Who We Are

Serving our community since 1917, the Highland Clinic, General & Vascular Surgery clinic, in Shreveport, LA, diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and deformities by operative or nonoperative methods. The physician group also specializes in diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving the arteries and veins.

Our knowledgeable staff at Highland Clinic have access to state-of-the-art technology, and they are some of the best in their respective fields. Highland Clinic is the area’s only physician-owned multi-specialty clinic, and our physicians have privileges at most hospitals.

What Does a General Surgeon Do?

 A diseased gallbladder, breast tumor, or an obstructed bowel are all conditions that often require surgery to treat them, and chances are the doctor who is going to perform those operations is a general surgeon. General surgeons are a jack-of-all-trades in the medical field. They must know about conditions affecting the entire body, including the head and neck, abdominal organs, digestive tract, and any soft tissue disorders.

Cardiac surgeons and neurosurgeons would be considered specialists, as their training is more focused on areas of the body more specific to their medical fields.

A general surgeon can perform a wide range of soft tissue surgical procedures, from excising small skin lesions and cysts to larger cases such as colectomies (removal of some or all of the colon) and bowel and liver procedures such as gallbladder surgery.

General surgeons function in a wide variety of roles. They will be a general surgeon one day, and then the next day, they will be a trauma surgeon. The next day they might be in the ICU taking care of critically ill surgical patients.

When Do I Need to See a General Surgeon?

A general surgeon will be needed for procedures such as:

• Elective Procedures: An elective surgery is a procedure that you schedule in advance. 
• Your Doctor Recommends Surgery: If non-surgical treatments aren’t enough to treat your condition, your doctor might recommend surgical care. A general surgeon will assess your condition and make recommendations based on their findings.
• You have a Medical Emergency: Because general surgeons have such broad knowledge, they perform various emergency procedures. You may see a general surgeon if you have appendicitis, a hernia, gallstones, or even a gunshot wound.

General surgeons’ responsibilities also include educating patients on their surgical options, preparing patients for surgery, and performing surgeries on a wide variety of issues.

Vascular Surgery Conditions Treated

• Aortic and Peripheral Aneurysms: These are characterized by an enlargement or weakening of an artery, often seen in the aorta but can occur in any artery. Peripheral aneurysms are typically found in the leg or neck.
• Carotid Artery Disease: This condition arises when fatty deposits obstruct the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease: A common circulatory issue involving narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the limbs, primarily affecting the legs, leading to inadequate blood supply.
• Venous Disease: This ailment occurs when leg veins fail to facilitate the proper flow of blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs.
• Spider and Reticular Veins: These are superficial leg veins that appear just below the skin’s surface, often seen in various colors (red, blue, or purple) on the thighs, calves, and ankles.
• Varicose Veins and Venous Stasis Ulcers: Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins beneath the skin, usually caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves. Venous stasis ulcers result from malfunctioning venous valves, increasing pressure in the veins.

Preparing for an Appointment with a General Surgeon and What to Expect

Depending on your unique needs, your consultation, and pre-op sessions may be scheduled on the same day. These meetings can vary in length, depending on your needs and care.

You and your surgeon will discuss your condition, the suggested operation, and the advantages and risks of surgery during a consultation. You and your doctor will determine if the procedure is suitable for you. It’s a good idea for you to bring a family member or other support person and a list of any questions and concerns to the consultation.

If surgery is the best option, you’re next visit will be a pre-op appointment. At this session, you will have blood collected and will most likely be referred for further testing related to your condition. These tests may involve urine analysis, further blood testing, or other procedures.

Insurance & Appointment Information

We accept most insurances to ensure our services are accessible to all. Patients interested in consultations or procedures can call our office directly to schedule an appointment.

No Referral Needed

For those seeking consultation or treatment, no referral is required at Highland Clinic. Simply call our office directly to arrange your appointment and begin your journey towards improved health.

Trust the Expertise of Highland Clinic

Highland Clinic has been offering exceptional healthcare services in the Shreveport, Bossier City, and Ark-La-Tex areas for over 100 years. Our community is served by five locations: the Main Campus, Highland Eye Clinic, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Minden Cancer Center, and our Bossier Location. Because Highland Clinic is a doctor-owned clinic rather than an HMO, our providers have realized the advantages of working with us. 

 For additional information, please contact us right away.

Photo Credit: Sfam_Photo / Shutterstock