Expert Surgical Care

We’re Ready to See You

Pictured left-right: Dr. Levente Szalai, Dr. Michael Abboud, Dr. Terrence McKee and Dr. Maggie Riccardi

When it comes to caring for you and your family, no one has time to wait. When you call, we take the time to ensure all your questions are answered and offer prompt appointment scheduling. From simple outpatient procedures to complex operations, you can trust us to provide comprehensive general surgery care.

Surgical Precision. Tiny Incision.

Our experienced surgeons care for patients with common medical problems, including appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder diseases, stomach and intestinal issues, breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery.

We perform routine to complex surgical procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic-assisted and traditional techniques to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Acid reflux/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach and esophagus lesions/gastrointestinal disorders
• Diverticulitis/diverticular disease
• Achalasia (difficulty swallowing)
• Hernia repair
• Conditions of the liver, gallbladder and spleen
• Skin surgery/removal of cysts
• Conditions of the breast
• Appendectomy

Many surgeries can be performed using a robotic-assisted surgical system, directly benefitting patients with:

• Smaller incisions
• Less pain, blood loss and scarring
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery
• Earlier return to normal daily activities

Our team provides compassionate care before, during and after your surgery. We collaborate with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide the most effective care.

First in Berks to Offer Innovative Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

When lifestyle changes and medications don’t work for your gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your surgeon may suggest a minimally invasive, same-day procedure using the LINX Reflux^® Management System. St. Joseph Medical Center is the first hospital in Berks County to offer this innovative treatment in which a ring of tiny magnetic beads is wrapped around the junction of your stomach and esophagus. The magnetic attraction of the beads keeps the junction closed to refluxing acid. At the same time, it is weak enough for food and liquid to move down your esophagus and into your stomach.

Not sure if surgery is right for you? Read Five signs you should consider surgery for acid reflux.

Skilled, Compassionate and Safe Care 

If you require an inpatient stay following your surgery, your treatment team will provide skilled, compassionate and safe care for your body, mind and spirit. At St. Joseph Medical Center, we’re driven by our core values of Reverence, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence, which are practiced every day by our dedicated doctors and clinical and support staff. It is a tradition of caring that has remained at the core of our ever-evolving system since our founding by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1873. Find out more in our patient handbook.

For the last two years, Healthgrades has ranked St. Joseph Medical Center among the top 5% of all hospitals in the country for clinical excellence. We’ve also garnered recognition from U.S. News & World Report as a 2023 High Performing Hospital for treating heart attack, heart failure, stroke and pneumonia. See all our awards here.

Rehabilitation after surgery

With a goal of improving symptoms, regaining function and improving your quality of life, comprehensive medical rehabilitation helps speed your recovery following surgery. Our dedicated team of therapists at St. Joseph Medical Center provides comprehensive client-centered care. Drawing on more than 35 years of combined experience, our team of physical, occupational and speech therapists creates goal-based, personalized treatment plans to help improve your function and enhance your well-being.
If you’re recovering from surgery, we will work one-on-one with you to help you achieve your goals and live your best life. Call 610-378-2975 for more information. 

Our Convenient Locations

• General surgery consultation/appointments
  Penn State Health General Surgery
  St. Joseph Medical Center
  Medical Office Building
  2494 Bernville Road, Suite 200
  Reading, PA 19605
  610-378-7900

• Imaging and testing
  Radiology Department
  Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
  2500 Bernville Road, First Floor
  Reading, PA 19605
  610-378-2100

• Outpatient rehabilitation
  Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
  Medical Office Building 
  2494 Bernville Road, Suite 103
  Reading, PA 19605
  610-378-2975