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Expertise in Surgery for Your Peace of Mind

At every age and stage of life, we're here to support your whole-person health. And sometimes, surgery is a necessary step on the path to better health. Whether your procedure is planned or unexpected, our Manchester team is ready to care for you.

We offer general surgery care in many different specialties for pediatric and adult patients. From gastrointestinal needs to ear, nose and throat (ENT) concerns to podiatry and skin conditions, you can count on us to deliver the surgical care you need.

With proven surgical techniques that put your comfort and safety first, we’ll help you return to the life you love as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Download Guide Cover: General Surgery

Pre-Surgery Resources

Get familiar with our general surgery program and the conditions we treat with this free downloadable General Surgery Guidebook.

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Specializing in a Variety of Proven Surgical Procedures

From the routine to the complex, we offer a spectrum of surgical procedures to meet your needs or those of a loved one. Our team performs many types of specific surgeries, including for:

  • Appendix and gallbladder: laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy
  • Bowels: bowel resection
  • Cancer: reconstructive surgery for facial skin cancer
  • Colon: colonoscopy with biopsy/polypectomy and hemorrhoidectomy
  • Ear, nose and throat: tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
  • Gastrointestinal: esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hernias: laparoscopic and open hernia repairs
  • Spleen: laparoscopic splenectomy
  • Stomach: laparoscopic stomach surgery
  • Surgeries: amputations and routine general surgery procedures
  • Thyroid: parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy
  • Trauma management
  • Wounds: inpatient and outpatient wound care

We’ll work with you to understand your condition and recommend a care plan that may include a laparoscopic, endoscopic or minimally invasive procedure, or a more conventional approach.

Meet Your Manchester Surgical Team

At AdventHealth Manchester, our expert surgical team will provide you and your family with comprehensive surgical services and the heartfelt care you expect from a Clay County team.

  • Gregory Wilkens, MD

    Gregory Wilkens, MD

    General Surgeon

    Dr. Gregory Wilkens is an experienced general surgeon who brings a wealth of expertise to our team at AdventHealth Manchester. From common general surgery needs to complex and reconstructive surgeries, he performs many different procedures in various specialties for patients of all ages.

    Born and raised in rural Appalachia, Dr. Gregory Wilkens is deeply familiar with our community and has provided exceptional, Christ-centered care here for over 20 years. With Dr. Wilkens on our team, you and your family have access to specialized surgical care close to home in Manchester.

  • Shonda Tucker, NP, S

    Shonda Tucker, NP, S

    Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner

    With years of experience caring for both pediatric and adult patients, Shonda Tucker is a compassionate and caring family medicine nurse practitioner. As part of our surgical care team at AdventHealth Manchester, Shonda is dedicated to guiding patients at every step, with video visits available to make care convenient.

  • Dr. christopher yeary

    Christopher Yeary, DO, FACOS, FACS

    General Surgeon

    Dr. Yeary is a board-certified general surgeon with extensive experience in general surgery and wound care. He offers laparoscopic procedures, including stomach surgery and splenectomy, and performs many routine general surgeries. He is committed to improving patient care and medical education and keeps your whole health in mind.

    Dr. Yeary has served in various capacities, including as a general surgeon at Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Center and Norton Community Hospital. He is also a Clinical Professor of Surgery at multiple institutions and has contributed to numerous research publications.

  • Emaleigh Sams, PA-C

    Emaleigh Sams, PA-C

    General Surgery Physician Assistant

    Emaleigh Sams, PA-C, is a dedicated and compassionate physician assistant specializing in general surgery at AdventHeatlh. She offers pre- and post-op procedures, abdominal and GI workups and minor office procedures. Emaleigh is strongly committed to providing exceptional care for her patients, treating them as if they were her own family and ensuring a personalized and empathetic treatment plan.

    Born and raised in Manchester, Kentucky, Emaleigh has deep roots in her community. She completed her bachelor’s at Eastern Kentucky University and earned her master’s in physician assistant studies at the University of Cumberlands. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Find Surgical Care Here in Clay County

Start Here to Feel Whole Again

When you need surgery, count on our Appalachian-native team to understand your needs, offer proven procedures and help you recover strong. From pre-op to follow-up care, we’ll guide you at every step, so you can get back to feeling better.

Request a Consultation

Or call us at 855-206-3625.