Dr. Wesley High is a Phoenix surgeon who focuses on colorectal care and general surgery. He helps patients with robotic hernia surgery, colonoscopy in Phoenix, and office procedures like skin tag removal Phoenix. If you want quick info about procedures, recovery, or scheduling, Learn More.
Who he helps and how he works
You might be looking for a colorectal surgeon Phoenix trusts with common problems like hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, fissures, or polyps. Or a surgeon Phoenix patients call when a hernia starts to limit daily life. Maybe you just want a straightforward colonoscopy Phoenix can count on without a long wait. Dr. High built his practice around these needs. It is not flashy. It is careful, steady, and focused on results.
I think the way he explains choices is what stands out. He takes the technical and makes it simple, then lets you decide. No pressure. Some people want the smallest incision possible. Others care more about cost or time off work. He walks through pros and cons without turning it into a lecture. I sat in on a consult once for a family member and noticed the pauses. He gave space for questions. That mattered.
Clear choices reduce stress. Most patients do better when they know what will happen, why it is needed, and how long recovery takes.
Focus areas at a glance
- Screening and diagnostic colonoscopy
- Robotic and laparoscopic hernia repair
- Colorectal surgery for benign and malignant disease
- Office procedures, including skin tag removal Phoenix patients often request
Robotic hernia surgery explained in plain terms
Hernias are common. A bulge, some pain after standing or lifting, and a nagging worry. If you have tried a belt or waited it out, you already know that symptoms rarely improve on their own. Repair is the fix. The question is how.
Dr. High offers open, laparoscopic, and robotic hernia repair. The robotic method uses a console that controls small instruments. It gives high-definition, magnified views and fine movement. That can help with precision during mesh placement and suturing, especially for complex or recurrent hernias. It is not magic. It is a tool that some surgeons use very well.
Good robotic surgery still depends on planning, gentle tissue handling, and solid closure. The robot helps. It does not replace skill.
When robotic repair shines
I have seen it help with:
- Inguinal hernias on both sides in one session
- Recurrent hernias after a prior open repair
- Ventral or incisional hernias that need careful mesh placement
Recovery can be faster for some patients, with less pain in the first few days. That said, not everyone needs the robot. A small, straightforward hernia can do well with a traditional approach. Dr. High will say that out loud. He is not trying to push one method on every case.
Open vs laparoscopic vs robotic repair
Here is a simple comparison to help you discuss options with your surgeon.
| Approach | Typical Incisions | Anesthesia | Pain in First Week | Return to Light Activity | Good Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Repair | One larger incision at the hernia site | General or local with sedation | Often moderate | 3 to 7 days | Small primary hernias, patients who want local anesthesia |
| Laparoscopic Repair | 3 small incisions | General anesthesia | Often mild to moderate | 2 to 5 days | Bilateral inguinal, some ventral hernias |
| Robotic Repair | 3 to 4 small incisions | General anesthesia | Often mild | 1 to 4 days | Complex, recurrent, or larger ventral hernias |
Numbers vary by patient health and hernia type. If you have heavy labor at work, plan for more recovery time. If you sit at a desk, you may be back sooner. Be honest about your day-to-day so the plan fits your life.
What to expect before and after repair
- Pre-op visit to review imaging if needed, meds, and history
- Stop or adjust blood thinners if appropriate
- Nothing to eat or drink overnight before surgery
- Same-day discharge in many cases
- Ice, short walks, and scheduled pain medicine for the first 48 hours
- No heavy lifting for a few weeks
- Follow-up visit to check wounds and activity limits
Measure progress by function, not only by pain. If you can walk longer and need fewer meds, you are on the right track.
Colonoscopy in Phoenix without the confusion
Screening saves lives. I know that sounds obvious, but it is easy to delay when life is busy. In Phoenix, access and prep are the main hurdles. Dr. High aims for clear instructions, practical scheduling, and rapid results. He also explains alternative tests, then explains why colonoscopy still finds and removes polyps in the same visit. That one detail changes outcomes.
Who should get screened and when
General guidance for average risk adults:
- Start at age 45
- If the first test is normal, repeat at 10-year intervals
- If polyps are found, the interval depends on type and number
Most colon cancers start as polyps. Find them early, remove them, and you cut risk in a real way.
