The Department of Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center is staffed by over 100 surgical specialists in twelve separate specialty divisions. Good Samaritan is the highest volume operating Center in Nassau and Suffolk County.

The Division of General Surgery utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. Throughout the operating room the latest advances are incorporated into our surgical procedures. Operations often completed with open incisonal techniques at other hospitals can be performed with minimally invasive techniques. Soft tissue organ surgery on colons, gallbladders, spleen, adrenal glands, and many others including gastric bypass, hernias, and nissen fundoplication are now often performed with microincisions which help decrease patient discomfort and permit a more speedy recovery to normal activities.

Major oncologic procedures that are performed by Board Certified Surgeons also incorporate the latest technology in nuclear and radiation therapy in our operating suites. Sentinel Lymph Node sampling incorporates the use of radioisotopes to trace the movement of cancer cells in breast and melanoma surgery. This procedure rapidly targets pathways along which tumor cells travel and thus minimizes the amount of surgery needed to properly remove the tumor. Intraoperative radiation techniques are available which permit the delivery of high dose radiation to the tumor site, reducing the need for external radiation technique on the surrounding healthy tissue.

For information or referrals to the Department of Surgery, please call (631) 376-4444. The surgical medical staff provides compassionate, comprehensive care daily at the Medical Center.

Bariatric Surgery

Good Samaritan instituted a bariatric surgery program to help those who are morbidly obese under the guidelines of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS, 2009).  he two primary weight loss procedures performed are gastric bypass and lap band surgery.  Educational seminars and support group information can be obtained by contacting (631) 376-4444.

Cancer Surgery

Surgery for Cancer Patients

At Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Board Certified surgeons provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of cancers. Major cancer surgeries are performed on a daily basis using state-of-the-art techniques in a local and compassionate setting. Cancers of the breast, lung, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, as well as soft tissue and gynecological malignancies are all treated here. Some newer techniques are described below.

Breast Surgery

The minimally invasive trend in surgery for early stage breast cancer is offered at Good Samaritan. This treatment is defined as lumpectomy (wide excision) with or without removal of the lymph nodes followed by radiation treatment. The advantage of conservative treatment is that a woman no longer has to deal with the psychological and physical impact of removing the breast. The recovery is much quicker from this smaller operation. When faced with a diagnosis of early breast cancer, conservative treatment (lumpectomy) is one of the many options a patient has available to discuss with the surgeon.

The latest focus in surgery today for breast cancer and melanoma is to utilize less invasive procedures for sampling lymph nodes whenever possible. Sentinel node biopsies, in breast cancer and melanoma tumor patients offer the patient a less extensive procedure with similar cure rates than removal of all lymph nodes. To perform a sentinel node biopsy, a radiotracer is injected into the patient which allows for the identification of the sentinel, or first, lymph node. Only the first node that cancer cells would reach after leaving the original cancer site is targeted and removed with this technique, instead of removing many nodes. The sentinel node is then removed through a minor surgical incision to determine whether cancer is present. Only those patients whose sentinel nodes indicate the spread of cancer would need to undergo a more extensive removal of the remaining lymph nodes.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Exciting advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have lead to the use of laproscopic surgery for the treatment of many benign and malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgeons are able to place a camera through a very small incision (less than one half inch) into the abdominal cavity to visualize the site of the tumor. Currently, available techniques allow the physician to remove the tumor utilizing very small incisions in many cases. The benefit to the patient is that postoperative pain and discomfort is significantly decreased. In addition, the patient on average is discharged at an earlier time than they would have been using the standard open techniques. Therefore, recovery is faster.

Lung Cancer

Thoracic surgeons at Good Samaritan are utilizing the latest surgery in minimally invasive techniques to treat early stage lung cancer. Some small tumors can be treated using a Video Assisted Thoracic Surgical (VATs) technique. This treatment, like other minimally invasive techniques results in decreased postoperative pain and a shorter hospital stay.

For more advanced lung cancers, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves the chances of survival. These patients were previously classified as unresectable. The treatment of these patients with chemotherapy prior to surgery has down-staged their tumor allowing them to be candidates for surgical resection. Coordinated treatments by Board Certified thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists provide lung cancer patients with state-of-the-art optimum care.

