Surgeons in Austin and Central Texas

St. David’s HealthCare is at the forefront of technology and surgical innovation. Our hospitals are modern facilities equipped with dedicated operating suites for cardiovascular, orthopedic, gynecologic and other surgical specialties.

For a free physician referral or more information, call the St. David’s Help Center at (888) 868-2104.

Advanced surgical techniques

We use robotic technology to perform complicated surgeries with minimally invasive techniques. This involves the use of smaller tools and incisions, enabling us to deliver better clinical outcomes compared to conventional techniques. Benefits associated with robot-assisted surgery include:

  • Reduced rates of complications
  • Less blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Reduced pain
  • Fewer days with a chest tube in place

Surgical specialties

We offer the latest minimally invasive surgeries to treat—and even diagnose—various conditions. Many of our services are also available on an outpatient basis. Our surgical specialties include:

Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is an option for certain patients who need help managing weight. Our caring team of weight loss specialists can determine whether you qualify for surgery and recommend the best treatment plan to reach your wellness goals. The procedures we offer include:

  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (surgically creating a small stomach pouch, allowing food to bypass a portion of the small intestines)
  • Gastric band (placing a band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a pouch that can only hold a small amount of food)
  • Sleeve gastrectomy (removing a portion of the stomach, leaving behind a thin vertical sleeve approximately the size of a banana)

Cancer surgery

As part of Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, surgeons at our hospitals may remove a tumor and/or all or part of an organ to treat cancer. For example, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center includes a surgical oncology unit where patients may receive a nephrectomy (surgery to remove a kidney).

Hidden-scar breast cancer surgery

We use an approach to removing breast cancer that allows your surgeon to make an incision in a place that is hard to see. This means scars are not as visible when your incision heals. Patients may qualify for this surgical technique based on the size and location of the tumor as well as their breast shape and size.

Lung cancer surgery

We use a robotic surgical technique to treat non-small cell lung cancer.

Cardiovascular surgery

Cardiovascular surgeons at our hospitals offer alternatives to traditional surgical methods of accessing the heart. These options are available for many cardiovascular procedures, such as:

  • Heart valve repair or replacement
  • Multi-vessel coronary artery bypass
  • Pacemaker implantation

Colorectal surgery

Surgeons at our hospitals can perform colorectal surgery to treat conditions affecting the rectum, anus and colon, such as colon cancer and Crohn's disease. Procedures we perform include:

  • Colectomy (removing all or part of the colon)
  • Low anterior resection (removing the rectum and attaching the colon to the anus)

Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery

GI surgery may be performed to treat conditions affecting the upper portion of the GI tract. This includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine past the stomach). Types of GI surgery include:

  • Hernia removal
  • Ileocecal resection (removing the cecum, which may be done to treat inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Partial or full removal of an organ, such as appendectomy (removing the appendix)

Gynecologic surgery

Our gynecology program offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options in a highly supportive environment. We perform surgery for reproductive tract cancers and complex benign gynecologic conditions. Some of these procedures include:

  • Endometriosis resection (surgery to treat a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus)
  • Gynecologic oncology surgery (removing cancerous tissue from the cervix, uterus, endometrium and/or ovaries)
  • Hysterectomy (removing all or part of the uterus)
  • Myomectomy (removing uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors originating in the uterus)
  • Reproductive endocrinology surgery (surgery for conditions related to reproductive hormones, such as infertility and menopause)
  • Urogynecologic surgery (surgery to treat pelvic prolapse of the uterus, cervix, bladder or vagina)

Neurosurgery

St. David’s Neuroscience & Spine Institute, located at St. David’s Medical Center, provides individualized neurological care for brain, spine and nerve conditions. Our neurosurgeons, alongside other neuroscience professionals, use innovative surgical technologies to treat injuries and illnesses affecting the central nervous system, including a cerebrovascular accident (stroke).

Orthopedic surgery

We surgically diagnose and treat orthopedic injuries and conditions, including those affecting the spine. Image-guided, minimally invasive procedures are available for joint replacements. We also offer rehabilitation programs as part of your ongoing care following surgery.

Our orthopedic procedures include:

  • Hip replacements
  • Knee replacements
  • Shoulder replacements
  • Spine surgery

Pediatric surgery

Pediatric surgery is available at many of our hospitals in the Austin and Central Texas area. However, St. David’s Children’s Hospital—located on the campus of St. David's North Austin Medical Center—has a dedicated inpatient unit for pediatric patients.

This facility offers a wide range of pediatric subspecialties, including:

  • Cardiology
  • Emergency care, including a kids-only emergency room (ER)
  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Radiology
  • Surgery, along with an operating room exclusively for children
  • Urology

Urologic surgery

Urologic surgeons can treat a variety of conditions affecting the urinary system and male reproductive system, including cancer. Urology procedures we offer include:

  • Cystectomy (removing all or part of the bladder)
  • Pyeloplasty (surgical reconstruction to drain and decompress the kidney)
  • Nephrectomy (removing one or both kidneys)
  • Prostatectomy (removing all or part of the prostate)

Other surgical procedures

Surgeons at our hospitals specialize in a wide range of other areas. This ensures we can offer complete care for any illness or injury. Our additional surgical specialties include:

  • Ear, nose and throat surgery
  • Eye surgery
  • Head and neck surgery
  • Plastic/reconstructive surgery