Laparoscopic surgery has grown exponentially over the past 10 years, and all of the surgeons in the Division of General Surgery now perform select procedures laparoscopically. For example, the number of laparoscopic colon resections performed for both benign and malignant disease has increased with the recruitment of a colorectal surgeon with a special interest in laparoscopic surgery. Transplant surgeons now are doing most of their living-related donors' nephrectomies laparoscopically.

In response to the increasing demand for this surgical practice, the department now has three laparoscopic fellowship-trained faculty members, all former residents. Their thriving patient loads and academic efforts also have led to the formation of a minimally invasive fellowship program.

In addition, Dr. Gary Vitale focuses on hepatobiliary problems with special expertise in ERCP. Under his direction, this area has advanced to an exceptionally high level and offers much sought-after ERCP fellowships.

We have four full-time surgeons who devote either part or all of their practice to bariatric surgery, including two of our laparoscopic specialists.