Gynecologic Surgery

The hallmark for treating gynecological malignancies is early diagnosis and treatment. This is accomplished by having the patient seek consultation and evaluation by her gynecological specialist on a routine basis. Cancer diagnosis is aided with state-of-the-art CAT scans, MRIs and ultrasound services, as well as therapy by our Radiology Department. Gynecological cancer treatment lies in the hands of the Board Certified gynecologists with the help of the consulting staff of both gynecological and medical oncologists.

Urology

Urologists at Good Samaritan provide diagnosis for all types of genitourinary malignancies, including prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers. Board Certified urologists, skilled in the latest surgical techniques, provide state-of-the-art care. Nerve sparing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and neobladder creation for carcinoma of the bladder are some of the cutting-edge procedures currently performed at this Medical Center. The latest advances and procedures are employed to minimize the risk of impotence and incontinence in those patients, yet provide them with the best chance of a cure. The prostate cancer patient also has another alternative. Our brachytherapy (radiation) program allows the urologist to work in close concert with the radiation oncologist in order to provide prostate cancer patients with another option giving them the best and most complete care possible to treat their cancer.

Head and Neck Cancer

Myocutaneous flaps, which restore contour to the head and neck after radical surgery, are available at the Medical Center. Myocutaneous flaps use muscle and skin from other areas of the body to cover vital organs exposed after radical surgery. Another new option includes free flap techniques, which enables the surgeon to recreate swallowing tubes postoperatively.

For further information, call the Physician and Health Referral Line at (631) 376-4444.
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Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT/Otolaryngology)

The Otolaryngology or Ear, Nose and Throat Department at Good Samaritan offers a full range of services in the medical and surgical treatment of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck. The Otolaryngology/ENT department provides cosmetic facial reconstruction, surgery of benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, diagnosis and management of patients with loss of hearing, balance and treatment of allergic, sinus, laryngeal, thyroid and esophageal disorders.

These physicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment in the Ambulatory Surgical Unit and within the Medical Center on an in-patient basis.

Good Samaritan also provides audiology services that include audio logic testing to diagnose hearing loss, vestibular testing to evaluate balance problems and the prescription and fitting of hearing aids.

Pediatric Otolaryngology services are available to treat patients for tonsils, adenoids, allergic sinusitis, chronic ear infections of the Eustachian tubes, hearing loss and voice disorders requiring speech therapy.

A specialist in Otolaryngology/ENT is on call 24 hours per day to handle emergencies and often interacts with other sub-specialists to insure the finest care for the patient.

Available Procedures

For further information, call the Physician and Health Referral Line at (631) 376-4444.
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Neurosurgery

The Division of Neurosurgery of Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center provides a full spectrum of neurosurgical care to our community. Good Samaritan’s Board Certified Neurosurgeons have extensive experience in the identification and management of disorders and injuries to the brain and spine.

As part of the Trauma Center team, these neurosurgeons actively participate in the care of patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. However, the treatment of a vast array of spinal disorders remains the most common reason for patients and their primary care physicians to seek the advice and treatment of members of the Division of Neurosurgery.

Many people suffer needlessly from common spinal problems that include back pain, slipped or ruptured disc and painful nerve pressure known as “sciatica”. They could benefit from a comprehensive evaluation and assessment, coupled with testing using the latest technology including high-speed CT scanning and state-of-the-art MRI capabilities. The neurosurgeons at Good Samaritan have all this and more readily available. Patients are offered both operative and non-operative interventions to relieve discomfort and provide a return to optimal mobility. Operative patients reap the benefits of Operating suites with the most modern equipment for both complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery. Our Physical Therapy and Pain Management Departments support the patient throughout the evaluation and recovery period.

Members of the Division of Neurosurgery routinely care for patients diagnosed with brain tumors. They have extensive experience in the management of both primary and metastatic tumors. They have available cutting edge technology by means of image-guided brain surgery system and the latest in laser design. This system is commonly utilized to locate and remove tumors with superior accuracy while sparing healthy brain tissue.

In collaboration with the Radiation Oncology Department, the comprehensive Brain Cancer Management Team additionally offers stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and radiotherapy (SRT) as another option for the treatment of brain tumors. An optimal patient treatment plan, designed to meet each patient’s need is developed, using the SRS (single high dose delivered at once) or SRT (smaller doses over several deliveries) format. Adults and children with brain diseases such as metastatic tumors (from lung, breast, etc.), primary malignant brain tumors (astrocytomas, meningiomas, etc.) arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and functional disorders (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia) may be suitable for consideration for this therapy.

