General Surgery
If you need surgery, you want to be sure it’s performed by experienced professionals in a comfortable setting, close to home. At Northwest Specialty Hospital, our board-certified team of surgeons provides many types of general surgery, including minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques designed to help you recover faster and return home sooner.
Our hospital is home to a state-of-the-art Surgery Center in Post Falls, which is filled with advanced technology, a modern design, and an emphasis on patient-centered care. We offer a range of specialized procedures, including hernia repair, gallbladder removal and surgical cancer treatment. Our center includes innovative operating rooms, comfortable patient recovery areas and the latest safety protocols, ensuring you’ll receive top-of-the-line care.
Call us today at 208-262-2300 to schedule a consultation.
Comprehensive general surgery program in Post Falls
Booking an appointment for general surgery may make you nervous, but at Northwest Specialty Hospital, we strive to provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Our professional team and surgeons will put your mind at ease, knowing that your procedure and recovery will be expertly handled.
Why choose Northwest Specialty Hospital for general surgery?
Leading-edge, expert surgical care. We offer minimally invasive approaches that require only tiny incisions. We also perform many surgeries laparoscopically using a thin tube with a camera, allowing us to diagnose and treat many conditions safely. Our surgeons are board-certified and fellowship-trained, meaning they’ve received specialized education in performing multiple types of general surgery.
Exceptional safety. Our new Surgery Center provides you with a safe, clean environment. Our hospital’s infection rate is 13 times better than the national average. We sanitize our surgical suite using a germ-zapping robot (the Xenex LightStrike Robot) equipped with an ultraviolet light that kills pathogens.
Complete care from pre-surgery all the way through to recovery. Our experts will evaluate your condition and determine whether general surgery is the right approach. Then, we’ll be by your side throughout your journey. Our hospitalists will provide high-quality pre-surgery and post-surgery care, and our entire team will support your recovery in the days and weeks following your procedure.
A patients-first experience. Northwest Specialty Hospital is praised by patients for providing compassionate care. We rank in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for patient satisfaction by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Here, you’ll feel at home and get treated with respect. We’re also recognized as one of the top hospitals in Idaho — and the recipient of the Patient Satisfaction Award — by Newsweek.
Will insurance cover my surgery?
Northwest Specialty Hospital is contracted with most major insurance providers. Your eligibility for general surgery will depend upon your individual insurance plan. We offer some of the most competitive prices in the Pacific Northwest. You can choose from several financing options designed to meet your budget and needs.
Types of general surgery available in North Idaho
As a specialized Surgery Center in North Idaho, Northwest Specialty Hospital is focused on your health. Our friendly staff will work with you to identify the type of general surgery that will benefit you the most. Common types of general surgery we perform include:
Colonoscopy
With colon cancer rates rising among younger adults, it’s important for all adults to start receiving regular colon cancer screenings at age 45. Colonoscopy remains the preferred method for colorectal screening. It’s unique in that colonoscopy is used for both screening and treatment. During the procedure, a doctor can check for signs of cancer, such as polyps, and also remove any precancerous or cancerous tumors.
Esophagus repair for acid reflux
General surgery can deliver long-term treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD or acid reflux. At Northwest Specialty Hospital, our experts specialize in several treatments for chronic GERD, including laparoscopic fundoplication and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), which offer long-term symptom relief and a fast recovery. Our team also uses the LINX Reflux Management System, an innovative device that prevents reflux by keeping the lower esophageal sphincter closed.
Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
If gallstones or recurring gallbladder pain interrupt your life, gallbladder surgery may help. Our general surgeons specialize in laparoscopic gallbladder removal, using just a few small incisions and a thin, lighted tube to perform the procedure. Patients typically need only a short overnight hospital stay afterward and return to their normal activities within a week or two.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Severe hemorrhoids that cause significant pain or bleeding may need surgical treatment, especially if non-surgical options haven’t eased your symptoms. The expert surgeons inside our Surgical Center in Post Falls use the latest techniques to remove hemorrhoids and prevent them from returning.
Hernia repair
Hernias occur when a weakness in the abdominal wall allows the intestines to bulge out of place. They sometimes are genetic, but other hernias develop from strenuous activity like heavy lifting. At Northwest Specialty Hospital, we take a minimally invasive approach to hernia surgery, using techniques that promote faster healing, less blood loss and a rapid recovery.
Laparoscopy (diagnostic and operative)
If you have unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain, laparoscopy can help you find the root cause. Our general surgeons use laparoscopy to see inside the abdomen or pelvis and identify what’s triggering your pain. We also use laparoscopy techniques to perform hernia surgeries, gallbladder removals and other procedures.
