Advanced Surgical Care Across Northeast Georgia

When surgery becomes part of your healthcare journey, choosing the right care team matters. At St. Mary’s Health Care System, we provide advanced surgical services designed to support healing, improve quality of life, and help patients move forward with confidence.

Minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted procedures, and compassionate surgical care close to home

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Compassionate, Patient-Focused Surgical Care in Athens, GA.

Our experienced surgical teams care for patients throughout Athens, Greensboro, Lavonia, and Northeast Georgia using a combination of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgical technology, and traditional surgical approaches when appropriate. From routine procedures to more complex digestive, colorectal, thoracic, endocrine, and neurological surgeries, St. Mary’s delivers personalized care focused on safety, precision, and compassionate support.

We understand that surgery can feel overwhelming. Patients often have concerns about pain, recovery, healing, and what to expect throughout the process. Our goal is to provide clear communication, advanced treatment options, and coordinated support before, during, and after surgery so patients feel informed and reassured every step of the way.

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Advanced Surgical Treatment Designed Around Your Needs

Surgical care today offers more treatment options than ever before. At St. Mary’s, our surgical specialists evaluate each patient individually to determine the safest and most effective approach based on the condition being treated, overall health, recovery goals, and long-term wellness needs.

Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery

Many procedures can now be performed using laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions, specialized instruments, and advanced camera technology.

Benefits of laparoscopic surgery may include:

Smaller incisions
Faster recovery times
Reduced discomfort after surgery
Shorter hospital stays
Reduced scarring

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Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery combines minimally invasive techniques with advanced surgical technology that enhances visualization, precision, and control during procedures.

Robotic-assisted surgery may support:

Greater surgical accuracy
Improved precision during delicate procedures
Reduced tissue disruption
Faster recovery for some patients

Learn More about St. Mary's Robotic Surgery Program

Traditional Surgical Procedures

In some situations, traditional open surgery remains the safest or most effective treatment option. Our surgeons carefully evaluate every patient to determine the best surgical approach based on the complexity of the condition and overall treatment goals.

No matter which surgical method is recommended, our care teams remain focused on patient comfort, safety, education, and long-term healing.

Comprehensive Surgical Care Across Northeast Georgia

St. Mary’s Health Care System offers a broad range of surgical specialties and procedures designed to treat digestive conditions, colorectal disorders, hernias, endocrine conditions, neurological disorders, lung abnormalities, and other complex medical concerns.

Our surgical teams work closely with specialists across the health system to provide coordinated care that includes:

Diagnostic imaging and testing
Surgical consultation and planning
Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures
Hospital-based surgical care
Recovery and rehabilitation support
Long-term follow-up and wellness care

Patients benefit from access to advanced surgical technology while receiving compassionate care close to home.

Surgical Treatment for Digestive, Colorectal, Neurological, and Complex Conditions

Hernias

Hernias occur when internal tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle or connective tissue, often causing pain, pressure, or visible bulging.

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Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis causes inflammation or infection within small pouches in the colon and may lead to abdominal pain, digestive symptoms, and complications requiring surgery.

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Gallbladder Disease

Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and digestive discomfort that may require surgical treatment.

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Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area that may cause pain, irritation, bleeding, or discomfort during bowel movements.

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Anal Fissures and Fistulas

Anal fissures and fistulas are painful colorectal conditions that may cause bleeding, drainage, discomfort, or chronic irritation.

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Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that typically requires urgent surgical removal to prevent serious complications.

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Colon and Colorectal Conditions

Colon disease, bowel obstruction, inflammatory conditions, and colorectal cancer may require specialized colorectal surgical treatment.

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Gastrointestinal Disorders

Digestive system disorders affecting the stomach, intestines, and related organs may require gastrointestinal surgery to improve symptoms and restore digestive health.

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Thyroid Disorders

Some thyroid nodules, growths, or thyroid conditions may require surgical evaluation and treatment to support hormone balance and long-term health.

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Lung Nodules and Pulmonary Conditions

Advanced diagnostic procedures such as Ion robotic bronchoscopy help physicians evaluate suspicious lung nodules using minimally invasive technology.

Learn More about ION Bronchoscopy Procedures

Neurological and Spine Conditions

Neurosurgery may help treat brain, spine, nerve, and neurological conditions affecting movement, pain, balance, or quality of life.

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Advanced Surgical Procedures and Minimally Invasive Treatments

Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic procedures use small incisions and specialized instruments to perform surgery with less disruption to surrounding tissue.

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Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted procedures enhance surgical precision during colorectal, digestive, thoracic, and minimally invasive surgeries.

