Upper Chesapeake Health

General Surgery

The evolution of minimally invasive surgery over the last ten years has resulted in quicker recovery and better outcomes for patients. Harford County has kept pace with the latest technology. The Division of General Surgery at Upper Chesapeake Health offers state-of-the-art procedures performed in a caring environment by surgeons who have the expertise and the most current equipment at their fingertips.

Major advances include the incorporation of new technology into traditional treatment of both benign and malignant colon disease and new minimally invasive abdominal surgical procedures. “Upper Chesapeake Health surgeons are performing single site laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder and appendix removal,” says Scott A. Steinmetz, M.D., FACS, Division Head of General Surgery at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. “Instead of the four 1/2-inch or smaller incisions associated with traditional laparoscopic surgery that may leave visible scars, the SILS™ (single incision laparoscopic surgery) procedure is accomplished with a single 2-cm incision through the belly button, often resulting in less pain and scarring,” added Sung Kim, M.D., FACS, a board certified general surgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive techniques.

“Experience is vital… but patients also want a surgeon who is compassionate, respectful and understanding.”

Dr. Steinmetz points out that smaller is not always better and “just because we can” is never a good reason to use a new procedure. Minimally invasive surgery is not right for everyone. “We exercise good judgment as to which patients are good candidates for these newer technologies,” he says.

UCH surgeons offer a full range of general surgery options with specialization in the areas of thoracic surgery, surgical oncology and minimally invasive techniques.

What factors should a patient consider when choosing a surgeon? “Experience is vital,” says Dr. Kim, “but patients also want a surgeon who is compassionate, respectful and understanding.”

Individuals considering weight loss surgery are pleased to learn that Upper Chesapeake Health’s Division of Bariatric Surgery has been designated a Level I Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons. In addition to the most common laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy are two other minimally invasive options offered at Harford Memorial Hospital. “Obese patients are at risk for developing blood clots and other complications with any type of surgery,” Dr. Kim says, “so we take measures to reduce risks—more so than in general surgical procedures.”

The cancer programs at Upper Chesapeake Health have received accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. “Our surgeons are university trained and board certified in surgery and are all well versed in the changing technology,” Dr. Steinmetz says. In the case of breast cancer, patients receive a full range of services, including core biopsy, surgery, the latest chemotherapy treatments and expert reconstruction—all without leaving Harford County!

“We still hear people say, ‘I didn’t know that was offered here,’” Dr. Steinmetz says. “Significant advances in clinical care and technology have taken place in Harford County over the past ten years. They will be pleasantly surprised to learn that they can save a drive up or down 95 and get state-of-the-art care right in their own backyard!”

Upper Chesapeake Health
500 Upper Chesapeake Drive
Bel Air, MD 21014
1-800-515-0044

www.uchs.org

Pictured left to right: Dr. Scott Steinmetz and Dr. Sung Kim
Photography: Coyle Studios