General Surgery

Dr. Stephanie Yan is a highly versatile general surgeon trained to treat a wide range of conditions, primarily involving the abdominal organs. Her expertise includes performing surgeries on the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, and other digestive system organs. Dr. Yan’s skills extend beyond the abdomen as she is also qualified to manage issues like breast disease, breast cancer, hernias, and colorectal issues.

With a focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Yan performs both traditional open surgeries and minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Her role requires adaptability and collaboration, often working alongside other specialists to ensure comprehensive care for her patients. From diagnosis and pre-operative planning to the surgery itself and post-operative management, Dr. Yan’s approach exemplifies the precision and dedication that define the field of general surgery.

Endoscopy

Dr. Stephanie Yan is an expert in performing both endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures, which are vital tools in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal issues.

In endoscopy, Dr. Yan uses an endoscope—a slender, flexible tube with a camera and light—to view the upper part of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like ulcers, acid reflux, and infections, and it can also be used to perform biopsies.

Dr. Yan uses colonoscopy specifically to examine the large intestine and rectum. In this procedure, she carefully guides the scope through the rectum to inspect the entire colon. Colonoscopy is an essential screening tool for colon cancer and is also used to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. Dr. Yan’s expertise in these procedures allows her to not only diagnose but also remove polyps and take tissue samples when necessary, providing comprehensive care for her patients.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Dr. Stephanie Yan is skilled in performing laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that has transformed many general surgical procedures. In her practice, Dr. Yan utilizes small incisions to access the abdominal cavity, inserting a laparoscope—a slender, camera-equipped tube—that provides a magnified, high-resolution view of the operative area on a monitor. This allows her to perform precise and effective surgeries with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.

For general surgical procedures, Dr. Yan uses laparoscopy for treatments such as gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, and appendectomies. Her expertise in this technique provides significant benefits for her patients, including reduced pain, minimal scarring, and faster recovery times, which contribute to shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to daily life. Dr. Yan’s proficiency in laparoscopic surgery highlights her commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centered care.

Hernia Surgery

Hernia surgery is a procedure to repair a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Dr. Stephanie Yan performs hernia repairs using either traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. In laparoscopic hernia surgery, small incisions are made to insert a laparoscope and specialized instruments, which allows her to fix the hernia with less recovery time, reduced pain, and minimal scarring.

Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal surgery focuses on disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. Dr. Stephanie Yan performs these procedures to treat a variety of conditions, including colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids. The goal is to restore normal bowel function and relieve symptoms, often using advanced techniques like laparoscopic surgery for minimal invasiveness.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, similar to varicose veins, and they can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. When conservative treatments like dietary changes or topical medications aren’t effective, surgical options may be considered.

The most common surgical procedures include:

1. Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of large or severe hemorrhoids.

2. Hemorrhoidopexy (Stapling): Staples are used to reposition internal hemorrhoids and reduce blood flow to the tissue.

Dr. Stephanie Yan can perform these procedures based on the severity and type of hemorrhoids to ensure symptom relief and improve quality of life.

Anal Fistula/Anal Fissure

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the inside of the anus to the surrounding skin, often due to infection. An anal fissure is a small tear in the anal lining, usually from passing hard stools, which causes pain and bleeding.

For treatment:

1. Fistula Surgery: Options include fistulotomy (cutting open the fistula) or placing a seton (a drainage thread) to aid healing.

2. Fissure Surgery: Lateral internal sphincterotomy, where a small cut is made in the anal muscle to reduce tension, promoting healing.

Dr. Stephanie Yan performs these procedures to alleviate symptoms and promote healing in patients but Dr Yan will try the least invasive approach first to help her patients heal. Dr. Stephanie Yan offers effective, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs. From fistulotomy and seton placement for fistulas to lateral internal sphincterotomy for fissures, Dr. Yan’s advanced surgical expertise provides relief and promotes healing

Lumps and Bumps

Surgical treatment of lumps and bumps, like cysts, lipomas, or other benign skin growths, typically involves a straightforward excision procedure. Dr. Stephanie Yan uses precise techniques to remove these growths with minimal scarring, ensuring a clean excision to reduce the chance of recurrence. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care, allowing for a quick recovery and minimal downtime. Dr. Yan’s expertise offers effective solutions for those seeking removal of lumps or bumps for comfort, cosmetic reasons, or preventive care.

Skin cancers

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, typically caused by UV exposure. Common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

To treat skin cancer surgically, Dr. Stephanie Yan may perform procedures such as:

1. Biopsies: Removing a small sampling of the tissue for diagnosis.

2. Excisional Surgery: Removing the cancerous tissue with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete excision.

With her expertise, Dr. Yan provides comprehensive, safe, and effective treatment options to address skin cancer and minimize recurrence.

Breast Surgery-Benign and Malignant Tumors

Dr. Stephanie Yan offers comprehensive management for both benign and malignant breast tumors, emphasizing personalized treatment to address each patient’s unique needs. For benign tumors, she provides options like lumpectomies to remove growths while preserving healthy tissue. For malignant tumors, she may perform more extensive procedures, including lumpectomies and mastectomies, tailored to the cancer's progression. Dr. Yan’s approach combines expert surgical care with a focus on overall patient wellness, guiding patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to ensure the best possible outcomes while honoring and affirming her patient’s choices and values.
 

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Upcoming Community Events

Saturday, May 4, 2019: UH Maui College Allied Health Simulation (nursing students only)

Saturday, April 6, 2019: UH Maui College Allied Health Simulation (nursing students only)

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March 27, 2019

OPIOID DISPOSAL

Effect of an Activated Charcoal Bag on Disposal of Unused Opioids After an Outpatient Surgical Procedure: A Randomized Clinical Trial

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General Surgical Services, Endoscopic Services: Colonoscopy and EGD and Laparoscopic Surgical Services

List of Procedures and Operations

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