Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery is a “minimally invasive technique” that allows a surgery to be performed through small ¼” – ½” incisions.  This technique usually affords shorter recovery time, less postoperative pain, and minimal scars.

Dr. Hoberman offers:
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of gall bladder)
• Laparoscopic appendectomy (removal of appendix)
• Laparoscopic hernia repair
• Laparoscopic bowel surgery
 

Breast Services

Liberty Surgical Associates offers patients state of the art, comprehensive breast care services.  Dr. Hoberman is committed to the best and most compassionate care for women with cancerous and non-cancerous diseases of the breast.

Dr. Hoberman will review your breast history, previous mammograms and ultrasounds and after a thorough breast exam, offer an individualized treatment plan.  Dr. Hoberman’s experience with referring physicians and specialists in the region helps her coordinate the best care possible.

Multi-disciplinary Approach
Dr. Hoberman believes in the multi-disciplinary approach in the care of her breast cancer patients.  After your diagnosis, your case is presented at the Breast Care Conference of Holland Hospital.  The specialty team includes:
• Radiologists
• Medical Oncologists
• Radiation Oncologists
• Pathologists
• Additional Board-certified surgeons
Dr. Hoberman then shares the recommendations discussed at the conference with you as a part of  your individualized treatment plan.

Innovative Services
Mammosite Radiation Therapy is a new technology offered by Liberty Surgical Associates in conjunction with Lemmon Holten Cancer Center.  This technology allows early breast cancer patients who are candidates for breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy) to have their breast radiation administered over 5 days instead of the traditional 6 weeks.  The FDA approved this technology in 2002 which essentially delivers internal radiation (“brachytherapy”) to the breast via a special balloon catheter device and then the Radiation-Oncologist Physician at Lemmon Holten administers the radiation by placing tiny radioactive seeds into the balloon using a computer-controlled machine.  The seed then administers radiation to the area where the tumor is most likely to recur.  The seeds are then removed at the conclusion of each treatment session.  Treatments are given twice a day for 5 days.  The balloon catheter is removed following the last treatment.

Office Ultrasound and Vaccum-assisted Breast Biopsy
A breast lump can be a fear inducing situation for any woman.  Dr. Hoberman is committed to partnering with her patients to educate them as they proceed through diagnosis.  Liberty Surgical Associates is equipped with state of the art equipment including the Women’s Health Sonosite Ultrasound (www.sonosite.com/products/S-Womens-health/mounting-options) and the Suros ATEC system from Hologic. This breast biopsy system was designed to make breast biopsy as comfortable as possible and to accurately biopsy or remove the area of concern.

Endoscopy

Lower Endoscopy (Colonoscopy)
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to evaluate the lower gastrointestinal tract which includes the colon and rectum.  A lighted, flexible endoscope (camera) is used to detect inflamed tissue, precancerous polyps, and cancerous polyps.  If found during the procedure, a biopsy or removal of the polyp is performed through the endoscope.

Colonoscopy is recommended for all adults as a screening procedure beginning at age 50.  Colonoscopy may also be recommended at any time by your doctor to evaluate symptoms of abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements, anemia, or if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope (camera) to see the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.  This procedure is often used to evaluate abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gastric reflux, or anemia.  It allows for the diagnosis of ulcers, abnormal growths, precancerous conditions, inflammation and hiatal hernias.

Dr. Hoberman performs both lower and upper endoscopy at Holland and Zeeland Hospitals.  These procedures are done while the patient has intravenous sedation and is monitored thoroughly.  For more information, please contact your family doctor or call our office 738-0470.
 

Office Procedures
Dr. Hoberman offers a number of office based procedures assisted by a registered nurse or medical assistant.  The team at Liberty Surgical Associates is dedicated to your comfort and understanding of the procedure performed.

Office based surgeries include:
• Removal of skin lesions both precancerous or cancerous
• Nevi or mole biopsy
• Scar injection for hypertrophic scars
• Scar revision
• Breast biopsy and breast cyst aspiration using in office ultrasound guidance
• Soft tissue tumor removal (ie. Lipomas)
• Lymph node biopsy