Overview

A general surgeon is a physician who has been educated and trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patient care. Surgery requires knowledge of anatomy, emergency and intensive care, immunology, metabolism, nutrition, pathology, physiology, shock and resuscitation, and wound healing.

The general surgeon is trained to provide surgical care for the whole patient. At PCI, our highly experienced and board-certified general surgery team specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries for nearly all parts of the body.

Contact Information

PCI Pavilion 1

202 10th Street SE
Suite 290, Level 2
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Driving directions

Phone: (319) 362-5118

Why Choose A PCI General Surgeon?

General Surgery Treatment & Services

  • Abdominal Surgery: General surgeons are highly trained in a large variety of different abdominal surgeries. Common abdominal surgeries can include:
    • Appendectomy, or removal of the appendix.
    • Cholecystectomy, which is removal of the gallbladder.
    • Colon, Rectal and Anal Surgery: Colon and rectal surgeries are performed to treat cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, serious infection or bowel blockage. Anorectal conditions affect the anus and rectum. Fissures, fistulas, condyloma and hemorrhoids are among the most common anorectal conditions. 
    • Hernia surgery. Hernias can present in several different areas of the body, such as femoral (outer groin), hiatal (upper digestive system), incisional (resulting from an incision), inguinal (inner groin) and/or umbilical (belly button). 
    • Splenectomy, or removal of the spleen.
    • Small intestine: Small intestine or small bowel resection is surgery to remove a part of your small intestine/bowel if part of it is blocked or diseased. 
  • Breast Surgery
    • Breast Cancer Surgery: PCI General Surgeons are leaders in breast cancer surgery in Cedar Rapids. Frequently, cancer removal surgery is paired with breast reconstruction and both are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning no overnight hospital stay.
    • Non-Cancer Breast Conditions (lumpectomy): Non-cancerous breast lumps can be caused by abscesses, cysts or fibroadenoma. 
  • Dialysis Access Surgery: In order to be treated with dialysis, physicians must connect the dialysis equipment and the patient's bloodstream. Dialysis access surgery creates the opening so an abdominal catheter can be inserted for peritoneal dialysis.
  • Emergency and Trauma Surgery: General surgeons frequently operate on victims of car accidents, workplace accidents or gun shot wounds to the abdominal area.
  • Endoscopy
    • Upper Endoscopy: An upper endoscopy is a procedure a doctor uses to look at the inner lining of the upper digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.
    • Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a procedure a doctor uses to look at the large bowel and distal area of the small bowel.
  • Pediatric Surgery: Children sometimes need surgical procedures very similar to adults. PCI is one of the only surgeon groups offering pediatric surgeries in the Cedar Rapids area.

Breast Cancer Surgery

Dr. Kerri Nowell discusses diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast cancer, and answers many of the questions women have prior to breast cancer surgery.

Hernia Diagnosis and Repair

Dr. Andrew Nowell identifies the various forms of hernia, how hernias are diagnosed and surgical repair options for hernia.

Colon Cancer Surgery

Dr. Luke Brunner diagnosis, staging and surgical treatment options for colorectal cancer, including minimally invasive options available in Cedar Rapids.

Robotic and Laparoscopic Colon Surgery

Dr. Luke Brunner discusses the similarities and differences between robotic and laparoscopic surgery.

Questions You Should Ask Before Colon Surgery

Dr. Luke Brunner outlines the questions patients should be asking prior to undergoing colon cancer surgery.