Higher risk groups may need earlier and more frequent testing. Family history, personal history of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic conditions change the plan. Bring that history to your visit. A short note on your phone is fine.
Prep without the guesswork
The prep cleans the colon so the camera can see. It is not fun, but it is manageable. Here is a simple plan many patients can follow. Your actual plan may differ, so use the instructions your surgeon provides.
| Time | What To Do | Small Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days before | Shift to low-fiber foods | White rice, eggs, yogurt, chicken |
| 1 day before | Clear liquids only | Broth, sports drinks, tea, apple juice |
| Evening before | First half of bowel prep | Chill the solution, use a straw |
| 5 to 6 hours before | Second half of bowel prep | Stay near a bathroom |
| 2 hours before | No liquids | Arrive early with a driver |
I think cold prep tastes better. Some people add a lemon wedge. Some hold their nose and power through. Do what works. Clear output is the goal. That means pale yellow liquid with no solid pieces.
Sedation choices
- Light sedation with quick wake-up
- Deeper sedation for more comfort
- No sedation in rare cases, if you want to avoid a driver
Talk with the team about your medical history, anxiety level, and how fast you want to get back to work. Many Phoenix patients ask for deep sedation because it feels easier. That is common and fine for most people.
Results and follow-up
Polyp removal happens during the same test in most cases. You get a simple report after the procedure and a pathology result in a few days if tissue was removed. Keep that report. It guides the next step, and it helps if you move or change doctors later.
Colorectal care that covers the full range
Beyond screening, Dr. High treats common anorectal issues that affect daily life. Hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, fistulas, and bleeding can be disruptive. Many improve with targeted medication, fiber, warm baths, and small office treatments. Others need surgery. The right choice depends on the cause and severity.
I saw a patient who had been living with bleeding and pain for months. Embarrassment kept him from booking an appointment. One exam and a short plan later, things improved within a week. Delay is normal, but it does not help. If something feels off, schedule a visit.
Conditions often seen
- Hemorrhoids, internal and external
- Anal fissures
- Perianal abscess and fistula
- Diverticulitis
- Polyps and early cancers found on colonoscopy
Surgery for more advanced disease is planned with care. Imaging, labs, and a clear discussion of risks and recovery make a hard process easier to face. Family members are welcome in these talks. A second set of ears helps you remember details.
Skin tag removal in Phoenix and other simple procedures
Skin tags can snag on clothes, itch, or just be annoying. Removal is quick in the office. Local numbing, a short snip or cautery, and basic wound care. Most people go back to normal activity the same day. If a lesion looks irregular, it may be sent for pathology to be safe.
Other office visits cover small cysts, lipomas, or minor skin lesions. If a lesion is large or deep, it may move to a short procedure in the operating room. You will know the plan before anything happens. No surprises. That is the goal.
Where care happens and how to get there
Many procedures run through Copper Mountain Surgical, with clinic visits arranged to match your schedule. Parking is simple. The staff helps with insurance questions so you have fewer calls to make. If you are coming from outside Phoenix, ask about early morning slots so you can head home by midday. That saves time off work and keeps travel easy.
What to bring to your first appointment
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Medication list with doses
- Any prior imaging or reports
- A short symptom timeline
- Top three questions you want answered
Short and organized beats long and vague. A simple note in your phone helps the visit move faster and makes sure your key concerns get addressed.
How Dr. High explains risk and recovery
He does not rush this part. You get a plain review of benefits and risks, common and rare. Infection, bleeding, recurrence, reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots are covered. The team also goes over prevention steps like movement, breathing exercises, and early nutrition. It is a lot to take in. Ask for a printed plan or a secure portal message with key points if that helps you remember.
The best recovery plans are boring. Walk, hydrate, sleep, repeat. Small steps, every day.
Cost, insurance, and payment basics
Pricing depends on the setting, anesthesia, complexity, and pathology. Self-pay package rates are sometimes available for colonoscopy and hernia repair. If you have a high deductible plan, ask the team to check benefits, estimate your share, and map out payment options before you commit. No one likes surprise bills. A five-minute call can prevent them.
