Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery

The Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. An experienced team of physicians and medical staff works closely with every patient to provide state-of-the-art treatment and clinical care for both chronic and acute conditions. Esophageal, pancreatic, gallbladder, hernia and obesity problems are among the division’s specialties.

Diagnostic and therapeutic services cover the full spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. Being part of an academic health system enables the surgery team to take a multidisciplinary approach in each case, getting expert support from colleagues in other departments and providing patients with the skilled care they need. The division is dedicated to doing everything possible to help patients achieve and sustain the highest quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

To provide patients with a full range of treatment options, UC Davis gastrointestinal surgeons are highly trained and experienced in minimally invasive surgical techniques. These can be an excellent alternative to traditional "open" surgery techniques and their larger incisions.

Technologically advanced minimally invasive surgery, which can include robotic-assisted techniques, requires incisions just millimeters in length. The small incisions create a passageway for special surgical instruments and a fiber-optic instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted into the abdominal wall. The device transmits images from within the body to a video monitor, allowing the surgeon to see the operative area on the screen. Advantages to the minimally invasive approach can include quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays and reduced blood loss during surgery.

Whether it is minimally invasive or traditional surgery, the division’s team always works in close consultation with patients to determine the best possible treatment options in each case.