Expanding Women’s Health and Surgical Services
Triste Coulombe, MD, OB/GYN surgeon and Chief of Surgery
Why is St. Mary’s expanding women’s healthand surgical services?
Both care services are expanding to meet the consistently growing demand in the Lewiston-Auburn area.
Who are the newest members of the care team?
I am an OB/GYN surgeon. I also serve as the Chief of Surgery. I joined the team last year along with two colleagues, Huy Trieu, MD, FACS, and Zara Wahla, MD, FACS, who are both general surgeons, to better meet the increasing needs of the community.
What drew you to the opportunity to practice at St. Mary’s?
I’ve actually returned to St. Mary’s and it genuinely feels like coming home! This is where I began my career after residency. I’m grateful to be back leading a team that provides everything from routine checkups to more complex care for women’s health.
Tell us about your surgical colleagues and the rapport you share?
Dr. Trieu and Dr. Wahla are both experienced, compassionate surgeons who bring a thoughtful, patient-
centered approach to every procedure. They’re focused on safety, comfort and making sure people feel supported every step of the way, before, during and after surgery. I enjoy working with them both. We make a very strong team of surgical providers.
What types of care do you and the women’s heath team provide?
We offer annual checkups and preventive screenings. We also help patients manage common concerns like infections, irregular periods, pelvic pain and changes related to menopause.
If any type of surgery is needed, we opt for procedures using minimally invasive techniques. That means smaller incisions, quicker recovery and less discomfort. These procedures may include the removal of fibroids, treatment for heavy periods, exams and procedures involving the uterus and cervix. We also have on-site testing and imaging. This makes it much more convenient to get answers and care without multiple appointments.
What types of care does the general surgery team provide?
The team provides a broad range of general surgical services. Patients may receive care for digestive conditions, hernias, gallbladder issues, breast and soft tissue concerns and more. Like the women’s health team, the surgical team also uses the latest techniques to make procedures as easy and comfortable as possible, with a focus on quick recovery and positive long-term results.
What’s important to consider when contemplating surgery?
I always recommend that patients keep the ‘EPID’ acronym in in mind, which means to look for:
- Expert surgeons
- Personalized care
- Integrated services
- Dedicated support throughout your recovery
To learn more about St. Mary’s Surgical Services, please click here, or call 207.777.8650.