The collaboration of the members of the Division of Neurosurgery with our other Good Samaritan teams greatly enhances the ability to deliver optimal Neurosurgical Care . The Division continues to grow and will continue to offer the most comprehensive neurosurgical brain and spine treatment available in our community.

Available Procedures

For further information about the Division of Neurosurgery, call (631) 376-3384 or the Physician and Health Referral Line at (631) 376-4444.
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Ophthalmology

At Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, the Department of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive treatment of almost all eye disorders and emergencies. Our board certified staff of eye surgeons are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Emergency Department (ED) is fully equipped to diagnose and treat most traumatic eye injuries and the ED staff is well trained in the treatment of minor eye injuries.

The eye surgeons on staff perform over one thousand eye surgeries per year, ranging from cataracts, glaucoma, eye plastic surgery, pediatric eye surgery and retinal surgery.

The staff at Good Samaritan includes all the subspecialties of Ophthalmology, including a specialist in the treatment of eye disease of premature infants.

Most eye operations are performed as outpatient procedures, the most common of which is cataract surgery. This procedure is performed with state-of-the-art technology using the most advanced lens implants and a “no-patch, no-stitch” technique, which allows patients to resume most normal activities, including driving within one or two days of the procedure. The surgery is performed in Good Samaritan’s modern Ambulatory Surgery Unit (South Building) and takes about fifteen minutes to complete. Patients enjoy rapid return of vision and a very pleasant experience in our comfortable facility.

Good Samaritan’s Ophthalmology Department displays a strong commitment to the community and strives to provide the finest treatment possible.

Available Procedures

For further information, call the Physician and Health Referral Line at (631) 376-4444.
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Oral Surgery

All members of the Oral Surgery and Dental staff strive to provide the highest quality of dental care in a compassionate manner and pleasant environment. The comfort and welfare of the patient is our primary concern. At Good Samaritan, our oral surgeons interact with other medical specialists on patient-to-patient basis to insure that all aspects of a patient’s other conditions are properly addressed. This enables our staff to treat patients that are at risk from complications from other conditions and ensure successful treatment. The Oral Surgery Department also treats patients suffering from major facial trauma or those in need of reconstructive surgery following trauma or disease. The Oral Surgery Department is available twenty-four hours per day seven days per week on an emergency basis.

Available Procedures

For further information about oral surgery and other dental procedures, call the Physician and Health Referral Line (631) 376-4444.
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Plastic and Reconstructive Services

The Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Good Samaritan consists of a distinguished group of plastic surgeons who have been trained in some of the finest programs in the country. These physicians evaluate and treat any physical deformity that can be corrected by surgery, whether acquired or congenital. The Department works in collaboration with other specialties at Good Samaritan to offer total patient care. A plastic surgeon is on call twenty-four hours per day to respond to emergencies and trauma that may require their expertise. These specialists provide excellent treatment in immediate reconstructive surgery of injuries and in the closure of soft tissue wounds.

Non-emergency reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery are often performed on an out-patient basis in Good Samaritan’s Ambulatory Surgical Unit enabling patients to recover at home in a more comfortable environment. More complex procedures may be performed on an in-patient basis where post-operative care is necessary.

Available Procedures

For further information, call the Physician and Health Referral Line at (631) 376- 4444.
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Podiatry

Good Samaritan’s Podiatry Department treats all forms of lower extremity problems which may range from simple ingrown toenails, ankle sprains, bunions, corns and calluses to more complex problems which include fungal problems, diabetes, chronic wound care, limb length, heel spurs, tendonitis, arthritis and trauma due to breaks and fracture.

A podiatrist is on call 24 hours a day to respond to trauma and emergency cases that may require this particular field of expertise. Cutting-edge technology is utilized to insure the best patient care possible and minimize recovery time.

Available Procedures

For further information, Physician and Health Referral Line: (631) 376-4444.
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Urology

The Urology section of the Department of Surgery is composed of board certified or board eligible urologists who perform all aspects of urologic surgery, including nerve sparing radical prostatectomies and radioactive seed implant for prostate cancer. They also utilize the latest equipment for endoscopic kidney and bladder stone surgery, including the use of the Holmium laser. The urologists at Good Samaritan are also experienced in laproscopic surgery, including removal of kidneys for tumors.

Available Procedures

For further information, please call the Physician and Health Referral Line at (631) 376-4444.
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Bariatric Surgery

Cancer Surgery
Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology)
Neurosurgery
Ophthalmology
Oral Surgery
Pediatric Surgery
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Podiatry
Urology