1. Services

Surgical Services

Surgical procedures

Welcome to Lovelace Health System's Surgery Center, where our surgical specialists provide advanced surgical care with compassion and expertise. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in a range of surgical procedures, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever possible for quicker recovery. From hernia repairs to colon cancer treatment, our experienced team ensures you are well-informed and supported throughout your surgical journey. Whether it's Achalasia or Weight-loss surgery, Lovelace offers state-of-the-art surgical services in Albuquerque and Roswell. Trust us for personalized care, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to your swift recovery.

Schedule Appointments in Albuquerque

Call 505.727.2727 for ABQ Appointments

Schedule Appointments in Roswell

Call 575.635.3400 for Roswell Appointments

Our surgical services

Lovelace offers a wide variety of surgical services and state-of-the-art technology to ensure our patient's surgical needs are covered in Albuquerque and Roswell. Our highly skilled team of surgeons remains on the cutting edge of technology and procedures, providing care for a wide range of illnesses and conditions.

We provide the surgical treatments for the following conditions:

  • Abscesses
  • Cholecystitis
  • Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
  • Colon cancer and colon polyps
  • Cysts
  • Diverticulitis/diverticulosis
  • Dysphagia
  • Fissures
  • Fistulas (enterocutaneous, gastrocutaneous, and colocutaneous)
  • Gallbladder dysfunction
  • GERD/acid reflux
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hernia (Hiatal or Paraesophageal)
  • Lipoma
  • Pancreatitis
  • Rectal abscess
  • Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)
  • Spleen
  • Stoma/Ostomy

We understand surgery can seem scary, but our surgeons will sit down and talk with you about your procedure, answering any questions you may have and supporting you throughout your recovery. Our experienced staff will help make sure you are prepared the day of your surgery and let you know what to expect during your recovery. Our goal is to get you back to optimal health as soon as possible.

Minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery combines your surgeon's understanding of anatomy with cutting-edge technology to treat a multitude of conditions using small incisions and the assistance of imaging. It is important to understand that the decision to receive minimally invasive surgery is individualized to the patient and the patient's symptoms. It is important to discuss with your physician whether minimally invasive surgery is right for you.

Minimally invasive surgery employs the latest in surgical and robotics technologies to perform routine and complex surgery – taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand. This technology allows major surgical procedures to be performed through very small incisions. Benefits can include less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal daily activities, reduced rates of infection, and the potential for better clinical outcomes.

Similarly, robot-assisted (robotic) surgery allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, control, and flexibility. Robotic surgery offers patients facing surgery many potential benefits over traditional open surgery. As with minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery generally provides less pain and scarring, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.

Da Vinci surgical system

The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to offer an effective, minimally invasive option for complex surgical procedures. Small 1 – 2 centimeter incisions are used to introduce miniaturized wristed instruments and a high-definition 3-D camera. Your surgeon views a magnified, high-resolution 3-D image of the surgical site. At the same time, state-of-the-art robotic and computer technologies scale, filter and seamlessly translate your surgeon's hand movements into precise micro-movements of the robotic instruments. The system requires that every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from your surgeon.

Lovelace Women’s Hospital is the first hospital in New Mexico to have earned the Surgical Review Corporation’s Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS). The COERS program was developed to recognize surgeons and facilities worldwide performing robotic procedures and achieving defined standards for patient safety and care quality. The surgeons who are part of our Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery as Master Surgeons are the first in New Mexico to achieve this designation and we are proud to recognize their achievements.

We use the da Vinci surgical system to treat a variety of conditions, including:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Cervical and uterine cancer
  • Colon and intestinal surgery
  • Endometriosis
  • Gallbladder issues
  • Kidney disorders or cancer
  • Menorrhagia or excessive bleeding
  • Prostate cancer
  • Simple to complex hernia repairs, including complex abdominal wall hernias - all with small incisions and a quick recovery
  • Stomach repairs
  • Urinary blockage
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Uterine prolapse
Learn more about the da Vinci surgical system.

Globus

The Globus ExcelsiusGPS offers the next revolution in robotic spine surgery for back pain relief. Robotic surgery improves accuracy and optimizes patient care by using a state-of-the-art combination of robotics and navigation. This technology offers a less invasive option for spine surgery, a reduction in radiation exposure for both the patient and the surgeon and a faster recovery period.

