Peter Grays, M.D. and staff specialize in quality, compassionate patient care. Dr. Grays has attained certification by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and has specialized knowledge and skill relating to the diagnosis, pre-operative, operative, and post-operative management of surgical problems in the following areas:
• Alimentary tract: esophagus, stomach, small bowel, large bowel
• Abdomen: diaphragm, biliary tract, liver, pancreas and spleen
• Breast, skin and soft tissue: benign and malignant disease
• Head and neck: including trauma, vascular, congenital and cancerous disorders
• Vascular system: arteries and veins, excluding the vessels in the brain, heart and lungs
• Endocrine: thyroid and parathyroid glands, the pancreas and adrenal glands
• Surgical Oncology: including coordinated management of the cancer patient
• Comprehensive management of trauma: the responsibility for all phases of care of the injured patient
• Complete care of critically ill patients with underlying surgical conditions
Dr. Grays also has knowledge of pediatric, plastic, general thoracic and transplant surgery. He is also capable of employing various endoscopic techniques (viewing or performing operations through tubes with lighted ends.)
What is Board Certification?
To be certified by the American Board of Surgery means that the surgeon has met a standard in surgery by fulfilling specified educational evaluation and examination requirements.
The ABS is an independent, non-profit organization with worldwide recognition. It is one of the twenty-four certifying boards that are members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The Directors of the American Board of Surgery are distinguished surgeons in education, research and practice in the United States.
Since 1976, the American Board of Surgery has issued certificates that are valid for ten years. Once certified, the surgeon who wishes to maintain certified status upon expiration of the original certificate must complete a re-certification process which includes a review of credentials to determine if the surgeon has continued surgical education, is respected by peers and is active in the practice of surgery. Successful completion of a written examination completes the re-certification process. Upon satisfactory completion of the re-certification, the surgeon's certification is extended for another ten years. The Certification process includes:
• Graduation from an accredited medical school
• Successful completion of a 5-year surgical residency program in the U.S. or Canada
• Review of Credentials
• Qualifying examination
• Oral certifying examination by three teams of prominent surgeons
Most Commonly Performed Procedures
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder. The procedure is performed by making three to four small openings into the abdominal wall, then inserting gas for visualization. subsequently, the gallbladder is identified, carefully and tediously disconnected, and then removed. At certain times, it is required that the procedure be changed to an open incision if there is scarring, infection or if the structure cannot be adequately identified. However, most of the time, the procedure is able to be performed with small openings.
Hernia repair: Ventral hernias or incision hernias are weaknesses in the abdominal wall allowing the intestines to escape. Inguinal hernias or groin hernias are weaknesses in the lower abdominal wall allowing the intestine to protrude. these can either be from years of heavy lifting or from a small hernia defect present at birth. Umbilical hernias, or bellybutton hernias, are weaknesses in the abdominal wall behind the belly button allowing the intestines to push through. The reason to repair hernias is that if the intestines are allowed to become trapped, parts of it might need to be removed.
Breast surgery: The most common procedure is biopsy or removal of a small portion of breast tissue to make sure that the area does not represent cancer. Most biopsies that are performed are for non cancerous conditions including fibroblastic disease. There are various techniques for firming breast biopsy including needle localized biopsy and sterotactic biopsy. A needle localized biopsy is a biopsy of an area on a mammogram which cannot be felt upon examination. Their radiologist places a needle near the abnormal area of the mammogram. Following this, the surgeon makes an incision at the suspected areas and removes the area.
