General Surgery

Our Board Certified surgeon at Rocky Mountain Surgical Solutions utilizes the latest technologies available in the field of general surgery. Board Certification is a stringent process that separates the superior surgeon from those who are merely qualified. The American Board of Surgery maintains rigorous standards in numerous specialties, and recertification is necessary every ten years. We take pride in our continued certified status, and make it a priority to stay abreast of new methodologies, practices and equipment so that our patients receive the best care medical science has to offer.

We understand that the prospect of surgery can be intimidating. To help alleviate your concerns, we provide a thorough understanding of our practices and procedures. It is important to us that you understand and feel comfortable with your upcoming procedure. We appreciate and value your trust in our skill.

Please feel free to review the information below to learn more about your condition and the surgical procedures performed by Dr. Richards. If you have any additional questions, please call 406-728-0285 or e-mail us at Info@RMSSMontana.com.

Select A Category:

Intra-Abdominal Problems │ Gallbladder │ Cancer

Breast Conditions │ Hemorrhoids

Intra-abdominal / Colorectal Problems

At Rocky Mountain Surgical Solutions, we have extensive experience treating intra-abdominal and colorectal problems. From bowel obstructions to colon cancer to appendicitis, we utilize the latest knowledge as well as many years of skill to treat the full range of problems associated with the abdomen.

Colon Surgery:

The colon, or large intestine, is a muscular tube within the abdomen that forms the last part of the digestive tract, ending in the anus. There are a myriad of potential problems that involve the colon: cancer, diverticulitis, and obstruction, to name a few. If you are experiencing frequent pain or aches in the abdominal area, changes in your bowel habits, or have noticed dark black or maroon colored stools, this may be an indicator that there is a problem in your colon.

Appendicitis:

The appendix is a 3-6” long tube-like organ connected to the small and large intestines. It has no known function. If the appendix becomes infected or inflamed, it must be removed. Inflammation of the appendix is called appendicitis.

Symptoms usually develop rapidly with little warning over 6-12 hours and may include:

Vague discomfort in the navel area

Increasing, localized pain in the lower right side of the abdomen

The abdomen becoming rigid and very sensitive to pressure

Pain, typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a slight fever

An appendectomy is almost always performed as emergency or urgent surgery, either through an open operation or by laparoscopy.

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, hollow organ located under your liver on the right side of your abdomen. It is the key storage facility for bile, which is essential to the body's digestive system. Gallstones can block the flow of bile if they become lodged in any part of the gallbladder’s intricate duct system. This can lead to painful inflammation.

Gallstone symptoms vary, but may include:

Pain under the right side of the rib cage

Upper back pain

Nausea / vomiting

Severe pain lasting from 30 minutes to several hours

Pain onset after consumption of a fatty meal

You may be at risk for gallstones if you:

Are over 40, obese or diabetic

Have experienced rapid weight loss

Take estrogen supplements

Are female, Native or Mexican-American

Are genetically prone to the disease

Take drugs to regulate cholesterol levels

Surgery is the only effective treatment for gallbladder disease. Our laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive and has fewer complications than the traditionally performed open cholecystectomy.

Cancer

Everyone dreads hearing they have cancer. If you have been referred to Rocky Mountain Surgical Solutions for surgery, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll receive an expert “second opinion,” as well as emotional reassurance and understanding. If you do have cancer, we have answers. We’re on top of current research and offer the latest treatments and techniques. Working with any specialists your primary physician may have recommended, we will apply our knowledge, skill, and expertise to ensure that your recovery is the best available.

Breast Conditions

Many women develop at least one breast lump during their lifetime, usually in conjunction with puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Approximately 80% of such tissue changes are benign (non-cancerous).
If you are concerned about an existing lump or nodule, or discover changes in breast tissue, please come in for an evaluation. We’d like to put your mind at ease. Finding and treating breast disease early gives you the best chance for a healthy future.

Risk Factors:

Gender: Though men can get breast cancer, it mostly affects women

Age: Those 50 and older have a higher risk

A family history of breast cancer

A previous diagnosis of the disease

Genetic predisposition / changes in certain genes / Caucasian heritage

Increased exposure to estrogen over a lifetime through:

– Early onset of menstruation and / or late onset of menopause

– Not having had children, or bearing children later in life

– Not breastfeeding

– Taking hormone replacement therapy for extended periods of time

– Tobacco use, or overuse of alcohol

– Increased breast density (more lobular & ductal tissue, less fatty tissue)

– Radiation therapy before age 30

Call your doctor if:

You find a new breast lump during your monthly self-exam

You have bruising on your breast but did not experience an injury

You notice nipple discharge, especially if it’s bloody or pinkish

Breast skin appears dimpled or wrinkled, like an orange peel

Your nipple is inverted (turned inward), unless that is normal for you

Your doctor will want to know:

How long you’ve had the lump and whether or not it changes in size with your menstrual cycle

The date of your last menstrual period, and whether or not you:

– Have recently been pregnant or are breast-feeding

– Have experienced nipple discharge

– Use hormone replacement therapy

– Have experienced recent breast trauma

– Had previous breast biopsies and if so, their results

– Have a history of cancer or other medical conditions

– Had a prior mammogram or other breast imaging test

Again, early detection and treatment afford an excellent potential for complete recovery.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the anus and rectum. By age 50, about half of adults experience the itching, bleeding and /or pain that characterize this condition. Internal hemorrhoids are not visible and usually do not cause discomfort. Indicative factors include bright red blood on the stool, or toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. External hemorrhoids typically cause discomfort and may itch or bleed. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus), causing severe pain.

Common causes include:

Lifting heavy objects

Aging

Obesity

Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Straining during a bowel movement

Constant sitting

Severe coughing

Anal intercourse

Childbirth/pregnancy

Most hemorrhoids are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, symptoms will resolve within a few days. The following self-care techniques may be all you need:

Take a Sitz bath; sit in a shallow bath with hot water for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day

Over-the-counter pain medication may be used for aching

Topical creams and suppositories relieve burning and itching, and can also shrink hemorrhoids

Cleanse the rectal area with warm water after each bowel movement Use a bulk fiber laxative to soften stools. This helps eliminate straining Increase your fluid intake to 8 – 12 glasses of water a day

Bulk fiber supplements may take several days to work: If you have existing hemorrhoids and hard stools, try a fast-acting stool softener / laxative to avoid further aggravation of hemorrhoids

See your doctor if hemorrhoids don't improve with self-care, cause pain, or bleed frequently or excessively. Since such bleeding can mask a more serious condition (particularly colorectal cancer), persistent hemorrhoids should be treated.

Outpatient Treatment:

Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.

General Information:

Hemorrhoidectomy: Occasionally, severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require surgical removal. This is known as a hemorrhoidectomy, which shrinks and eliminates compromised tissue.

Dr. Richards is one of the only physicians in Montana trained in the new technique of stapled hemorrhoidectomy. This innovative procedure significantly decreases the pain associated with a traditional hemorrhoidectomy. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, do not hesitate to contact our office and set up an appointment.