For general surgery requests, call 406-883-5680 or fill out our online form.
Please note, primary care referrals are required.
General Surgery - Polson
General Surgery - Polson
Our Approach
At St. Joseph Medical Center, our general surgery team combines advanced technology with a personal approach – including minimally invasive procedures that mean less pain and faster recovery. Every plan is tailored to you, with your safety at the center of everything we do.
Our Services
Our surgeons have expertise in performing several surgical procedures, many using minimally invasive techniques, for common conditions such as breast disease, colon cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hernias and more.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid, bile, and enzymes repeatedly flow back into the esophagus, causing acid reflux, heartburn, and chest pain. GERD affects approximately 20% of the U.S. population and, when left untreated, can lead to serious complications.
We diagnose GERD through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) – a straightforward endoscopic procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is guided down the throat to directly visualize the esophagus and confirm the source of your symptoms.
Treatment begins with dietary and lifestyle modifications alongside medication. When conservative measures are insufficient, surgery is an effective and well-established option. Our surgical team will evaluate your condition and walk you through the procedures best suited to your specific needs.
Tips for Managing Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD
Heartburn that happens 2-3 times a week could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious form of acid reflux that can damage the lining of the esophagus. If you have chronic heartburn, talk to your health care provider.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It feels like a burning sensation in the center of the chest, and sometimes in the throat.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up, or “refluxes,” into the esophagus toward the throat. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and a sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.
GERD is a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs at least 2-3 times a week. If untreated, GERD can cause inflammation (esophagitis) or changes in the lining of the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus). Barrett’s esophagus may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
While chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, it’s not the only one. Less common symptoms can include:
- Non-burning chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing (called dysphagia), or food getting stuck in the esophagus
- Painful swallowing (called odynophagia)
- Persistent laryngitis or hoarseness
- Persistent sore throat
- Chronic cough
- Asthma that’s new or occurs only at night
- Regurgitation of foods or fluids, or the taste of acid in the throat
- Feeling as if there’s a lump in the throat
- Worsening dental disease
- Waking up with a choking sensation
If you have persistent acid reflux symptoms two or more times per week, despite taking over-the-counter medication, it may be time to see your primary care provider. In addition, contact your provider for advice if you have any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing, or pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in your vomit, or dark-colored stools
- Symptoms that worsen or interfere with daily activities
Your primary care provider can help you find the right treatment based on your symptoms, and may refer you to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive conditions) if appropriate.* If your condition is serious, you may need to see a surgeon.
*Some PPO insurance plans allow you to go straight to a gastroenterologist without a referral if symptoms are severe. Check with your insurance.
Two treatment approaches can offer effective relief for moderate to severe GERD symptoms:
- Prescription medications: Most people gain good control of their symptoms with medications such as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec. Known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), these drugs reduce acid production by blocking the acid pumps (or proton pumps) in the stomach. More powerful than over-the-counter medicines, PPIs are the most effective medications available for controlling acid reflux.
- Surgery: If PPIs cause side effects or don’t control your symptoms, surgery may be an effective option. It can help strengthen the sphincter between your stomach and your esophagus, making it a better barrier to acid reflux.
Over-the-counter medicines can help treat occasional mild (once a week or less) heartburn:
- Antacids, such as Tums and Mylanta, neutralize the acid in your stomach. They work quickly, but only for a short time.
- H2 blockers, such as Pepcid and Zantac, reduce acid production. They take longer to start working, but provide relief for 6-12 hours.
In addition, these lifestyle changes are known to help prevent or reduce reflux and GERD symptoms:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just a few pounds may reduce your symptoms.
- Avoid trigger foods that promote reflux, such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, fatty foods and carbonated beverages.
- Avoid large meals and late-night eating, and don’t lie down after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
- Quit smoking. Smoking weakens the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, reduces the production of acid-buffering saliva, and causes coughing, which pushes acid into the esophagus.
Is a hernia holding you back from enjoying life to the fullest? At St. Joseph Medical Center we understand the impact that a hernia can have on your daily activities and your overall quality of life. That's why we're dedicated to providing expert hernia repair that gets you back to doing the things you love.
