Yakima General Surgery

08/09/2025

45 is the new 50!

People under age 50 have been appearing increasingly at doctors’ offices in the past few decades, complaining of blood in their stool, abdominal trouble or unexplained weight loss.

The diagnosis: colorectal cancer. And by that time, it was often too late.

But that paradigm is finally starting to shift, at least for patients in their 40s.

There has been a jump in people aged 45 to 49 getting screened for colorectal cancer, after recent medical guidelines lowered the screening age for those at average risk.

As a result, the disease is being caught sooner, when it is more curable and the treatment is less grueling, according to new research from the American Cancer Society.

Read more: https://on.wsj.com/3UhDDaZ

07/23/2025

The fuel of choice for mountain summits is .sportnutrition!

07/18/2025

A married couple is working to improve access to health care in the Yakima Valley by addressing the area's shortage of medical providers.

06/30/2025

Ready to feel more confident in shorts and summer dresses? Our spider vein injection treatment offers a quick, effective solution for those small, visible veins that can make your legs feel less than summer-ready.

This cosmetic, cash-pay service is:
✔ Non-surgical
✔ Performed right here in our clinic
✔ Simple to book with flexible scheduling
✔ A great confidence boost before vacation or events

Whether you’ve had them for years or they’ve just started to appear, spider veins can be treated safely and effectively by our experienced surgical team.

📞 Call Yakima General Surgery to schedule your consultation. You don’t need a referral—just a desire to feel better in your own skin.

06/28/2025

Extra, extra! Get your colonoscopy done at Yakima General Surgery !
🗓️Current wait time to be seen in clinic: 1️⃣week
🗓️Next available procedure date: 3️⃣weeks

06/27/2025

If you or a loved one is preparing for chemotherapy, your care team may recommend a port placement—a small medical device implanted under the skin that makes receiving treatment easier and more comfortable.

At Yakima General Surgery, we provide outpatient port placements locally, so you don’t have to travel far or wait weeks to begin your care.
🔹 What is a port?
A port is a small, implanted device that allows medications (like chemotherapy) to be delivered directly into your bloodstream—safely and efficiently.
🔹 Who is it for?
Patients who require frequent or long-term intravenous treatments, like chemotherapy, blood transfusions, or IV antibiotics.
🔹 Why does local care matter?

Quick access to port placement helps you begin treatment on schedule, with fewer delays, less stress, and more time focused on healing.

📞 Talk with your oncologist or call our office to learn if port placement is right for your treatment plan. We’re here to support you from day one.

06/25/2025

Did you know that obesity is one of the leading risk factors for hernia development and recurrence? Excess weight puts added pressure on the abdominal wall, making it more likely for a hernia to form—and harder for surgical repairs to hold over time.

At Yakima General Surgery, we approach hernia care with your whole health in mind.
✔ We assess your BMI and overall health to determine the safest, most effective treatment approach
✔ We talk honestly about how weight management can improve surgical outcomes and healing
✔ We partner with you on a care plan that supports long-term strength and prevention

Surgery is only one part of the journey—your overall wellness plays a key role in how well you heal and stay healthy.

06/23/2025

When it comes to your health, prevention is power—and a colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for catching issues early.

At Yakima General Surgery, we make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, from scheduling to recovery. Whether it’s your first screening or a follow-up procedure, our goal is to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.

Colonoscopies save lives—and getting yours could be the most important appointment you make this year.
Call today to schedule your screening or speak with our team about what to expect.

06/22/2025

Every few years the planets align and all four Toppen*sh general surgeons are in a room together. Feeling humbled to work with these impressively-trained surgeons:

🟪Phylicia Yorgure, MD
Fellowship - Minimally Invasive Surgery, OHSU
Residency - University of Cincinnati

🟪Lori Alvord, MD
Fellowship - Minimally Invasive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic
Residency - Stanford University

🟪Andreas Schneider, MD
Fellowship - 1. MIS Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Swedish First Hill, 2. MIS Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Portland Providence Cancer Center
Residency - Yale, New Haven Hospital

06/20/2025

Persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel habits? These could be signs of something more serious—and it's important not to brush them off.

At Yakima General Surgery, we help patients get to the root of symptoms like:
✔ Ongoing indigestion or bloating
✔ Blood in stool
✔ Sudden appetite changes
✔ Chronic fatigue without cause

Early evaluation can make all the difference. Don’t wait—trust your gut and take the first step toward answers.

06/19/2025

big thanks to Ty for coming to our ribbon-cutting ceremony!

06/18/2025

Pain That Comes and Goes? Learn About Diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches—called diverticula—form in the walls of your colon and become inflamed or infected. Often referred to as the "gray hairs of the colon," these pouches become more common with age, especially after 40.

🔍 Common Symptoms:
• Cramping or pain (usually in the lower left side of the abdomen)
• Bloating or gas
• Nausea and changes in bowel habits
• Fever or chills if infection is present

Mild cases may respond to rest, diet changes, or antibiotics. But recurrent or severe diverticulitis can lead to complications like abscesses, blockages, or even perforation—and that’s when surgery may be needed.
At Yakima General Surgery, we can evaluate your symptoms, monitor the condition, and recommend treatment options—surgical or nonsurgical—based on your unique needs.
📞 Don’t ignore pain that keeps coming back. Schedule an appointment to get clarity and relief.