Surgery

General surgery at Yeovil District Hospital has a strong emphasis on laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures.

• Biliary surgery
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (emergency/elective)
• ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography)
• Laparoscopic exploration of common bile duct
• Hernia surgery (elective laparoscopic hernia repairs for inguinal/femoral hernias, incisional hernias and parastomal hernias)
• Colorectal Surgery with the Enhanced Recovery Programme 
• Breast Surgery and Endocrine Surgery

Emergency general surgery

This covers a wide variety of acute surgical admissions including abscess drainage, appendicectomy (with laparoscopic approach) and laparotomies for various conditions including peritonitis and intestinal obstruction.

There is also a growing  expertise in carrying out stenting for obstructing tumours as a bridge for surgery. We currently deploy a metallic stent to relieve the obstruction and patients usually undergo semi elective surgery during the same admission, after full staging of their disease has taken place.

Endoscopy

Yeovil District Hospital is involved in the national screening programme for bowel cancer and carries out gastroscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies and colonoscopies. A fast-track flexible sigmoidoscopy service is provided for suspected colorectal cancer.

Opthalmology, ENT and Dermatology

We have visiting Ophthalmology, ENT and Dermatology surgeons from Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester and Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, who hold regular clinics and carry out minor surgery day theatre lists.