We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we tailor our treatment plans to meet your individual needs and preferences.
Hernias can occur in the abdomen, groin or diaphragm. While most abdominal hernias aren’t considered emergencies, they can be painful and interfere with your quality of life. Based on the severity of the hernia, it may need to be surgically repaired. Many patients undergo elective surgery to prevent the possible complication of a strangulated hernia in the future.
Hernias do not go away on their own. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the signs and symptoms of a hernia:
- Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum (the pouch that contains the testicles)
- Increased pain at the site of the bulge
- Pain while lifting
- Increase in the bulge size over time
- A dull aching sensation
- A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction
Hernia types include:
- Inguinal hernia - located in the groin, one of the most common types of hernia
- Femoral hernia - less common groin hernia
- Incisional hernia - hernias that result from an incision in a previous operation
- Ventral hernia - occurs on your anterior abdominal wall and can be present at birth or developed later
- Spigelian hernia - can be difficult to detect as it is a hernia that does not involve all layers of the abdominal wall so the bulge may not be as obvious
Our surgeons offer minimally invasive hernia procedures and surgeries on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Treatments include:
- Open surgical repair - one incision, usually over the hernia
- Laparoscopic repair - multiple small incisions, usually away from the hernia
Both repairs close the hernia using sutures, mesh, or both. Deciding which option is best is based on multiple factors, is highly individual, and is determined after an in depth discussion with your surgeon.
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to image, inspect and diagnose conditions within the lower gastrointestinal tract and digestive system.
It is recommended that colonoscopy screenings begin at the age of 45. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer may be encouraged to begin screenings earlier (your primary care doctor can provide recommendations for your specific situation).
A colonoscopy uses a scope with a thin tube that has a tiny camera at the end called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is inserted through your rectum and displays images of your colon through a monitor in real-time.
With a colonoscopy, your doctor can carefully evaluate sensitive conditions like ulcers, polyps, cancer, or other colorectal issues such as inflammation and infections. The detailed images created by the colonoscope also allow for accurate diagnoses of colon cancer and help determine next steps for cancer treatment.
If your colonoscopy results in any concerns, our team will evaluate the results and work with you on necessary next steps. Often, surgery can correct or improve many conditions. And, if colon cancer is found, 90% of cases can be cured when caught early.
There are many types of colon surgeries we perform right here, close to home.
Mammograms use low energy X-rays to examine the breast as a diagnostic and screening tool to detect the early presence of breast cancer.
Mammograms are recommended annually for women age 45 to 54. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every 2 years, or continue yearly screening. Some women are at an increased risk for breast cancer and may be encouraged to begin screenings earlier (your primary care doctor can provide recommendations for your specific situation).
St. Joseph Medical Center’s imaging department provides easy scheduling for mammograms. You can schedule a mammogram today by calling 406-883-8402.
If our imaging team finds something that needs a second look, we’ll help you navigate next steps to get immediate care.
If it’s determined breast surgery is needed, our expert general surgery team is here to provide personalized, compassionate care. We treat a variety of breast conditions including:
- Breast cancer:
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Benign breast disease, such as:
- Cysts
- Mastitis
- Benign breast lumps
- Breast pain
- Breast abscess
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
St. Joseph Medical Center offers specialty surgeries for more complex or targeted conditions, including:
- Appendectomy
- Dental surgery
- Diagnostic surgery
- Gallbladder surgery
- Ear, nose and throat surgery
- Gastroscopy/colonoscopy procedures
- Rectal surgery (including hemorrhoid removal)
- Obstetric and gynecologic surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Trauma surgery
Most insurance requires a referral from a primary care provider prior to being seen for an initial evaluation. Please reach out to your primary care provider to request your referral, or call our office for further assistance. You can reach us at 406-883-5680.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, we can help you find one using our provider directory.
For general surgery requests, please call 406-883-5680 or fill out our online form.
Please note, primary care referrals are required.
Find a Doctor
At General Surgery - Polson, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Need a referral?
Some of our services may require a referral from your primary care doctor. If you’re an existing patient, login to MyChart to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If you’re a new patient, ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search our directory to find a primary care doctor near you.