Surgical cancer treatment
Surgery helps diagnose cancer and determine the extent of the disease (called staging). Northwest Specialty Hospital’s surgeons use minimally invasive approaches to remove tumors and perform cancer surgeries of the breast and other organs. We also remove non-cancerous breast lumps.
What to expect before, during and after your surgery
Our staff members will walk through all the details of your upcoming operation, including pre-op procedures, what to expect upon arrival, anesthetics and what will happen after your surgery. Here’s what to expect during the general surgery treatment process:
- Evaluation: We’ll review your personal and family history to understand how your symptoms are impacting your quality of life.
- Diagnostics: We’ll use the latest imaging technology to view the esophageal tissue and evaluate the structure and appearance of the GI system or other surgical areas. If you need GI surgery, we can perform a range of tests, including pH testing, esophageal function testing, and an in-depth cancer assessment to help create an individualized treatment plan.
- Non-surgical treatment: If lifestyle alterations, medications and other changes can help you, we will suggest you try them first before having surgery.
- Surgical treatment: If you need Gi surgery, we may run pre-surgery tests, including an upper endoscopy, high-resolution esophageal manometry and impedance, and ambulatory pH testing. Additionally, some GI patients may require a barium swallow and/or gastric emptying study. These tests will ensure surgery can be performed safely. We also may refer you to our Pre-Surgical Clinic, staffed by hospitalists who will help you prepare for surgery.
Meet Our Providers
John Pennings, MD, FACS, FAFS, FASMBS
General Surgery, Bariatrics, Endoscopist
Dr. John Pennings received his MD degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School, which was followed by a general surgery residency at Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, an institution noted for excellence in trauma and critical care. He went on to complete a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery and endoscopy at Oregon Health Sciences University. He was one of the first eight fellows in the nation to complete this highly specialized training.
During this training, Dr. Pennings helped to develop new surgical techniques for esophageal, gastric and colon surgery, and was responsible for educating other surgeons in these new, minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Pennings has also pursued advanced training in bariatric (weight loss) surgical techniques, surgical and endoscopic management of reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus and non-surgical management of hemorrhoids.
In his twenty year career as a community general surgeon, he founded Minimally Invasive Surgery Northwest, Surgical Bariatrics Northwest, Optifit, and currently is the founder and director of The Northwest Digestive Center.
Dr. Pennings has served in leadership roles as chairman of the department of surgery at Kootenai Medical Center and as chairman of the board of directors at Northwest Specialty Hospital. As part of his involvement at Northwest Specialty Hospital, he oversaw the development of a comprehensive bariatric surgery program and was awarded Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery status by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is board certified by the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, and an active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He is committed to surgical excellence and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Pennings is trained in the entire spectrum of benign and malignant digestive diseases. He has completed accredited fellowship training programs. Fellowship training is beyond what is required in standard residency training and is the highest level of surgical training attainable. Dr. Pennings has completed this rigorous training in order to become the highest level expert in the medical and surgical aspects of gastrointestinal diseases.
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Residency: Emanuel Medical Center
Fellowship: Oregon Health Sciences University
Certifications: American Board of Surgery
Memberships: Idaho Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, Idaho Chapter American College of Surgeons, Kootenai-Benewah Medical Society, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Northwest Digestive Center
750 North Syringa Street, Suite 205
Post Falls, Idaho 83854
Phone: (208) 262-0945
Fax: (208) 415-0150
Derek Dirks, MD
General Surgery, Bariatrics, Endoscopist
Dr. Dirks grew up in Coeur d’Alene, ID. He is a graduate of the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID with a BS in Biology and a minor in Spanish. He attended medical school at the University of Iowa Roy J. & Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, IA. He completed the University of South Dakota general surgery residency program in Sioux Falls, SD. He finished his training with a fellowship in bariatric surgery at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon. During his fellowship he was trained in bariatric surgery with the Legacy Weight and Diabetes Institute and advanced foregut and colorectal surgery with The Oregon Clinic.
Dr. Dirks is board certified in general surgery by the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Dirks resides in Coeur d’Alene, ID with his wife and four daughters. He enjoys skiing in the winter and spending time hiking, running, and time on the water in the summer.
Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Residency: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Fellowship: Legacy Good Samaritan
Memberships:
Oregon State Medical License
Certifications: American Board of Surgery
ATLS Instructor Certification
FLS Certification
FES Certification
ACLS Certification
BLS Certification
Northwest Digestive Center
750 N. Syringa St., Suite 205
Post Falls, ID 83854
Phone: (208) 262-0945
Fax: (208) 415-0150
Antoine Sarkis, MD
General Surgery, Breast Surgery, Endoscopy
Dr. Sarkis has been in practice in North Idaho since 1997. He has a special interest in the management of benign and malignant diseases of the breast and is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Sarkis performs endoscopy and a variety of minimally invasive, as well as more traditional surgical techniques, to diagnose and manage diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Sarkis received his medical education at Saint Joseph University School of Medicine in Lebanon. He completed his surgical training at Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center of New York and at New York Medical College. He is board certified by the American College of Surgeons. He joined Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2001 to serve patients seeking state-of-the-art diagnosis and management of diseases of the breast and gastrointestinal tract. He offers minimally invasive, as well as more traditional surgical interventions for a variety of disease states.
