Why consider SCALES for minimally invasive surgery?

• Providing an outstanding experience in minimally invasive surgery for the Greater San Fernando Valley, Conejo Valley and surrounding regions.
  
  
• SCALES has established an Operating Room team dedicated to advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.
  
  
• We are unique in our extensive work with the staff and administration to establish clinical pathways designed to provide optimal and efficient patient care.
  
  

Dr. Waldrep is a:

• Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery
• Member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery [ASBS]
• Member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians [ASBP]
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons [SAGES]
• Member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
• Member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy
• Member of the American Society of General Surgeons

Follow the links below to:

Dr Waldrep's Complete Biography

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally Invasive, or Laparoscopic, Surgery is a modern surgical technique that offers the benefits of traditional surgery with minimal scarring or discomfort. Advanced technology avoids a traditional long, painful incision. Major or minor procedures can be performed using 2 to 5 incisions so small, they may be covered with bandages the size of a postage stamp, and may often be hidden in the belly-button, skin folds, or existing scars.

What procedures does SCALES perform?

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Complex Biliary Surgery, including Common Bile Duct Exploration.

Gallbladder disease is common. You may know of someone who has had laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.

Laparoscopic Small Bowel Surgery

The small intestine may develop various kinds of minor or major diseases requiring removal or rearrangement of the intestinal tract .

Laparoscopic Colon Resection

Benign diseases (diverticulitis) as well as malignant diseases (colon cancer) may be treated with laparoscopic techniques.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Hernias of the groin, abdominal wall, or at old incisions may be treated with very small incisions and minimal discomfort.

Laparoscopic Kidney Surgery

Patients may have a partial or complete removal of the kidney. This surgery can be performed through very small incisions and patients can return home the following day.

Complex Laparoscopic Gastric Procedures

In the past, ulcer disease often meant that a large portion of the stomach had to be removed (antrectomy). Now, this disease can often be arrested by dividing very small nerve branches to the stomach (Highly Selective Vagotomy).

Laparoscopic Splenectomy

Diseases of the spleen lead to many problems with the blood system. After surgery most patients are able to leave the hospital the next day.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

The adrenals are small hormonal glands situated on top of each kidney. Removal no longer requires painful abdominal or back incisions.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection

SCALES surgeons have performed some of the most complicated liver surgeries described in the world using 3 to 5 incisions no bigger than a buttonhole.

Heartburn Reflux Disease, Hiatal Hernia

Heartburn or Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can be treated with Acid Reflux Surgery (usually known as a fundoplication) this surgery may be performed as an outpatient procedure.

Laparoscopic Spinal Access Surgery

The surgical staff of SCALES has one of the largest experiences of laparoscopic spine exposures in the nation. Specialists in spine surgery are assisted by SCALES surgeons who expose the front of the spine without the need for an incision in the abdominal wall.

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