UnityPoint Clinic Surgery - Fort Dodge

515-574-6865 (Main Phone)

Current Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Information

Number of patients waiting reflects the current number of patients waiting to be seen. This number changes frequently and is not exact.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed


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Surgery Services in Fort Dodge

Our specialty clinics are connected to Trinity Regional Medical Center, enabling us to provide more of the care you need in one place. UnityPoint Clinic's skilled surgery team has decades of experience performing general, vascular and breast procedures. Find a surgeon that fits your unique needs, easily. Find a doctor or call us to connect with a member of our experienced surgical care team.

Surgical Specialties

General Surgery

Our surgeons treat many routine and complex problems, including hernia, hemorrhoids and chronic (long-term) reflux. Our general surgeons are skilled in traditional (open) and minimally invasive techniques. For certain problems, you can have outpatient surgery and be resting at home hours after treatment.

Conditions we treat include:

  • Appendicitis
  • Gallstones
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hernia
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Pancreas and biliary (bile duct) disorders
  • Thyroid disorders
Cancer Care

Our surgeons specialize in breast and colon cancer care.

  • Colon cancer: We offer comprehensive colon cancer care, including screening, diagnosis and treatment. Our expanding colonoscopy services give you more scheduling options to protect your health with less disruption to your day. Our surgeons can perform colon cancer surgery using tiny incisions, treating cancer effectively with less impact on your life.
  • Breast cancer: We diagnose and treat cancer using the latest techniques and diagnostic tests, such as 3D mammograms. Our close partnership with UnityPoint Clinic Norma Schmoker Women's Center makes it easier for women to receive breast screening, diagnostic, treatment and follow-up services. The women's center is conveniently located near our surgery clinic.
Vascular Surgery

Our vascular surgeon cares for common and complex problems affecting blood vessels outside the heart. We offer the latest care, including advanced imaging and stenting devices, to evaluate and treat conditions affecting the circulatory system, including:

  • Aortic aneurysms
  • Carotid stenosis
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Varicose veins
Weight Care Services

UnityPoint Clinic Surgery - Fort Dodge weight care services is a newly established weight management program and is being developed in alignment with the standards of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBSAQIP). Our team is committed to building a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program that emphasizes patient safety, quality outcomes and lifelong follow-up care. As our program grows, we intend to pursue formal MBSAQIP accreditation.

High-Quality Surgical Care

Breadth of Services
We can diagnose and treat both routine and complex problems. Our general surgeons regularly perform appendectomies, hernia repairs and colon surgeries, with excellent results. Our team has specialized expertise in treating breast cancer and vascular diseases, such as peripheral artery disease.
Highly Skilled Surgeons
Our surgical care team has years of experience. Some of our surgeons have cared for families in this community for more than two decades. All UnityPoint Clinic surgeons are trauma certified. They can provide lifesaving care in the most serious circumstances.
Convenience
Our specialty clinics are connected to Trinity Regional Medical Center. We can provide all your care at one convenient location. Our clinic teams work seamlessly with hospital surgical staff to coordinate your care before, during and after surgery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery uses small instruments and tiny incisions. The minimally invasive approach may mean you spend less time in the hospital or recover faster. Less-invasive surgery options include laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) for gallstones and laparoscopic hernia surgery.
Increased Access
Our team performs certain general surgeries and colonoscopy screenings at nearby Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. This effort makes it possible for people living in the northernmost parts of Iowa to receive high-quality surgical care without the hardship of extensive travel.
Wound Care Expertise
We work closely with Trinity Wound Healing Center to care for wounds and other sores that develop related to surgery or other reasons. Our specialists use the latest treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which no other local center offers. Learn more about Trinity Wound Healing Center.

