Tripler Army Medical Center - General Surgery Department
Mission
Our mission is to provide world-class surgical care to active-duty service members, their families, veterans, and eligible beneficiaries. We are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while advancing surgical education, research, and innovation to support the health and readiness of our military community.
Vision
To be the leading provider of surgical excellence in the Pacific region, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and patient-centered care. We strive to ensure every patient receives the highest quality treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
About Us
The General Surgery Department at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) is dedicated to providing comprehensive surgical care to our military community. Our team of highly skilled surgeons, nurses, and support staff is equipped to handle a wide range of surgical conditions, from routine procedures to complex cases. We are proud to serve as the referral center for the Pacific region, offering advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
We offer a wide range of surgical services, including but not limited to:
- General Surgery Procedures: Hernia repair, gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and more.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures for faster recovery and reduced pain.
- Colorectal Surgery: Treatment for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Breast Surgery: Management of benign and malignant breast conditions, including mastectomy and lumpectomy.
- Endocrine Surgery: Thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic, and adrenal gland procedures.
- Trauma Surgery: Emergency surgical care for injuries.
- Acute Care Surgery: Emergency surgical care and acute surgical care for disease processes that require prompt surgical treatment.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery: Removal of masses, cysts, and other skin conditions.
- Surgical Oncology: Comprehensive care for patients with cancer requiring surgical intervention.
- Bariatric Surgery: Weight-loss procedures for eligible patients with obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
- Pediatric Surgery: Specialized surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents, including treatment for congenital conditions, hernias, and other pediatric-specific needs.
- Foregut Surgery: Treatment for conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and upper gastrointestinal tract, including reflux disease and hiatal hernias.
- Complex Abdominal Hernia Repair: Advanced techniques for repairing large or recurrent abdominal wall hernias.
- Minor Surgical Procedures: Office-based procedures such as excision of small masses, cysts, and skin lesions.
- Endoscopy: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, for gastrointestinal conditions.
- Wound Care: Comprehensive management of acute and chronic wounds, including surgical debridement and advanced wound healing techniques.
How to Make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with the General Surgery Department:
1. Referral: Obtain a referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM).
2. Contact Us: Call the TAMC appointment line at (808) 433-2778, (888) 683-2778, or visit the Patient Portal to request an appointment.
3. Walk-In Hours: The General Surgery Clinic currently does not have walk-in hours. For urgent surgical needs, please go to the Emergency Department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is eligible for care at Tripler Army Medical Center?
A: TAMC provides care to active-duty service members, their families, retirees, veterans, and other eligible beneficiaries.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a general surgeon?
A: Yes, a referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) is required to schedule an appointment with the General Surgery Department.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
A: Please bring your military ID and any relevant medical records or imaging results if you have had any workup completed at another hospital or facility.
Q: Will I have surgery on the day of my initial visit?
A: No, all new patients require an initial evaluation and workup to determine if surgery is necessary. During this visit, your physician will assess your condition and discuss whether surgery is the best option or if non-surgical treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes, may be equally effective. Your physician will explain the benefits and risks of all available options to help you make an informed decision. In some cases, “watchful waiting” may be recommended, where your condition is monitored over time to observe changes or progression. Surgery may still be needed later, but if your condition improves or stabilizes, it may be possible to postpone or avoid surgery altogether.
Q: How long will it take to schedule my surgery?
A: After your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss the timeline for your procedure based on urgency and availability.
Q: Are minimally invasive procedures available?
A: Yes, we offer laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries for many conditions, which can reduce recovery time and postoperative discomfort.
Q: If I have surgery, how much time will I need to take off work?
A: Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Your physician will provide specific guidance on what to expect in the days, weeks, and months following your procedure. Generally, patients are given two weeks of convalescent leave and are seen in the clinic for follow-up during that time. Most patients also have weightlifting restrictions of no more than 10-15 pounds for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Understanding these limitations ahead of time will help you plan and recover more effectively.
Q: What symptoms should I be concerned about after surgery?
A: After surgery, you should contact your physician or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe pain not responding to pain medications
- Inability to urinate
- Signs of wound infection (increasing redness, warmth, pain, or drainage)
- Any other concerning symptoms
During weekday business hours, you can call or visit the General Surgery clinic. For urgent concerns outside of business hours, please go to the Emergency Room. In emergencies, always call 911.
For urgent questions, call the Nurse Advice Line (24/7) at (800) TRICARE, option #1, or (808) 433-5312. For non-urgent concerns, call (808) 433-1046, (808) 433-7391, or (808) 433-2419 and leave a message for your doctor. While most calls are returned within 24 hours, it may take up to 72 hours to receive a response.
Q: Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
A: You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if:
- Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 40, or
- Your BMI is greater than 35 with significant co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia.
If you meet these criteria or believe you might be eligible, please contact your Primary Care Manager (PCM) to discuss the possibility of surgery and obtain a referral. Please note that, in accordance with HA Policy 07-006, active-duty service members are not eligible for bariatric surgery.
Q: What should I do if I have a surgical emergency?
A: If you are experiencing a surgical emergency, please go to the TAMC Emergency Department or call 911 immediately.