Education: St. Joseph University School of Medicine
Medical School: St. Joseph University School of Medicine
Residency: St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center of New York
Memberships: American Society of Breast Surgeons
Minimally Invasive Surgery
750 N Syringa St #103
Post Falls, ID 83854
Phone: (208) 415-0151
Fax: (208) 777-1591
Brian Kazmierski, PA-C
General Surgery, Bariatrics
Brian E. Kazmierski, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science from the University of Washington School of Medicine. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies with a focus on General Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical College in 2001. He has been with NW Digestive Center since September 2001 and continues to provide excellent care for each of our patients.
Medical School: The University of Nebraska Medical College
Northwest Digestive Center
750 N. Syringa St., Suite 205
Post Falls, ID 83854
Phone: (208) 262-0945
Fax: (208) 415-0150
Jonathan Saxe, PA-C, DSc
General Surgery, Bariatrics
Jonathan L. Saxe, PA-C, DSc, graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois. He then received a commission in the U.S. Army where he served as a military police officer before attending the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, earning him a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He later went on to complete a general surgery fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, and was awarded a Doctorate of Clinical Science with a focus in General Surgery from Baylor University. He joined the surgical team at Northwest Specialty Hospital in 2019 after retiring from 20 years of active duty service.
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Fellowship: General Surgery – Brooke Army Medical Center
Northwest Digestive Center
750 North Syringa Street, Suite 205
Post Falls, Idaho 83854
Phone: (208) 262-0945
Fax: (208) 415-0150
Amanda Simpson, PA-C
General Surgery, Bariatrics
Amanda K. Simpson, PA-C, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Biola University in La Mirada, CA. She then went on to complete her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Pacific University in Hillsboro, OR, and is also about to earn a Doctorate of Medical Science from Pacific University with a focus in healthcare improvement. She rotated with the team at Northwest Digestive Center during her clinical training as a physician assistant, and was thrilled to be added as a member of the team in 2021.
Medical School: Pacific University
Certifications:
BLS
ACLS
PALS
Northwest Digestive Center
750 North Syringa Street, Suite 205
Post Falls, Idaho 83854
Phone: (208) 262-0945
Fax: (208) 415-0150
Mikal Burley, PA-C
General Surgery
Mikal Burley, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies with a focus on General Surgery from Oregon Health and Science Univesity School of Medicine in 2013 and currently practices at Minimally Invasive Surgery Northwest.
Education University of Vermont – Burlington, VT
Medical School Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine – Portland, OR
Memberships National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Minimally Invasive Surgery
750 N Syringa St #103
Post Falls, ID 83854
Phone: (208) 415-0151
Fax: (208) 777-1591
Visit Our Surgery Center in Post Falls
Address: 1593 E. Polston Ave.
Post Falls, ID 83854
(Northwest Specialty Hospital)
Phone: 208.262.2300
Fax: 208.262.2390
Administrative Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8AM-5PM
Tuesday: 8AM-5PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: Closed
Northwest Specialty Hospital
Address: 1593 E. Polston Ave. Post Falls, ID 83854
Frequently Asked Questions
What is general surgery?
General surgery treats conditions affecting various body parts, including the digestive system, abdomen, skin and soft tissues.
What types of general surgeries do you perform at the Surgery Center in Post Falls?
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained general surgeons perform many minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures at our brand-new Surgery Center in Post Falls. Among the most common procedures include colonoscopy, esophageal repair for GERD, gallbladder removal, hemorrhoidectomy, hernia repair, and surgical cancer treatment. We also perform diagnostic and curative laparoscopy to find and treat chronic abdominal and pelvic pain.
How do I know whether my general surgeon is well-qualified?
Board certification and fellowship training indicate a surgeon’s commitment to education and excellence. The general surgeons who care for patients at Northwest Specialty Hospital are board-certified and fellowship-trained.
Where can I find outpatient surgery in North Idaho?
Many of the general surgeries performed at Northwest Specialty Hospital are either outpatient procedures or require only an overnight hospital stay. We use minimally invasive techniques that create minimal scarring, less blood loss and less post-surgery pain, allowing many patients to return home safely soon after surgery and recover faster.