COmplex Abdominal Surgery Program

Complex Abdominal Surgery

We tailor complex abdominal surgery to each patient, giving you the best possible care before, during and after surgery.

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Why choose UCSF Health for complex abdominal wall surgery?

UCSF Health offers complex abdominal wall surgeries that aren't widely available at other medical centers. Our experienced team uses the latest surgical technology to give you the best outcomes possible.

At UCSF Health, patients with complex ventral hernias have better surgical outcomes. Our recurrence rate (the probability of the hernia returning) is around 18%. This is much lower than the national average of 30%-40%.

Patients with severe acute pancreatitis treated at UCSF Health have a lower risk of mortality — under 10%, compared with the national average of 25%-40%.

Our surgeons work closely with a team of specialists to deliver integrated and personalized care. In addition to gastrointestinal surgeons, your care team may include experts in:

  • Nutrition

  • Intensive care medicine

  • Wound care

  • Plastic surgery

  • Pharmacology

  • Infectious disease

  • Physical therapy

  • Social work

  • Expertise in treating complex conditions

    People with complex abdominal conditions can get innovative surgeries that aren't routinely available at other medical centers.

  • Comprehensive care

    You receive excellent care from specialists who support your recovery and healing before, during and after surgery.

  • Above-average patient outcomes

    Our patient outcomes are consistently higher than national averages, lowering your risk for complications.

  • Innovative research

    We've developed evidence-based surgical techniques to optimize procedure outcomes for high-risk patients.

Complex abdominal surgery at UCSF Health

We specialize in advanced surgeries for complex abdominal conditions, including:

Severe acute pancreatitis

We've developed surgical techniques to treat acute pancreatitis, including blunt necrosectomy (removing diseased pancreatic tissue) and several minimally invasive approaches to remove tissue damaged by pancreatitis. These techniques reduce surgery complications while supporting your recovery.

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF)

We understand the complex issues that can occur with ECF. Our GI surgeons, nutritionists, wound care specialists and enterostomal therapists (ostomy experts) provide comprehensive, holistic care designed to promote optimal outcomes.

Complex ventral hernia

UCSF Health plastic surgeons and general surgeons work together to repair the abdominal wall. We use innovative strategies, including preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP), botulinum toxin injection, component separation and transversus abdominis release to repair large ventral hernias.

PPP gradually expands the abdominal cavity before the procedure to promote better outcomes. UCSF Health is one of the few centers in the country offering PPP for large hernia repair.

Supportive services

People with complex abdominal conditions benefit from a team approach and integrated care. To support your healing and recovery, we offer:

  • Patient and caregiver education helps you take charge of your health.

  • Physical rehabilitation helps reduce your risk of complications after surgery by helping you get up and move as soon as possible.

  • Long-term care is often necessary after complex abdominal surgery. You may require care for a few months after surgery. We customize a post-surgical care plan for you.

  • Wound care specialists use advanced techniques to care for incisions and other concerns.

  • Plastic surgery can help restore your abdominal wall.

Providers

Recognized expertise

UCSF Health is ranked among the best in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

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