Franklin Health Surgery
Franklin Health Surgery provides comprehensive evaluation and management of most conditions requiring general surgery, as well as advanced laparoscopic surgery, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and 3D stereotactic needle breast biopsy.
Our Providers
Joseph Caruso, MD, FACS
Anfin Erickson, MD
Eric Gunther, MD, FACS
Stacey Gutman, MD, FACS
Betsy Norton, PA-C
Our care team includes physicians, physician assistants, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and surgical technicians. We are committed to ensuring that each of our patients receives high-quality, compassionate care from consultation to surgery to follow-up. Services include:
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Lesion, mole, and cyst removal
- Colonoscopy
- Melanoma surgery
- Upper endoscopy
- Hernia surgery
- Wound care
- Treatment of abnormal mammograms
- Stereotactic needle breast biopsy
Conditions Treated
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Colon cancer
- Hernias
- Esophageal strictures
- Emergency services
Patient Education
If you have a scheduled surgery, you will receive an information kit that explains the procedure and what to expect, pain management, types of anesthesia, preadmission visits, testing and post-op care. We are also here to answer any questions that you or your family may have about the surgery.
About Your Colon
Preparing for a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look at the colon and to remove any polyps that might turn into cancer. Colonoscopies can prevent cancer or stop it from developing. Talk with your doctor about whether a colonoscopy is the right screening test for you
You will need to do some preparation at home before the test. This enables your doctor to have a clear view of your colon. Your doctor will give you instructions. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and call with any questions.
Many of the symptoms of colon cancer can be caused by something that isn’t cancer. However, if you have any of the problems below, contact your doctor promptly so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
- Rectal bleeding
- Dark stools, or blood in the stool
- Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
MaineHealth Services
Check your GI health
Is your provider recommending a colonoscopy? Here's what to expect at your colon screening.
