General Surgery

Dr. Vazquez is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, (F.A.C.S.). General Surgery is a surgical specialty. The treatment modalities practiced by a general surgeon vary somewhat depending on the needs of patients in the community and the background and skills of the surgeon.

The public often confuses the term "general practioner" with that of "general surgeon." Perhaps that is because the formal name of the medical specialty known as General Surgery is a misnomer. Further the public is often unaware of the nature and duration of the training necessary to complete the requirements for certification by the American Board of Surgery as a"General Surgeon."

A surgeon is a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) who specializes in the surgical treatment of patients. Dr. Vazquez has received 9 years of medical training and passed the two part comprehensive examination for certification by the American Board of Surgery on his first attempt. Those who are board certified general surgeons must have completed a five or six year residency in general surgery and must have passed a two part certification examination: the first part written and the second part, the oral exam, administered at a later date.

Following board certification, application for fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) must be made. The ACS requires that their entrance requirements be met. When Dr. Vazquez became a fellow of the ACS, the ACS required that general surgeons be actively involved in the practice of general surgery for two years. The applicant was required to submit a list of operations performed as well as an analysis of the outcome of 200 major operations.

General surgeons in most communities perform gastrointestinal operations including operations on the liver and spleen, breast operations for benign and malignant disease processes, anorectal operations (e.g. hemorrhoidectomy), laparoscopic and open operations for hernia, gallbladder, and other abdominal conditions, and operation and treatment of varicose veins. General surgeons are usually called upon to provide either direct care or coordination of sub-specialty care for multiply injured patients (e.g. blunt trauma or penetrating trauma).

Dr. Vazquez's practice includes but is not limited to the following surgical diseases:

• Benign and Malignant Breast Diseases
• Hernias inguinal (groin) and ventral (umbillical or incisional) requiring open or laparoscopic repair
• Gallbladder diseases requiring open or laparoscopic treatment and laparoscopic removal of common bile duct stones
• Colon endoscopy and operations for benign disorders e.g., diverticulitis or for malignant tumors
• Anorectal Disorders, e.g., rectal bleeding and hemorrhoids
• Laproscopic anterior lumbar spine operations
• Varicose Vein Disorders including Spider Veins e.g., radio frequency endovenous closure of the great and lesser saphenous veins, sclerotherapy, pin stripping and micro-incision phlebectomy (vein removal)

There is a common misconception that most varicose vein treatments or operations are performed by vascular surgeons. However, the majority of these procedures are performed by phlebologists some of whom have background in other specialities like Dr. Vazquez who has his specialty training in general surgery.

Dr. Vazquez is one of the few general surgeons in our community who performs laparoscopic removal of gallstones which have passed from the gallbladder into the bile ducts. His performance of this procedure as an addition to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, diminishes his patients' needs for pre or post-operative ERCP by 90%. ERCP carries a price tag of about $2000 plus exposure to 5% serious complication and 1% mortality. Avoidance of such a costly, uncomfortable, and possibly injurious procedure is a priority.

Referring physicians appreciate the diversity and completeness of surgical procedures offered by Dr. Vazquez. For example, for the diagnosis and treatment of rectal bleeding, essentially "one-stop" medical/surgical care is available. For example, endoscopy plus operative treatment of the disorder avoids unnecessary duplication of services and the inconvenience and expense of making additional medical appointments.