Podcast Episode Topics: General Surgery

Host Mark Houston sits down with colorectal surgeon Dr. Steven Donahue to talk about diverticulitis, a condition Houston has lived with for over two decades. They walk through what causes it, when repeat flare-ups turn into a real conversation about surgery, and what recovery looks like using Monument Health’s da Vinci robotic surgery system. Houston shares his own experience going through the procedure, start to finish, and Dr. Donahue breaks down what patients can actually expect, from that first consult to the fear most people have about ending up with a colostomy bag.

Spider veins and varicose veins are common. However, they can be problematic and cause pain or discomfort. Recorded live in front of an audience at Matthews Opera House in Spearfish, Nicholas Czosnyka, M.D., General Surgeon at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, explains poor vein outflow, or venous insufficiency and how that relates to varicose veins. He gives tips on when to seek treatment and clarifies the pros and cons of the different kinds of interventions, such as compression stockings or procedures, like sclerotherapy, phlebectomy and vein ablation.

Dr. Czosnyka details how the procedures work and the goal of having them done. For example, symptoms and appearance of varicose veins can be improved, especially in severe cases. However, the issue cannot usually be entirely prevented or removed; improved blood flow is the priority. Dr. Czosnyka also relates expectations for healing, success rates and recurrence of varicose veins after a procedure.

In this episode of Doc Talk Live! at The Matthews Art Center, Wesley Badger, M.D., general surgeon at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, discusses two very different cancers and why early detection matters. Dr. Badger explains why colon cancer screening now starts at 45 years old and why colonoscopy remains the standard for prevention. He also addresses the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger people and the lifestyle factors driving this trend. Dr. Badger also covers thyroid cancer, explaining why it behaves differently than most cancers and why screening recommendations differ dramatically between these two conditions.

Recorded with a live audience at Black Hills Stock Show. Pial Hope, D.O., Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Rapid City Hospital, discusses the evolving role of robotic-assisted surgery, specifically the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, and its impact on patient care. Dr. Hope highlights advancements in surgical technology and shares insights into how the next generation of medical professionals can be inspired by these innovations.

This week’s episode of Doc Talk is about the “bones, moans, stones and groans” world of parathyroid disease. First, Dr. Badger explains the intricacies of parathyroid surgery. Later, Dr. Palmer joins to illuminate the art and science of treating parathyroid disorder. Whether you’re curious about how these tiny glands impact your health or are interested in the recent advances in endocrine treatment, this episode is packed with insights that illuminate this fascinating medical field. Tune in to find out how the dynamic partnership between diagnosis and surgery leads to life-changing outcomes!