The General Surgery Division provides minimally invasive (laparoscopic) as well as traditional (open) surgical treatment options to thousands of patients each year, including those with:

• Hernia
• Gallbladder disease and gallstones
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• Pancreatitis
• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Biliary (liver) diseases
• Trauma.

• Bariatric Surgery Program (surgery to help obese patients lose weight).

Minimally Invasive Treatment and Diagnostic Procedures
Along with traditional, open operations, the division’s surgeons perform many therapeutic procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, including those for complex hernias and gallstones as well as gallbladder disease. In fact, Beth Israel Medical Center is one of the city’s first hospitals to acquire state-of-the-art, high-definition laparoscopic equipment.

Minimally invasive surgery provides patients with the advantages of less pain, a shorter recovery time and a faster return to all activities.

Diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies are also done laparoscopically.

Multidisciplinary Approach and Interdisciplinary Support
Due to the nature of general surgery and the collegial environment of Beth Israel Medical Center, the Division of General Surgery routinely integrates its treatment of patients and works closely with other services requiring assistance. For instance, surgeons in the Bariatric Surgery Program often work with endocrinologists regarding obese patients with diabetes. Trauma patients are often admitted through the Emergency Department (ED) and their surgical care is typically delivered in seamless collaboration with the ED team.

Kings Highway Division
The Kings Highway Division, located in Brooklyn, is an integral member of the Department of Surgery. The surgical staff hold a weekly teaching conference and, via teleconferencing technology, participates in weekly educational conferences at the Manhattan campus of Beth Israel Medical Center. Furthermore, surgical residents work at both Manhattan and Kings Highway campuses.

Division Surgeons

• Norman Bloom, MD
• George Bock, MD
• Angelo Cammarata, MD
• Sebastiano Cassaro, MD
• Frank S. Cohen, MD
• Maurizio Daliana, MD
• Simon Eiref, MD
• Warren E. Enker, MD
• Murry G. Fischer, MD
• Ira Friedman, MD
• Richard L. Friedman, MD
• Elliot R. Goodman, MD
• Constantino Gulmatico, MD (Kings Highway)
• John Holup, DO
• Martin S. Karpeh, MD (Chairman)
• Merab Krikhely, MD (Chief, Kings Highway)
• Sam Kwauk, MD
• I. Michael Leitman, MD (Chief)
• Andrew Y. Lo, MD
• Marvin A. McMillen, MD
• Joseph E. Martz, MD
• Antonio Picon, MD
• Gregory Piskun, MD (Kings Highway)
• Sanjeev Rajpal, MD (Kings Highway)
• David H. Sekons, MD
• Nitin Sheth, MD
• Burton G. Surick, MD
• Joseph F. Voli, MD
• Steven Wong, MD

To make an appointment with one of our surgeons, please complete the appointment scheduling form. A staff member will contact you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment.