At MIS Northwest we use advanced technology to treat a broad range of diseases and disorders that affect our patients. The following list represents some of the more common procedures we perform:   Gastrointestinal Tract   The large, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, where the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. Malfunctions of the organs of digestion from the esophagus to the rectum. The gastrointestinal tract usually functions unnoticed, intruding into consciousness only in the form of specific sensations of hunger, intestinal motion, or the need to defecate. However, it is subject to a wide array of pathologic states. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and colon make up the gastronintestinal tract.   Endoscopy   A broad term used to described examining the inside of the body using an lighted, flexible instrument called an endoscope. In general, an endoscope is introduced into the body through a natural opening like the mouth or anus. Although endoscopy can include examination of other organs, the most common endoscopic procedures evaluate the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and portions of the intestine.     750 North Syringa Street | Suite 103 | Post Falls, Idaho 83854 Phone: 208.415.0151 | fax: 208.416.4146

Hernia Repair   Hernia repair is a surgical procedure to return an organ that protrudes through a weak area of muscle to its original position. Hernias occur when a weakness in the wall of the abdomen allows an organ, usually the intestines, to bulge out of place. Hernias may result from a genetic predisposition toward this weakness. They can also be the result of weakening the muscle through improper exercise or poor lifting techniques. Both children and adults get hernias. Some are painful, while others are not.   Management of Breast Disease   There are few things more fearful and panic provoking than finding a lump or a change in your breast. Your immediate thought will probably be of cancer. Everyone reacts differently when this happens to her. Some will call their doctor at once, others might be afraid of confirming their fears and delay making an appointment. It is only normal for you to feel upset and fearful if you find a lump in your breast. But fear will not make the lump disappear. The earlier you find a lump in its development and the smaller it is, the greater the chance it is curable if it is cancer. Not all breast lumps are malignant. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose if a breast lump is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Do not try to diagnose it yourself. To learn more about the management of breast disease call us or visit: www.breastdiseases.com.   Cancer Surgery   Surgery is the oldest form of cancer treatment. It also has an important role in diagnosing and staging (finding the extent) of cancer. Advances in surgical techniques have allowed surgeons to successfully operate on a growing number of patients. Today, less invasive operations often can be done to remove tumors while saving as much normal tissue and function as possible. Surgery offers the greatest chance for cure for many types of cancer, especially those that have not spread to other parts of the body. Most people with cancer will have some type of surgery.

Our friendly staff is always here to make sure you are comfortable and confident that you are receiving the best care possible. Our minimally invasive surgeries are performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. The MIS Staff (left to right) Jo Beth, Rhonda, Kim, Terri, and June.