, mastectomies, sentinel lymph node biopsies), venous port insertions and cancer coordination services with other specialties.
Hernias
Common types include Inguinal (groin), Incisional, Umbilical and Ventral (abdominal wall) hernias. Most are repaired either by Laparoscopic or open technique and utilizing tension-free approaches with mesh (screen) implants. This typically permits out-patient procedures (same day surgery) with rapid Post-Op recoveries and low complication rates. Patient satisfaction scores remain high when utilizing this method.
Gallbladder procedures
Upper abdominal pain lasting over 30 minutes and associated with nausea and/or vomiting after eating fatty meals is a classic indicator for gallbladder problems. Most of these can be treated with small-incision same day laparoscopic surgery, making recovery quick and less painful. Dr Efird was privileged in July of 1992 to perform the first laparoscopic gallbladder removal in Union County. Since that time he has performed over 3,000 such procedures and has seen firsthand the benefits they provide to appropriately selected patients.
Screening Colonoscopies
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with an estimated 90 percent of these cancers thought to result from polyp disease. The goal of screening colonoscopy is to identify and remove these polyps BEFORE they can transition to the malignant condition. Studies have shown that LOCAL convenient offering of these screenings is necessary in order to prevent advanced staging at diagnosis due to delayed exams. We utilize the latest bowel preps for a better overall exam and experience. Most screenings should start between age 45-50.
Lipomas and enlarged Lymph Nodes
We see a variety of soft tissue concerns including fatty noncancerous tumors (lipomas), enlarged lymph nodes and skin conditions such as sebaceous cysts. Many of these can be conveniently treated in the office setting.
Abdominal Pain Consults
Sometimes the exact cause of abdominal symptoms can be elusive, especially with tests not giving clear direction. A General Surgeon is often asked to see these challenging cases and with over 3 decades of experience, Dr Efird is able to draw upon many thousands of patients seen in order to help you with your unique concerns. Often, the Patient will tell the Clinician what is wrong with them, but the Examiner must first be willing to spend the time and LISTEN!
Venous Access Port Insertions
Many modern conditions, especially certain types of cancer, require prolonged IV access. This is where a General Surgeon is often asked to assist with establishing long-term IV routes, most commonly central venous access ports. These procedures are typically out-patient and low-risk with quick recovery and same day use when necessary.
Vasectomies
Typically the domain of the Urologist, these frequently office-based procedures are often performed by a General Surgeon in smaller communities. We conveniently offer this service in either an office-based procedure or in the Operating Room where full sedation is possible. Your choice.
Benefits of Local Care
No one likes to travel when ill or recovering from a procedure. Offering needed surgical care in a local setting, delivered in a professional and compassionate manner has been our commitment to this mountain community for over 30 years. Our roots run deep here and we know what it means to provide local options for your health care concerns. You should never be asked to compromise the level of care expected simply by choosing to remain local for that care. Our goal is to always exceed that expectation.