Our Providers

Ericha Worple

Ericha Worple, DO

Wound Care, General Surgery

Darren Croo

Darren Croo, MD

Undersea And Hyperbaric Medicine, General Surgery

Raviteja Devalla

Raviteja Devalla, MD

Vascular Surgery

M Laura Miegge

M. Laura Miegge, MD

Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Undersea And Hyperbaric Medicine

Rose Zach

Rose Zach, ARNP

Wound Care, General Surgery

Michael J Willerth

Michael Willerth, MD

Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Undersea And Hyperbaric Medicine

Julie Kim

Julie Kim, MD

General Surgery, Bariatric Medicine, Wound Care

Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery in Fort Dodge

UnityPoint Clinic Surgery - Fort Dodge weight care services is a newly established weight management program and is being developed in alignment with the standards of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBSAQIP). Our team is committed to building a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program that emphasizes patient safety, quality outcomes and lifelong follow-up care. As our program grows, we intend to pursue formal MBSAQIP accreditation.

Healthy Weight Loss

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, we invite you to learn more about what the journey looks like. Our team will guide you step-by-step through the process — from understanding the benefits of bariatric surgery to discovering how our comprehensive approach supports you before, during and after your procedure. Together, we’ll help you take the first step toward transforming your health and your life.

Get Started

Get started by completing our patient application form. This form helps our team understand your medical history, goals and previous weight-loss experience.


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Why Choose Us?
  • A Team with All-Encompassing Skill Sets: Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified surgeons, registered dietitians, mental health providers and nurses who specialize in supporting patients through every stage of their weight- loss journey. We work side by side to address all aspects of each patient’s health — from the very first visit through long-term follow-up — to promote lasting success. Through this coordinated approach, patients can achieve weight loss in the safest and most effective way possible. Comprehensive pre-surgical assessment, nutritional counseling and post-operative support are essential components of our program, ensuring that every patient receives the education, care and encouragement needed for lifelong results.
  • The Best Surgeons in Weight Loss: UnityPoint Clinic employs board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons who are national leaders in weight-loss surgery. Our surgeons are among the first to embrace new technologies and advances, bringing years of experience in medical and surgical bariatrics to our community.
About Sleeve Gastrectomy

Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can be a life-changing procedure and marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to improved health. Among the various bariatric options available, sleeve gastrectomy is currently the most commonly performed weight-loss surgery in the United States — and it is the procedure offered at UnityPoint Clinic Surgery – Fort Dodge.

Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What to Expect

Weight-loss surgery is a life-changing decision, and preparation is key to long-term success. We want you to be fully informed of the commitments required before and after surgery. Our step-by-step process ensures that you are medically, emotionally and nutritionally ready for your procedure—and supported throughout your journey.

If you are interested in weight-loss surgery, the first step is to complete our patient application form. This form helps our team understand your medical history, goals and previous weight- loss experience.

After reviewing your application, our team will contact you to schedule the most appropriate next appointment:

  • For new candidates: You’ll be scheduled for your initial consultation with our bariatric surgeon and behavioral health provider.
  • For individuals who have had previous bariatric surgery: We may schedule you for a follow-up or evaluation visit to assess any issues such as GERD, biliary problems or weight regain.
  • For patients who are not candidates for sleeve gastrectomy: We will review other care options and, when available, connect you with our upcoming medical weight-loss program.

Your Path to Surgery

  1. Meet the qualifications for surgery. Work with your team to ensure you meet the medical and insurance criteria required for bariatric surgery.
  2. Complete the online (virtual) educational seminar. Learn about the types of surgery offered, how they work and what to expect before and after your procedure.
  3. Meet with your care team. Schedule appointments with your surgeon, registered dietitian and insurance specialist to review your health history, goals and next steps.
  4. Complete any required medical evaluations. This may include lab tests, imaging or consultations with other specialists to ensure you are medically cleared for surgery.
  5. Join a bariatric support group. Participate in support sessions to connect with others, ask questions and prepare emotionally for your surgery and lifestyle changes.
  6. Receive medical and insurance approval. After your care team determines you are ready, your case will be submitted to your insurance provider for authorization.
  7. Pre-surgical education. The UnityPoint Clinic Surgery - Fort Dodge weight care services team will review important information on nutrition, activity, and recovery so you know exactly what to expect.
  8. Undergo surgery. Your procedure will be performed at our Fort Dodge facility by our experienced surgical team.
  9. Maintain long-term follow-up care. Regular follow-up visits are essential to track your progress, monitor your nutrition and lab values, and support your continued success.