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Expert surgical care

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Surgery Services & Treatments

Whether planned or unexpected, surgery is a major life event. At Mayo Clinic Health System, our surgical teams provide expert, personalized care using advanced techniques to treat a wide range of conditions through comprehensive surgical services. We focus on safety, coordination and compassionate care — so you can receive the surgical services you need, close to home.

Our skilled surgeons and staff work as a coordinated, compassionate team to treat various illnesses and health conditions, ranging from simple to complex. The team uses a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and provide timely surgical intervention.

Find out more about our surgical services:

Surgical procedures, conditions and consultations
Diagnosis and treatments
Surgical specialists
Referrals
FAQ
Surgery locations near you
Surgeons near you

Surgical procedures, conditions and consultations

We offer a wide range of surgical procedures and treatments, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, for a multitude of conditions to help improve your daily life:

Breast

Cysts, lumps, cancer, nipple discharge
Lumpectomy
Mastectomy
Prophylactic mastectomy
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Skin and nipple-sparing breast removal
Stereotactic breast biopsy

Colon and large/small intestine

Appendicitis
Colonoscopy
Colorectal polyps and colon cancer
Diverticulitis
Endoscopy
Intestinal obstruction
Low anterior resection and abdominal perineal resection for rectal cancer
Small bowel cancer

Endocrine

Adrenal nodules
Parathyroid removal
Thyroid cancers
Thyroid nodules and cysts

Gallbladder

Gallbladder dysfunction and removal
Gallstones

Hernias

Inguinal hernia repair
Hiatal hernia repair
Umbilical hernia repair
Ventral hernia repair

Pancreas

Cancer
Pancreatitis

Stomach

Endoscopy
Gastrectomy for stomach cancer
Gastric bypass
Hiatal hernia
Ulcers

Skin

Lipoma
Melanoma
Squamous and basal cell carcinoma

Vascular

Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Carotid artery disease
Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR)
Peripheral vascular disease (PAD)
Ultrasound for PAD
Varicose veins
Vascular bypass (surgery to legs)
Venous insufficiency
Venous ulcers

Diagnosis and treatments

Surgical care may include general surgery as well as specialty surgical services. Treatment plans are personalized based on each patient’s condition and goals.

Advanced and minimally invasive surgical techniques
When appropriate, surgeons may use advanced or minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, to support precision and recovery.

Surgical specialists

Surgical specialists at Mayo Clinic Health System include general surgeons who treat a wide range of conditions and provide comprehensive surgical care. Many surgeons have additional fellowship training and work closely with other specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient. Through integrated teams and direct access to Mayo Clinic specialists, care is coordinated to support the best possible outcomes.

Referrals

A referral from your primary care provider is required for elective surgeries.

FAQ

What should I expect during my first appointment, and what should I bring?

At your first Surgery appointment, you'll meet with a provider who will conduct a full history and evaluation with you. Imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, may be needed to support the diagnosis or determine next steps in your treatment plan. Depending on your needs, they may review presurgical recommendations.

Appointment times vary depending on your symptoms or condition. Most initial appointments take 30–60 minutes.

For your first appointment, bring any imaging or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form (PDF) to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

How do I prepare for my surgery?

Whether you need a minor, same-day procedure or a complex operation that requires you to stay in the hospital overnight, you likely have many thoughts and questions running through your head. You may even feel anxious, confused or scared. While these emotions are normal and expected, there are things you can do to feel more comfortable and calm your nerves. Learn what you need to know about preparing for surgery.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery, also called robot‑assisted surgery, is a type of minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to perform procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility and control. During robotic surgery, the surgeon operates from a console and uses advanced instruments that translate the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise motions at the surgical site.

The robotic system does not perform surgery on its own. The surgeon leads the surgical team and remains in full control throughout the procedure, using high‑definition, magnified views to carefully guide each step of the operation.

Robotic surgery may be used for certain procedures when it is appropriate for a patient’s condition and treatment plan. Not every person or procedure is a candidate for robotic surgery, and your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate surgical approach based on your individual needs.

Will I need a pre‑surgical evaluation before my procedure?

Prior to surgery, some patients may complete a pre‑operative medical evaluation to help ensure the safest possible care. Your surgical team will provide guidance based on your procedure, health history and location.

If samples were taken during my procedure, when can I expect my pathology results?

Most pathology results are ready in time for your follow‑up visit, where your care team will review them with you and answer your questions. Because results are shared in the patient portal as soon as they’re processed, you may see them before your appointment. If anything is unclear or causes concern, please don’t feel you need to interpret it alone — our team is here to support you and will follow up as soon as your report is ready.

What can I expect after surgery?

Recovery varies based on your procedure and personal health needs. Your surgical care team will provide detailed instructions for recovery, pain management and follow‑up care before you leave the hospital. Be sure to ask questions so you understand what to expect and how to care for yourself after surgery.

What are my payment options and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes — call the appointment number at your preferred surgery location to schedule an appointment. See What should I bring to my first appointment for tips on how to prepare.

What follow-up care do you provide after treatment?

Before surgery, your healthcare team will assess your at-home and recovery needs. We partner with physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers to make recommendations for a successful discharge and safe recovery.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.