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There's nothing "general" about North Idaho's largest surgical team.

General Surgery

Name: Kootenai Health
Price range: $

There's nothing "general" about North Idaho's largest surgical team.

General Surgery

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Surgical expertise for life's most common—and most complex—conditions.

Is surgery my only option? Do I have to get it? How will it impact my life?

When you're told you may need surgery, you probably have questions—not just about the procedure, but about whether surgery is the right next step. At Kootenai Clinic General Surgery, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your condition, explain your options and recommend the approach that's right for you. If surgery is needed, our board-certified surgeons are also Fellows with the American College of Surgeons, and offer advanced minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques while working closely with your primary care provider and other specialists.

We diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions affecting the abdomen, breast, colon, skin and soft tissues, caring primarily for adults while also treating children for select conditions such as appendicitis and hernias. From your first consultation through recovery, we're here to guide you every step of the way—so you can receive advanced surgical care close to home.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Smaller incisions can mean a shorter recovery

When appropriate, we use laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques which can reduce pain, minimize scarring, and shorten your recovery time.

Same-Week Appointment

See a surgeon in days, not weeks

Waiting on answers is the hardest part. We work to get you in quickly for an appointment within days—often within the same week.

Coordinated From Day One

A team that already knows your story

Before your first visit, we gather your history, coordinate imaging, and line up any testing you need. Your care team is ready from the start.

Nationally Recognized Robotic Surgery

As the Inland Northwest's only Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence, we're bringing nationally recognized robotic surgery—and exceptional care— close to home.

Learn About Robotic Surgery

Our Services

General surgeons diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions that may require surgery, from common abdominal concerns to breast, colorectal, skin and soft tissue conditions.

Disease of the appendix and small and large intestine
Hernias (inguinal, umbilical, ventral, hiatal)
Colorectal cancer
Breast disease (benign and malignant)
Diverticulitis
Gallbladder disease
Pilonidal disease
Skin and soft tissue concerns — lipomas, cysts, abscesses, and skin cancers (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma)
Anorectal disease (hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fistulas)

Common Procedures

We offer a wide range of elective and outpatient surgical procedures, including:

Hernia repair
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
Surgery on the colon, rectum and anus
Appendectomy
Exploratory laparotomy
Skin and soft tissue procedures
Comprehensive breast care
Port and catheter placement/removal
Colonoscopy and EGD
Splenectomy, endocrine surgery, and pancreatic surgery

Many of these procedures can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic or endoscopic techniques. Don't see your concern listed? This is not an all-inclusive list—please ask us.

What to Expect

Your first visit is a consultation—not a commitment to surgery. We'll evaluate your condition, review your options and answer your questions before making any treatment recommendations.

Before Your Appointment

Your Consultation

After Surgery

Patient Resources

What to Bring

Your medical and surgical history
A list of current medications
Questions about your condition or treatment

New Patients

Please arrive 30 minutes early to complete your paperwork.
If you complete your new patient forms before your appointment, you only need to arrive 5 minutes early.

New Patient Information Form

During Your Visit

Meet. You'll meet with a surgeon or advanced practice professional to discuss your symptoms, your medical history and why you're seeking care.
Evaluate. We'll perform a physical exam, when appropriate, and review any imaging, lab work or other diagnostic testing you've already completed.
Recommend. We'll explain our findings, answer your questions and recommend the next steps. If surgery is appropriate, we'll discuss the procedure and what to expect.

If Surgery Is Recommended

Your surgery scheduler will contact you after your consultation. If additional imaging or testing is needed first, our team will help coordinate those appointments.

Already scheduled for surgery?

What Happens Next

Follow-up appointment. We'll schedule a post-operative visit to check your healing and recovery.

Pathology results. If applicable, we'll contact you to review your results and discuss any next steps.

Questions during recovery? Our triage nurses are available during business hours if you have questions or concerns after surgery.

Need Help?

Questions About Your Visit?

(208) 625-5200

Triage nurses are available during business hours to discuss any post-op concerns.

MyChart Patient Portal

View test results and medical history anytime.

Need Portal Setup Help?

Check out MyChart Getting Started Guide or ask our nurses or front office to get started.

Key Resources

New Patient Information Form

Insurance & Cost

Understand your coverage and plan ahead.

Have your insurance information ready when you schedule your appointment so we can help connect you with a provider in your insurance network whenever possible. Be sure to bring your insurance card to your visit. If you have questions about billing, insurance coverage or payment options, visit our Billing & Financial Services page.

If you'd like to better understand the cost of your care, you can request a personalized estimate before your procedure.

Get a Cost Estimate

Meet Your Surgical Team

As the largest group of general surgeons in North Idaho, our team includes five board-certified general surgeons, all Fellows with the American College of Surgeons, and four advanced practice professionals with experience across a wide range of surgical procedures. For patients with cancer, our surgeons participate in monthly multidisciplinary tumor boards alongside oncology, radiology, and pathology specialists to help coordinate treatment planning.

Find a Doctor

Marcus Torgenson, M.D.

Kami Bowcut, PA-C

Brittney Brady, PA-C

Michelle Korthauer, PA-C

Elizabeth Landers, PA-C

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