Surgery can conjure many unknowns, but it helps when you feel confident in your care – and don’t have to travel far to receive it. Samaritan Healthcare offers full-time, on-staff surgeons who employ innovative technology and patient-first care to diagnose and surgically treat a wide range of scheduled, urgent, or emergency medical needs. Stay close to home without compromising on quality when you choose the surgical providers at Samaritan.

Samaritan has all the diagnostic, imaging, and testing technologies you would expect from a top-quality hospital committed to meeting patient needs. General surgery also utilizes the latest in robotic-assisted technology to deliver even greater patient results, such as the da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgical System.

The high-tech device is completely controlled by the surgeon, using robotic arms and cameras to deliver 3D high-definition views and a crystal-clear view of the area, magnified at 10 times the capability of the human eye. The da Vinci system uses small fingertip-size incisions for improved surgical recovery time and post-surgical pain.

This robotic-assisted system is currently used for both simple and complicated hernia procedures at Samaritan, including inguinal—or groin—hernia repairs, as well as ventral hernia repairs. In each case, tissue bulges through a weak area of abdominal muscle, creating a bulge or tender area. Patients with these hernia repair concerns may be prime candidates for robotic-assisted hernia surgery as it offers surgeons improved visibility and movement, leading to less tissue damage to the surrounding area.

In the future, the da Vinci system may be used for even more surgical procedures, including:

• Gallbladder surgery
• Acid reflux disease surgery (Nissen fundoplication)
• Stomach surgery (gastrectomy)
• Pancreatic surgery (pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy/Whipple procedure)
• Small bowel surgery

Discover Top Providers

Dr. Andrea Matson is a general surgeon with years of experience performing a variety of minimally invasive and traditional surgical procedures, including breast biopsy, appendix removal, hernia repair, emergency surgeries, and more. With a compassionate nature to complement her surgical expertise, Dr. Matson’s guiding principle is healing people.

Dr. Jordan Smith is a highly skilled general surgeon trained in a variety of techniques—including minimally invasive hernia surgery, as well as traditional surgeries. He provides total patient care throughout the surgical experience—from clinic appointments and initial diagnosis, to performing surgery, and the recovery process.

Dr. Thomas Tuszynski is a general surgeon with many years of experience. His extensive training and expertise led him to specialize in numerous general surgery procedures—diagnosing and surgically treating a wide range of medical conditions in a variety of techniques.

Dr. Queenie McClelland is a general surgeon who combines compassion and expertise to offer the highest level of care. Skilled in a variety of minimally invasive, traditional, and complex procedures, Dr. McClelland connects with patients on a deeper level, allowing even greater insight into how to help them heal.

Surgical and Medical Expertise

Samaritan’s general surgeons have a diverse range of expertise in a variety of procedures and surgical needs, including:

• Laparoscopies
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Breast procedures
• Hepatobiliary (liver, gallbladder, bile ducts)
• Appendectomies
• Hernia repairs
• Gall bladder removals
• Thyroid procedures
• Gastrointestinal procedures (anti-reflux)
• Colorectal surgeries (IBS, IBD, diverticulitis, colon cancer)
• Colonoscopies
• Endoscopies
• Emergency surgeries

Speak with your primary care provider about a Samaritan surgery referral with Dr. Matson, Dr. McClelland, Dr. Smith, or Dr. Tuszynski. General Surgery is located at Samaritan Clinic on Pioneer, Suite 305. Call 509.793.9770 for more information.