General Surgery

Expert Surgery Close To Home

Rainy Lake Medical Center offers an extensive range of surgical procedures that can be performed right here, close to home—meaning no more travel, hotels, or meal expenses.

We are committed to providing safe, quality care to our patients, and the strength of our department shows in our diverse staff, who each bring unique experiences and skills to the table. Whether your procedure is large or small, previously scheduled or an emergency, you’ll be comforted knowing our on-staff surgical team is available.

Questions?

Call us at 218.283.5495

Our procedures include:

General Surgery

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Orthopedics

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Urology

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Ophthalmology

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Podiatry

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GI Endoscopic Procedures

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Surgeries offered at RLMC:

Laparoscopic Procedures

  • Appendectomy
  • Cholecystectomy
  • Colectomy
  • Diagnostic
  • Nissen fundoplication
  • Ventral, umbilical, and inguinal hernia repair

Breast

  • Biopsy of palpable and mammographic abnormalities
  • Full axillary dissection
  • Lumpectomy
  • Mastectomy
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Endoscopy

  • Balloon dilation
  • Biopsies
  • Colonoscopy
  • Emergency clipping, cautery, or Injection of GI bleeding points
  • Polypectomy
  • Upper GI endoscopy

Soft Tissue and Miscellaneous 

  • Amputation
  • Anal sphincterotomy for fissures
  • Excision and fulguration of condylomata
  • Excision of skin and subcutaneous lesions
  • Foreign body removal/laceration repair
  • Ganglion cystectomy
  • Hydrocelectomy
  • I & D of abscesses
  • Inguinal or cervical lymph node biopsy
  • Muscle biopsy
  • Pilonidal cystectomy
  • Rectal prolapse surgery
  • Rectocele and cystocele repair
  • Temporary artery biopsy
  • Toenail removal
  • Traditional and stapled hemorrhoidectomy
  • Wound debridement/management

Orthopedic

  • Knee replacement
  • Shoulder and knee arthroscopy
  • Hip replacement
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Carpal tunnel repair
  • Bunionectomy
  • Fracture repair
  • Hammer toe repair
  • Trigger finger repair
  • Tendon repair

OB/GYN

  • Hysteroscopy
  • Tubal ligation
  • Hysterectomy
  • Laparoscopic surgery
  • Tubal ligation
  • Vaginal surgery

Ophthalmology

  • Cataract extraction

Miscellaneous

  • Feeding tube placement
  • Port-a-cath placement
  • Vasectomy

Urology

 

Podiatry Surgery

Providers

The Rainy Lake Medical Center surgical team consists of:

  • Surgeons
  • Certified nurse anesthetists
  • Perioperative registered nurses
  • Licensed practical nurses
  • Surgical technologists
  • A certified surgical first assist
  • A certified orthopedic physician’s assistant
  • A full-time surgery center manager

Providers

  • Dr. Rachel Knudson

    General Surgeon

    Dr. Rachel Knudson


    Rachel Knudson, DO, is a highly experienced general surgeon with over a decade of
    clinical expertise and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Dr. Knudson brings a compassionate, community-focused approach to her practice, making her an exceptional addition to the Rainy Lake Medical Center team and the greater
    International Falls area.

    Originally from Marshalltown, Iowa, Dr. Knudson values the sense of connection and
    trust that comes with practicing in a close-knit community. Her training at a large
    hospital in Des Moines provided her with extensive experience in managing complex
    surgical cases, which she later applied in a rural setting in Newton, Iowa. This blend of high-acuity training and small-town practice has shaped her thoughtful, individualized approach to care.

    At RLMC, Dr. Knudson is excited to offer a broader range of surgical services locally,
    helping reduce the need for patients to travel for care. She emphasizes collaboration
    with primary care providers and believes in empowering her team to advocate for the best outcomes.

    Dr. Knudson’s arrival marks a significant step forward in expanding surgical care in
    Koochiching County and surrounding areas. Her dedication to building strong
    relationships with patients and her passion for improving community health align
    perfectly with RLMC’s mission and values.

  • Dr. Daniel Margo

    General Surgeon

    Dr. Daniel Margo


    Dr. Daniel Margo attended the University of Duluth for undergraduate studies with postgraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he also completed medical school. His surgical residency was completed in Grand Forks, North Dakota at Altru Health System Hospital. Then, it was onto the University of Colorado for his Vascular Surgery Fellowship, where he also served as an instructor. President of the Northern Plains Rural National Surgical Society, Dr. Margo offers endoscopy/colonoscopy, gallbladder, hernia repair, skin and soft tissue, and skin cancer managing surgeries at Rainy Lake Medical Center.

We're Here For You


If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1. If you have a general question or concern, please call us at 218.283.4481.
RLMC Nurse Line 24/7: 800.206.6991.