Dr. Bartels specializes in hernia repair and performs surgeries at Green Mountain Surgery Center in Colchester, VT.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive procedure performed using a laparoscope; a small, thin telescope-like instrument. Small incisions are made in the abdomen and the laparoscope is inserted through the small incisions to repair the hernia in the abdomen. Soft mesh is used to cover or close the hernia defect. General anesthesia is needed. 

Hemorrhoidectomy

A hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure to remove internal and/or external hemorrhoids. For banding, the surgeon places a rubber band around the base of the internal hemorrhoid. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid falls off within a few days. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy is an effective treatment of extensive or prolapsing hemorrhoids.

Open Hernia Repair

For open hernia repair, the surgeon makes a single cut over the hernia. The hernia sac is removed and the hernia defect is then closed. Often, a piece of thin soft mesh is placed over the hernia location to strengthen the wall of the area. For groin hernia repair, this can be done with local anesthesia and twilight sedation. General anesthesia is usually not needed.   Routine sensory nerve cutting is not done.

Lesion Excision

A lesion excision is a surgical procedure of removing a lump on or under the skin that is not normal and may need to be biopsied to rule out cancer or other diseases. This is usually done with local anesthesia (numbing medication).