A quick look at common timelines
| Service | Typical Scheduling Window | Time At Facility | Back To Desk Work | Back To Heavy Lifting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screening Colonoscopy | 1 to 3 weeks | 2 to 3 hours | Next day | N/A |
| Inguinal Hernia Repair | 1 to 4 weeks | Half day | 2 to 5 days | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Skin Tag Removal | 3 to 10 days | 30 to 60 minutes | Same day | Same day |
These are typical ranges. Medical history and case complexity can change them. If you need a faster slot because of work, travel, or childcare, mention that. The team will try to help, and sometimes cancellations open up earlier dates.
Why some Phoenix patients pick a smaller surgical practice
Large systems have many resources. Smaller practices have speed and personal attention. You get direct contact with the same team members. You see the same surgeon in clinic and in the operating room. If you value that, you will like this model. If you prefer a bigger network and hospital-based clinics, that is fair too. There is no single right choice.
One of my neighbors wanted the fastest turnaround for a screening test, with a Saturday option if possible. Another wanted a surgeon who could handle a complex ventral hernia with a high chance of recurrence. Different needs, same city, different choices. What matters is a plan that fits you.
How to prepare questions that lead to better outcomes
Bring a short list. Ask open questions. Aim for clarity, not perfection. Here are a few that tend to work well.
- What are my options and why are you recommending this one?
- What does recovery look like day by day?
- When do I call you, and what counts as urgent?
- What can I do to lower risk before surgery?
- How will this affect my job, workouts, and sleep?
If you forget something, send a message through the portal. A short follow-up is normal. No one remembers every detail from a single visit.
What the day of surgery feels like
Arrive early. Check in. Change into a gown. Meet anesthesia. Meet your surgeon again. Mark the site if needed. Confirm allergies and meds. Then you go back. The actual time in the operating room varies. The part you remember is short because of sedation or anesthesia. Afterward, the nurse monitors you until you are steady, can drink, and your pain is controlled. A friend or family member takes you home.
I remember watching my dad sip apple juice after his procedure. He nodded off every few minutes. The nurse smiled and said that was normal. Little moments like that ease worry. The details will be different for you, but the rhythm is similar.
Results you can track
What does success look like after hernia repair or colonoscopy? It is not just the surgical site or the report. It is your life getting back to normal. Less pain. Better sleep. No bulge when you cough. A clear path for screening over the next decade. If you like to measure things, track walking minutes, pain pills used, and how many hours you sit without discomfort. Simple metrics work.
How to reach the team and what happens next
You can call the clinic, send a portal message, or request a visit online. Early morning and late afternoon slots tend to fill first, so book soon if those times are best for you. If you are comparing options, ask for a plain-language estimate and a sample care plan. It is easier to decide when you can see steps and costs side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is robotic hernia surgery right for me?
It can be a strong choice for bilateral inguinal, recurrent, or complex ventral hernias. For a small, first-time hernia, a standard approach may be just as good. Match the method to the problem, not the other way around.
What age should I start colon cancer screening?
Most adults with average risk start at 45. If you have a family history or other risk factors, you may start earlier. Bring details about relatives and ages of diagnosis so your plan is accurate.
How long will I be out of work after hernia repair?
Desk work can resume in 2 to 5 days for many patients, sometimes sooner after robotic repair. Heavy lifting needs more time, often 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will tailor the limits to your case.
Can I drive myself home after a colonoscopy?
No. Sedation requires a driver. Rideshare policies vary, and many centers still ask for a trusted person to pick you up.
Does skin tag removal leave a scar?
A small mark can remain. Most fade over a few months. Good wound care helps. If you tend to form thick scars, mention that before the procedure.
What is the difference between laparoscopic and robotic surgery?
Both use small incisions and a camera. In robotic surgery, the surgeon controls instruments at a console, which can allow more precise movement. The choice depends on the surgeon’s plan and your case.
Will insurance cover my colonoscopy?
Screening colonoscopy is often covered as a preventive benefit. If polyps are removed or if the test is diagnostic because of symptoms, coverage can change. Ask for an estimate before the visit.
Where does Dr. High operate?
Clinic and procedures are arranged through local centers, including Copper Mountain Surgical. Ask the team which location fits your schedule and insurance.
How do I schedule?
Call the office, use the website request form, or send a portal message if you are already a patient. If you want a quick overview of services, times, and what to bring, you can also Learn More.
