Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (sometimes called laparoscopic surgery) is done through small incisions. Using specialized techniques, miniature cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights and high definition monitors, our surgeons in many specialties can perform surgery through an incision that requires only a stitch or two to close.

For patients, minimally invasive surgery means less trauma to the body, less blood loss, smaller surgical scars and less need for pain medication. Patients leave the hospital sooner after minimally invasive surgery and return to normal activities sooner than with conventional open surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery is performed both on an inpatient (stay in the hospital) and outpatient (go home the same day) basis.

Antoine Sarkis, M.D.

Dr Sarkis has been in practice in North Idaho since 1997. He has a special interest in the management of benign and malignant diseases of the breast and is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Sarkis performs endoscopy and a variety of minimally invasive, as well as more traditional surgical techniques, to diagnose and manage diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr. Sarkis received his medical education at Saint Joseph University School of Medicine in Lebanon. He completed his surgical training at Saint Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center of New York and at New York Medical College. He is board certified by the American College of Surgeons.

He joined Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2001 to serve patients seeking state-of-the-art diagnosis and management of diseases of the breast and gastrointestinal tract. He offers minimally invasive, as well as more traditional surgical interventions for a variety of disease states.

John Stackow, M.D.

Dr. Stackow received his Bachelor of Science degree from Notre Dame University and went on to attend New York School of Medicine. He is a General Surgeon with an interest in endoscopy, gynecologic surgery, head and neck surgery, and skin cancer. Dr. Stackow has practiced at St. Maries Family Medicine for 14 years.

He grew up in Wapinger Falls, New York. He and his wife, Lori, have three children, daughters Tessa and Madeline and son Tucker. Dr. Stackow enjoys golfing, boating and skiing.