Click on a Doctor to View More Information

Michael Blea, M.D., F.A.C.S
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Amy Bower, MS, PA-C

Amy Bower, MS, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Jacquelyn Brandenburg, D.O.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Jill Clark, MD, FACS, FASCRS
General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery
Albuquerque

Lynette Connacher PA
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Geri Davis, FNP
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Christopher Dominguez, M.D.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Alberto Dominguez-Ventura, M.D.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

David Freeman, M.D., FACS
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Craig Gilcrease, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

David Hoang, M.D., F.A.C.S.

David Hoang, M.D., F.A.C.S.
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Emily Hunter, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Mario Leyba, MD

Mario Leyba, M.D., FACS
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Reagan Martin, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

David May, D.O.
Bariatrics, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Erica McBride, D.O., F.A.C.S.
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Mallory Meyer, D.O.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Christina Parks, NP
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Corinthiann Snodgrass, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Stephen Soltero, PA
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Paul Torres, M.D.
General Surgery, Gastroenterology
Roswell

Rio Udell, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Overview

At Lovelace we understand surgery can seem scary. Whether you need surgery to repair a hernia, remove a gallbladder or treat colon cancer, our surgeons will sit down and talk with you about your procedure, answer any questions you may have and follow your recovery. Our experienced staff know how to help make sure you are prepared for the day of surgery and what to expect during your recovery.  Our goal is to get you back to normal as soon as possible.

Our board-certified surgeons treat a wide range of medical conditions that require surgery, many with minimally invasive techniques.  These techniques can help patients spend less time in the hospital and recover more quickly.   The Lovelace surgical group offers treatment for these and other conditions:

  • Achalasia
  • Abscess
  • Cholecystitis
  • Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
  • Colon Cancer
  • Colon Polyps
  • Cyst
  • Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis
  • Dysphagia
  • Enterostomy
  • Fissure
  • Fistulas (Enterocutaneous, gastrocutaneous, colucutaneous)
  • Gallbladder Dysfunction
  • Gastrostomy
  • GERD/Reflux
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hernia (Hiatal or Paraesophageal)
  • Lipoma
  • Pancreatitis
  • Rectal Abscess
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)
  • Spleen
  • Stoma/Ostomy
  • Weight-loss surgery - Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve, Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y (Gastric Bypass), Laparoscopic adjustable banding and LAP-BAND revisions

Lovelace offers a wide variety of surgical services and state-of-the-art technology to ensure our patient's surgical needs are covered in Albuquerque and Roswell. Our highly skilled team of surgeons remains on the cutting edge of technology and procedures.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 505.727.2727.

Click on a Doctor to View More Information

Michael Blea, M.D., F.A.C.S
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Amy Bower, MS, PA-C

Amy Bower, MS, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Jacquelyn Brandenburg, D.O.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Jill Clark, MD, FACS, FASCRS
General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery
Albuquerque

Lynette Connacher PA
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Geri Davis, FNP
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Christopher Dominguez, M.D.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Alberto Dominguez-Ventura, M.D.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

David Freeman, M.D., FACS
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Craig Gilcrease, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

David Hoang, M.D., F.A.C.S.

David Hoang, M.D., F.A.C.S.
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Emily Hunter, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Mario Leyba, MD

Mario Leyba, M.D., FACS
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Reagan Martin, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

David May, D.O.
Bariatrics, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Erica McBride, D.O., F.A.C.S.
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
Albuquerque

Mallory Meyer, D.O.
Emergency General Surgery, General Surgery
Albuquerque

Christina Parks, NP
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Corinthiann Snodgrass, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Stephen Soltero, PA
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Paul Torres, M.D.
General Surgery, Gastroenterology
Roswell

Rio Udell, PA-C
General Surgery
Albuquerque

Traditional Surgery

Traditional Surgery

Traditional, or open, surgery involves an incision that is made using a scalpel. The surgeon then inserts the instruments and conducts the surgery. In some cases open surgery is preferable to provide the visual information required to completely remove tissues or accurately diagnose a condition, a larger incision may also be required to access a larger area in the body. It's important to discuss your options with your surgeon to find the best option for your care.

