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Gen­er­al Surgery

General and Acute Care Surgery

At Onslow Memorial Hospital, our board-certified general surgeons provide expert, compassionate care using the latest surgical techniques and technology. Whether you're facing a routine procedure or a complex diagnosis, our team is committed to delivering high-quality care close to home, minimizing disruption, and helping you return to daily life as quickly and safely as possible.

Our surgeons combine medical expertise with a patient-centered approach, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident at every step of your surgical journey.

In addition to scheduled procedures, our general surgeons also serve as Acute Care Surgeons, expertly trained to handle urgent medical needs such as trauma, emergency surgery, and critical care. Their extensive training ensures rapid, effective treatment when minutes matter most.


Our General Surgeons

Dr. Gary Belzberg, MD
Dr. Travis Safley, MD
Dr. Nicki Downes, DO
Dr. Brian Kennerley, MD
Dr. Viktor Fedorov, DO
Nikki Swailes, PA-C
Ashley Bacheller, PA-C

What Is General Surgery?

General Surgery is a medical specialty focused on the surgical treatment of conditions involving the abdomen, digestive tract, skin, soft tissues, endocrine system, and trauma-related injuries. Common procedures include surgery on the:

  • Esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon
  • Liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and thyroid
  • Breast, skin, and soft tissues
  • Hernias and abdominal wall abnormalities

Common Procedures We Perform

Repair of abdominal or groin hernias, using stitches or surgical mesh to reinforce the affected area and prevent recurrence.

Removal of the gallbladder, typically due to gallstones or infection, to relieve pain and prevent complications.

Minimally invasive procedures are performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. Benefits include:

  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Minimal scarring
  • Shorter hospital stays

Our team treats various types of cancer through surgical intervention, including:

  • Esophageal and gastric (stomach) cancer
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Thyroid and breast abnormalities

Evaluation and surgical treatment of suspicious skin growths or lesions—especially those that change in size, shape, or color. Biopsies may be recommended to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Advanced Technology: da Vinci® Robotic Surgery

Onslow Memorial Hospital is proud to offer da Vinci Robotic Surgery, one of the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical systems available. This technology provides our surgeons with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control—especially in complex or delicate procedures.

Benefits of da Vinci® Surgery:

  • Greater surgical precision
  • Smaller incisions and less scarring
  • Faster recovery (typically 1–2 weeks vs. 6–8 weeks with traditional open surgery)
  • Reduced pain and blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stays

Learn more about da Vinci Robotic Surgery by visiting https://www.onslow.org/service.

Scheduling Your Surgery

If you or a loved one may benefit from general surgery, speak with your primary care provider about a referral to Onslow Surgical Clinic, part of the Onslow Memorial Hospital family of services. Our experienced surgeons are here to provide the high-quality, personalized care you deserve—right here in your community.

Visit https://osc.onslow.org/