Guilford Woman Magazine for the Women of Guilford County NC

Photos by Ken Sykes Photography

With 20 surgeons bringing a combined 435 years of experience, Central Carolina Surgery provides a comprehensive range of general and specialty surgery services to the people of Central North Carolina and Southern Virginia. These highly skilled, experienced physicians ensure that world class care is provided to patients throughout the region.

Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, Central Carolina Surgery (CCS) represents a merger between Triad Surgical Specialists and Greensboro Surgical Associates. CCS physicians offer a comprehensive range of surgical skills in general surgery which includes the evaluation and management of breast, colorectal and thyroid diseases as well as hernia repair. Furthermore, the physicians of CCS provide services in the surgical specialties of oncology (cancer surgery), minimally invasive or advanced laparoscopic surgery, bariatric (weight-loss surgery) and trauma/critical care. Because the CCS surgeons have privileges within the Moses Cone System as well as all Greensboro based ambulatory care centers, patients rarely have to be referred elsewhere.

One of the most exciting services offered by Central Carolina Surgery is its bariatric surgery program. Under the leadership of Dr. David Newman and colleagues, Dr. Kristen Earle, Dr. Ben Hoxworth and Dr. Matt Martin, the bariatric surgery program has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons. This designation ensures patients receive the highest level of care available for bariatric surgical procedures. Gastric bypass surgery directly addresses one of the most significant public health issues today: obesity. This surgical procedure has been proven to have a positive impact on the chronic health issues related to obesity with improvement in the management of diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, obesity related-heart complications and asthma. Specifically addressing this issue, Dr. Earle states, “The data shows that bariatric surgery can cure the majority of medical problems caused by obesity and allow a person to live a longer more active life.”

Dr. Earle and her colleagues are well versed in the newest techniques of gastric bypass surgery, which has come a long way since the initial procedures were developed. Central Carolina Surgery also offers patients the laparoscopic gastric band as an alternative to gastric bypass. In this procedure an adjustable band is placed around the stomach which reduces the size of the stomach and limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. Not only is the lap band less invasive, allowing for a quicker recovery time, but this procedure can also be reversed in the event of pregnancy or other conditions.

Another health issue of interest to Dr. Earle is the treatment of hemorrhoids. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons half of all American’s will suffer from hemorrhoids during their lifetime. Additionally, many of these patients avoid seeking care for a significant period of time for a variety of reasons. Dr. Earle observes, “Numerous women continue to deal with painful hemorrhoids for many years because they are busy raising families and taking care of others.” Other reasons for delayed care include, embarrassment, fear of pain, concern over recovery time, and of course, fear of cancer. A new technique called PPH or Procedure for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids provides patients with a technique that involves less pain and faster recovery than traditional hemorrhoid surgery. On average, the recovery time following PPH is 4 to5 days and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Traditional hemorrhoid surgery can involve hospitalization and up to a 6 to 8 week recovery. Not only is the PPH procedure a cost effective measure, but it is far more convenient for today’s busy individual. This groundbreaking procedure is yet another innovative technique that Central Carolina Surgery physicians provide to the members of the community.

As a busy mother of two and an advocate for healthy living, Dr. Earle spends her free time running, practicing yoga and cooking nutritionally-based meals. She is an avid sports fan and the #1 cheerleader for her children Brianna and Jackson! When not in the OR, on call or in her office, Dr. Earle can be found rooting for her children as they play softball, baseball and volleyball. Dr. Earle’s personal experience helps her to better understand the busy, active patients for which she cares.

Dr. Amber Allen joined the practice in 2008 after completing a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery. She enjoys a broad-based general surgery practice with special interest in laparoscopic hernia repair, foregut surgery (the esophagus and stomach), and other solid organs. Dr. Allen focuses on overall patient health and frequently counsels patients on smoking cessation, nutrition, as well as routine health maintenance. Like her CCS physician colleagues, Dr. Allen delights in the personal relationships with her patients. “I try to treat each patient individually and make sure I am doing what is right for the best overall patient outcome”. She also takes great pride in being recognized for her bedside manner: “It’s a good feeling to know that my patients refer their family and friends to me; it means I must be doing something right.” Being an active person, Dr. Allen incorporates her professional focus on health into her own life by making weight-training and cardiovascular fitness almost a daily routine. She thoroughly enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and finding new recipes for low-fat, wholesome meals. Dr. Allen also savors the moments she can spend horseback riding or simply “vegging out with my cat.”

Dr. Faera Byerly, one of the newest associates to join Central Carolina Surgery, is fellowship trained in surgical oncology and critical care. Her training allows her to bring a multi-faceted approach to each patient with a special interest in cancer. She welcomes the challenges of taking care of complex patients who require a full gamut of surgical needs coupled with significant health issues. In her own words, Dr, Byerly explains “In the past, many cancers were an automatic death sentence with chemotherapy and/or radiation being the only viable treatment plans. Now there are many surgical options that result in higher survival rates and longer lives”. Dr. Byerly is motivated by the direct impact her work can have on patient outcomes, “It’s humbling to know that as a surgeon, my quick actions and good judgment may have removed the patient’s cancer and possibly saved a life”. As the Director of Surgical Oncology for the Regional Cancer Center, she enjoys collaborating with other medical specialties so that together they can institute the best treatment plan for each patient. Dr. Byerly says, “I take personal and professional satisfaction from encouraging patients to explore their options and to never give up.” When she’s away from her busy practice, Dr. Byerly enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and golden retriever. She looks forward to the birth of her first child, a daughter in December.

Central Carolina Surgery is an ever-evolving practice of surgeons committed to providing the highest level of surgical care! CCS surgeons also recognize the wider role they play in the community and give back in a variety of ways. Members of the practice routinely participate in community health initiatives, education lectures, health screenings, and training opportunities for local nurses. Moreover, Central Carolina Surgery is a setting for a variety of clinical research trials, geared towards improving patient care. Not only do these nationwide studies offer patients an opportunity to receive the most cutting-edge and innovative medical treatment for their own condition, but also a chance to improve the lives of other patients afflicted with a similar disease process simply by participating in a trial.

Central Carolina Surgery physicians offer caring and commitment to their patients. With 20 surgeons working in a collaborative effort, there is always an opportunity to seek out opinions, guidance and suggestions from each other. They take a great pride in the years of experience and expertise that allows them to provide the level of comprehensive surgical care that is typically offered in the larger academic medical centers. That is why Central Carolina Surgery will continue to lead state-of-the-art general surgery care in the region.