 

Lovelace offers a wide variety of surgical services and state-of-the-art technology to ensure our patient's surgical needs are covered in Albuquerque and Roswell. Our highly skilled team of surgeons remains on the cutting edge of technology and procedures.

Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery combines your surgeon's understanding of anatomy with cutting-edge technology to treat a multitude of conditions using small incisions and the assistance of imaging. Often minimally invasive surgery offers faster recovery times and reduced rates of infection. It is important to understand that the decision to receive minimally invasive surgery is individualized to the patient and the patient's symptoms. It is important to discuss with your physician whether minimally invasive surgery is right for you. 

Minimally invasive surgical options use the latest in surgical and robotics technologies to perform routine and complex surgery – taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand. This technology allows major surgery to be performed through very small incisions. Benefits can include less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal daily activities and the potential for better clinical outcomes.

 

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, control, and flexibility. Robotic surgery offers patients facing surgery many potential benefits over traditional open surgery, including less pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to daily activities.

 

da Vinci

The da Vinci® Surgical System allows surgeons to offer an effective, minimally invasive option for complex surgical procedures. Small 1 – 2 centimeter incisions are used to introduce miniaturized wristed instruments and a high-definition 3-D camera. Your surgeon views a magnified, high-resolution 3-D image of the surgical site. At the same time, state-of-the-art robotic and computer technologies scale, filter and seamlessly translate your surgeon's hand movements into precise micro-movements of the robotic instruments. The system requires that every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from your surgeon.

Lovelace Women’s Hospital is the first hospital in New Mexico to have earned the Surgical Review Corporation’s Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS). The COERS program was developed to recognize surgeons and facilities worldwide performing robotic procedures and achieving defined standards for patient safety and care quality. The surgeons who are part of our Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery as Master Surgeons are the first in New Mexico to achieve this designation and we are proud to recognize their achievements.

General Surgery for Abdominal Issues

  • Colon and intestinal surgery
  • Gallbladder issues
  • Simple to complex hernia repairs, including complex abdominal wall hernias - all with small incisions and a quick recovery
  • Stomach repairs

Gynecology

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine prolapsed
  • Menorrhagia or excessive bleeding
  • Cervical and uterine cancer

Urology

  • Prostate cancer
  • Kidney disorders or cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Urinary blockage

For more information on da Vinci, please call 505.727.6758 or complete the form below.

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Globus

The Globus ExcelsiusGPS offers the next revolution in robotic spine surgery for back pain relief. Robotic surgery improves accuracy and optimizes patient care by using a state-of-the-art combination of robotics and navigation. This technology offers a less invasive option for spine surgery, a reduction in radiation exposure for both the patient and the surgeon and a faster recovery period.

Frequently Asked Questions

MIS is surgery typically performed through small incisions, or operating ports, rather than large incisions, resulting in potentially shorter recovery times, fewer complications, reduced hospitalization costs and reduced trauma to the patient. While MIS has become the standard for some surgical procedures, it has not been widely adopted for more complex or delicate procedures – for example, prostatectomy and mitral valve repair.

In traditional open surgery, the physician makes a long incision and then widens it to access the anatomy. In traditional minimally invasive surgery, which is widely used for routine procedures, the surgeon operates using rigid, hand-operated instruments, which are passed through small incisions and views the anatomy on a standard video monitor. Neither this laparoscopic instrumentation nor the video monitor can provide the surgeon with the excellent visualization needed to perform complex surgery like valve repair or nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Some of the major benefits experienced by surgeons using a robotic surgical system over traditional approaches have been greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access. Benefits experienced by patients may include a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. None of these benefits can be guaranteed, as surgery is necessarily both patient- and procedure-specific.

On the contrary, robotic surgery enables surgeons to be more precise, advancing their technique and enhancing their capability in performing complex minimally invasive surgery. The system replicates the surgeon's movements in real time. It cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own to move in any way or perform any type of surgical maneuver without the surgeon's input.

Although seated at a console a few feet away from the patient, the surgeon views an actual image of the surgical field while operating in real-time, through tiny incisions, using miniaturized, wristed instruments. At no time does the surgeon see a virtual image or program/command the system to perform any maneuver on its own or outside of the surgeon's direct, real-time control.

Click on a provider to view more information

Jill Clark, MD, FACS, FASCRS
General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery
Albuquerque