General Surgery & Trauma Surgery

General surgeons and trauma surgeons at Lakeland Regional Health are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to perform surgeries for those who need it – whether as a planned intervention or in an emergency.

Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

Appendicitis

Bowel obstruction

Colostomy/ileostomy reversal

Abdominal fistulas

Gallstones/Gallbladder disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux, heartburn GERD)

Gastrointestinal disease

Hernia (inguinal, ventral, femoral, hiatal, diaphragm, complex revisional surgery)

Lipoma/soft tissue masses

As the largest hospital in Polk County, and with a Level I Trauma Center, Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is uniquely equipped to care for all surgical patients, from traumas to more routine procedures.

Trauma Surgery Experts

Matthew
Forestiere, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Andrew Christian
Gaugler, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Robert Devlin
McCormick, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Robert
Ringersen, III, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Stephen
Rowe, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Debra
Seoane, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Janet
Skarda, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Olumide
Sobowale, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Richard
Sontchi, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Bree
Steinke, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Michael
Taylor, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Ward
Wall, Jr., MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Raquel
Weston, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our surgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible to improve outcomes for their patients. Also called laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery is performed through very small incisions using specialized techniques, miniature cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic lights, and high-definition monitors.

Robotic Surgery

One minimally invasive technique we use is robotic surgery. During robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, your surgeon is in complete control of the surgery using tools and instruments of robotic equipment. A powerful camera that provides high magnification and resolution is inserted into the surgical area to allow the surgeon a clear view of the area where they are operating.

The surgeon then uses the controls to move and guide the instruments. This precision allows surgeons to do very delicate work in places where it would be difficult for a surgeon’s hands to reach.

The advantages of these types of minimally invasive surgeries include:

Less pain and need for pain medications

Shorter hospital stays

Lower risk of complication or infection

Less blood loss and need for blood transfusions

Less scarring

Quicker return to normal activities and work

LRH's Level I Trauma Center Delivers Advanced Trauma Care

At Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center, we’re ready at a moment’s notice to deliver lifesaving care to severely injured adult and pediatric patients. Our trauma surgeons and hybrid operating suites are available 24/7 to respond to the most serious injuries.

Board-certified in both surgery and critical care, our trauma surgeons are specially trained to treat complex, life-threatening conditions, including brain and spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and severe fractures. They provide continuous, around-the-clock care in the intensive care unit to support each patient through every stage of recovery.

Hear from Our Experts

Our highly trained surgeons are dedicated to using the latest technology and most personalized care for our patients. Hear from some of our providers in the blogs and podcasts below:

Expert Hernia Surgery in Lakeland, Florida

When it comes to hernia repair, experience matters.

Gallbladder Trouble

Your gallbladder really has just one job: the storage and excretion of bile (digestive juices) into your intestines.

Diverticulitis Myths vs. Facts

Sometimes, you experience stomach discomfort for seemingly no reason. It could actually be a fairly common condition called diverticulitis.

Do All Hernias Need to Be Repaired?

Patients living with a hernia may experience a bulge in their abdominal wall (most often at the belly button) or in their groin. Some hernias are from incisions from previous surgery, and you may feel a bulge just under your previous scar.

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Where should I go?

Visiting & getting involved

Nearest to you

A – C

D – K

L – R

S – W

Featured

Where should I go?

Visiting & getting involved

Nearest to you

A – C

D – K

L – R

S – W

Featured

General Surgery & Trauma Surgery

Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

Matthew Forestiere, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Andrew Christian Gaugler, DO

General Surgery/Trauma

Robert Devlin McCormick, DO

General Surgery/Trauma

Robert Ringersen, III, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Stephen Rowe, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Debra Seoane, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Janet Skarda, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Olumide Sobowale, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Richard Sontchi, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Bree Steinke, DO

General Surgery/Trauma

Michael Taylor, DO

General Surgery/Trauma

Ward Wall, Jr., MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Raquel Weston, MD

General Surgery/Trauma

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Robotic Surgery

The advantages of these types of minimally invasive surgeries include:

At Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center, we’re ready at a moment’s notice to deliver lifesaving care to severely injured adult and pediatric patients. Our trauma surgeons and hybrid operating suites are available 24/7 to respond to the most serious injuries.

Matthew
Forestiere, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Andrew Christian
Gaugler, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Robert Devlin
McCormick, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Robert
Ringersen, III, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Stephen
Rowe, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Debra
Seoane, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Janet
Skarda, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Olumide
Sobowale, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Richard
Sontchi, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Bree
Steinke, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Michael
Taylor, DO

General Surgery/
Trauma

Ward
Wall, Jr., MD

General Surgery/
Trauma

Raquel
Weston, MD

General Surgery/
Trauma