General Surgery

Discover a revolutionary approach to surgery with our laparoscopic procedures at Riverwood. Our skilled surgical team utilizes advanced techniques to perform minimally invasive surgeries, resulting in faster recovery times, reduced discomfort, and smaller incisions. Our surgeons use tiny incisions and a camera-equipped laparoscope to navigate with precision, ensuring accurate procedures with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Embrace a quicker return to your routine with laparoscopic surgery. Smaller incisions mean less trauma to the body, resulting in faster healing and reduced postoperative discomfort. Laparoscopic procedures leave minimal scarring, promoting a cosmetically appealing outcome while maintaining the effectiveness of the surgery.

These surgeries often allow for shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open surgeries. Experience the benefits of a streamlined recovery process with our minimally invasive approach and undergo necessary procedures with confidence and minimal disruption to your daily life.

At Riverwood, we prioritize the well-being of every woman with our specialized breast procedures. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, ensuring you have the support you need for optimal breast health.

Our state-of-the-art facilities feature cutting-edge technology for comprehensive breast diagnostics. From mammograms to advanced imaging, we provide accurate assessments for early detection and prevention.

Recognizing that every woman’s health journey is unique, our specialists create personalized care plans tailored to your individual needs. Your concerns and preferences guide our approach to ensure the best possible outcome.

Our experienced general surgeons specialize in colonoscopies, bringing a wealth of knowledge and skill to ensure a comprehensive examination. Colonoscopies are a powerful tool for early detection of colorectal conditions. By identifying potential issues in their early stages, we empower you to take proactive steps toward better health outcomes.

Equipped with the latest technology, our facilities enable our medical professionals to perform precise and thorough examinations, ensuring the most accurate results.

Our specialists tailor the colonoscopy procedure to your individual requirements, ensuring a personalized and effective examination. Regular colonoscopies offer peace of mind, knowing that potential issues are identified and addressed early. Take control of your health and reduce the risk of colorectal conditions through proactive preventive measures.

Appendicitis can be a sudden and uncomfortable experience. Our skilled surgical team is here to provide quick and effective relief through expert appendectomy procedures. When it comes to appendicitis, timing is crucial. Our team is committed to prompt assessments and surgical interventions, ensuring you receive the care you need when you need it the most.

Embrace a smoother recovery with our state-of-the-art laparoscopic appendectomy procedures. Benefit from smaller incisions, reduced postoperative discomfort, and a quicker return to your routine.

We recognize that there is one thing many patients with hernias are not offered, choice. For decades we have prided ourselves in working together with our patients through a shared decision making process to develop a treatment plan. We offer a wide range of repair and reinforcement options allowing us do to what is right for you

Learn more about our Hernia Specialists here.

Discover relief and renewed vitality through our expert gallbladder surgery at Riverwood. Led by skilled surgeons, our minimally invasive procedures ensure a smoother experience and faster recovery. From pre-surgery consultations to postoperative care, our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you feel informed and supported.

Every patient is different. Our surgeons craft personalized treatment plans, taking into account your health history and individual circumstances. With our advanced techniques, you can look forward to a smoother recovery process. Get back to your routine faster, and regain control of your life with our streamlined postoperative care.

Find advanced solutions and smooth access to care for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center (MRHC) at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. MRHC’s reflux specialists provide comprehensive GERD treatment and acid reflux treatment. Experience personalized, team-based care, plus convenient appointments to meet busy schedules.

We also offer Virtual Care Video Visits, allowing you to connect face-to-face with your healthcare provider from the convenience of home or work. You will talk with your provider like you would if you were together in an exam room. To schedule just call 218-429-3930 and ask for a virtual visit.

At Riverwood, you can expect to receive a comprehensive evaluation with a reflux specialist within one to two weeks. To refer a patient for reflux or heartburn care at Riverwood in Aitkin, or to schedule your reflux or heartburn appointment, call Dawn Harcey, GI Nurse Coordinator at  218-429-3930.

Board certified surgeon Evan Kelly, M.D., employs Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) to diagnose and treat conditions such as jaundice, duct stones, leaks, cancers, complex pancreatitis, and various gastrointestinal tract pathologies.

ERCP involves passing an endoscope through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach to the duodenum, where a catheter injects dye into the ducts for detailed X-rays. This provides more information than standard X-rays, helping detect organ abnormalities and diseases. Therapeutic ERCP techniques can address blocked bile ducts, extract stones, and improve drainage with stents.

Patients under general anesthesia for ERCP experience no incisions, often going home the same day without post-procedural restrictions.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) resembles a standard upper endoscopy where a slender, illuminated tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to observe the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. However, EUS distinguishes itself by featuring an ultrasound probe at the instrument’s tip. EUS empowers Dr. Kelly to scrutinize pathology beyond the reach of standard endoscopy, allowing for thorough examination of deeper tissues and precise biopsy procedures.

Patients undergoing EUS are under general anesthesia, ensuring complete comfort with no incisions. Often, patients can return home on the same day of the procedure, and there are typically no post-procedural restrictions.

Within the field of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Dr. Kelly employs advanced techniques to address intricate diseases affecting the pancreas and bile ducts. Collaborating with a diverse team of physicians, including diagnostic and interventional radiologists, medical oncologists, nutrition experts, and more, Dr. Kelly demonstrates expertise in utilizing minimally invasive endoscopic procedures like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Additionally, he is proficient in performing minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Highly skilled in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, the Minnesota Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIMIS) was formed in 2003. Riverwood Healthcare Center features a state-of-the-art surgical and endoscopy suites. Our surgeons are leaders in the areas of laparoendoscopic, ophthalmic, gynecologic, orthopaedic, and laparoscopic surgery. They bring a high level of surgical skill combined with personalized care that draws patients from a wide geographic area in Minnesota and nearby states.

Our surgery staff provides pre-operative care and education, evaluation, anesthesia, and post-operative care to the highest level of standards and safety. Procedures requiring anesthesia are provided by our team of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Our CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized graduate level education in anesthesiology. They safely provide anesthesia, which may include general, regional (nerve blocks) and sedation techniques.