Thompson’s general surgery team offers a wide range of procedures using the most advanced minimally-invasive techniques (including daVinci® Robotic-Assisted Technology). Some of the most common surgeries we perform include:

• Abdominal wall reconstruction is necessary to treat any open wounds in the abdominal wall, restructure the tissues, and reinforce the integrity of the muscles.
• Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine, to treat acute appendicitis. Appendicitis is the acute inflammation of this tube due to infection.
• Breast surgery for both cancerous and benign diseases.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder removal). A gallbladder may need to be removed if it is prone to gallstones, if it is infected or if it becomes cancerous.
• Hernia repair  There are several types of hernias, with inguinal hernias - protrusions of part of the intestine into the muscles of the groin – being the most common. Surgical repair pulls the intestine back to its original location. View our hernia video to learn more about minimally-invasive surgical options.
• Reflux surgery. A Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure that corrects Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by creating an improved valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus. It is meant to prevent the flow of acids upward.
• Thyroid and Parathyroid surgery. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that regulates growth, development and metabolism. The four parathyroid glands are very small and sit on top of the thyroid gland. Parathyroid glands regulate the body’s calcium levels. People who have a disorder of or tumor in the thyroid gland, or the four parathyroid glands, may need surgery to remove the tumor, or all or part of the gland. 
• Port Placement. A port is a small medical device installed beneath the skin, usually in the upper chest, that allows providers easy, reliable access to administer medicine to a patient directly into the veins. It makes taking blood samples easier and is generally more comfortable for the patient than multiple needle sticks.
• Skin Cancer and Lesion Removal for Melanoma, Basal Cell and Squamous Cell cancers.
• Tonsillectomy  is the surgical removal of one or both tonsils. Tonsils are located at the back of the mouth and help fight infections.
• Wound care. Debridement of wound, burn or infection involves the surgical removal of foreign material and/or dead, damaged or infected tissue from a wound or burn. By removing the diseased or dead tissue, healthy tissue is exposed to allow for more effective healing.

It means more days with your family, and less in the hospital. It means getting back to work, to your hobbies, to your life. It means you and your community get the care you deserve.

Laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery. This means that the surgeons use smaller incisions to perform the procedure, so the patient will have a shorter hospital stay, smaller scars, less need for pain medication, and a faster recovery.

General Surgeons

Theodor I. Kaufman, MD

A. David Peter, MD

Andrew Powers, MD

Joseph Talarico, MD

Jennifer Topor, NP

For a complete listing of general surgeons on the F.F. Thompson Medical Staff, please visit Find a Doctor.