Explore Robotic Surgery at St. Mary's

Colon and Colorectal Surgery

Our colorectal specialists perform advanced procedures to treat colon disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, and other colorectal conditions.

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Learn More about Anal Fissure and Fistula Care

Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder removal surgery may help relieve chronic digestive symptoms and prevent complications caused by gallstones or inflammation.

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Hernia Repair Surgery

Hernia repair procedures strengthen weakened abdominal tissue and help reduce pain, pressure, and recurrence risk.

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Appendectomy

Appendectomy procedures remove the appendix to treat appendicitis and prevent rupture or abdominal infection.

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Gastrointestinal Surgery

Digestive surgical procedures may treat intestinal disorders, bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other digestive conditions.

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Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid procedures may involve partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland to treat nodules, growths, or thyroid disease.

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ION Robotic Bronchoscopy

Ion robotic bronchoscopy is an advanced minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate lung nodules with enhanced precision and navigation technology.

Learn More about ION Bronchoscopy Services

Neurosurgical Procedures

Neurosurgical treatments may help address conditions involving the brain, spine, nerves, and neurological system.

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Advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgical Care for Greater Precision and Faster Recovery

Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform highly precise minimally invasive procedures using advanced technology that enhances visualization, dexterity, and surgical control.

At St. Mary’s, robotic-assisted surgery may be used across several specialties, including colorectal surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, thoracic procedures, and hernia repair.

Potential benefits of robotic-assisted surgery may include:

Smaller incisions
Improved surgical precision
Reduced discomfort after surgery
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recovery for some patients

Our surgical teams carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether robotic-assisted surgery is appropriate based on the condition being treated and individual care needs.

Learn More about Robotic Surgery

Physician discussing Laparoscopic surgery with a patient.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques Designed to Support Faster Healing

Laparoscopic surgery has transformed the surgical experience for many patients by allowing procedures to be performed through smaller incisions using advanced camera technology and specialized instruments.

Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques may help reduce tissue disruption while supporting a smoother recovery experience.

Laparoscopic surgery is commonly used for:

Gallbladder surgery
Hernia repair
Colon surgery
Appendectomy
Gastrointestinal surgery

At St. Mary’s, our surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to help patients recover safely and return to daily activities as comfortably as possible.

Learn More About Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures

A Connected Approach to Surgical Care

Surgical care at St. Mary’s is part of a coordinated healthcare network that brings together surgeons, imaging specialists, rehabilitation professionals, hospital care teams, primary care providers, and specialty physicians across Northeast Georgia.

This integrated approach allows patients to receive seamless care throughout diagnosis, surgery, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term wellness management.

By combining advanced technology with compassionate support, St. Mary’s Health Care System helps patients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every stage of their surgical care journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Services

What types of surgery does St. Mary’s offer?

St. Mary’s provides a wide range of surgical services, including colorectal surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, thyroid surgery, neurosurgery, and minimally invasive procedures.

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and advanced surgical instruments to reduce tissue disruption and support faster recovery.

What is robotic-assisted surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery uses advanced technology to help surgeons perform highly precise, minimally invasive procedures.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and a camera called a laparoscope to guide surgical procedures.

What does CT stand for?

CT stands for computed tomography. CT imaging creates detailed internal images that help physicians diagnose conditions and plan surgery.

What conditions may require surgery?

Conditions such as hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, colorectal disease, diverticulitis, thyroid disorders, lung nodules, and neurological conditions may require surgical treatment.

Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?

Some procedures are outpatient surgeries, while others may require a short hospital stay, depending on the complexity of the surgery and recovery needs.

How long does recovery take after surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure, surgical approach, and the patient’s overall health. Minimally invasive procedures may support shorter recovery times.

Is robotic surgery safer than traditional surgery?

Every patient and procedure is different. Robotic-assisted surgery may offer benefits for certain procedures, but your surgeon will determine the safest and most effective approach for your condition.

What should I expect during a surgical consultation?

Your surgical team will review your symptoms, imaging results, medical history, and treatment goals while discussing possible surgical options and recovery expectations.

How do I know if surgery is the right treatment option?

Your care team will evaluate your condition carefully and discuss all available treatment options, including whether surgery may help improve your health, comfort, or quality of life.

Schedule Your Surgical Consultation

When surgery becomes part of your healthcare journey, you deserve a care team focused on advanced treatment, compassionate support, and personalized recovery care. At St. Mary’s Health Care System, our surgical specialists are here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Connect with St. Mary’s in Athens, Greensboro, Lavonia, and throughout Northeast Georgia to learn more about advanced surgical services and minimally invasive treatment options today.