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Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD

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Specializes in: General Surgery

University of Washington School of Medicine (1993)

Professional interests include: fistula, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), feeding tube insertion, and more.

3220 Providence Drive Suite E3040
Anchorage, AK 99508

(907) 375-8785

Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD is a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK specializing in general surgery. He graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 1993 and has 33 years of experience. Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD is affiliated with Providence, Alaska Regional Hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center and ALASKA TRAUMA AND ACUTE CARE SURGERY LLC.

Office Locations

Providence Alaska Medical Center

3220 Providence Drive Suite E3040
Anchorage, AK 99508

(907) 375-8785

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Some issues Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD can help you with:

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.

Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where the sweat glands become overactive, leading to excessive sweating. It can occur in just one area, such as the armpits, feet, or hands; or it can be general sweating over the entire body. Hyperhidrosis can happen to people of all ages and genders. It is estimated that the condition affects as many as 3% of all people, but many are never diagnosed because they are too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with their doctor.

When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.

There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.

Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:

Prescription antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride and work by plugging the sweat ducts. This signals the sweat glands to decrease sweat production. They work for moderate cases of hyperhidrosis and are relatively affordable.
Lontophoresis, a procedure that uses small amounts of electricity and a tray of tap water to decrease production of sweat glands in the hands or feet.
Botox, which can be injected into the nerves that control sweat glands in the underarms.
Sympathectomy, a surgery for severe cases that can be performed to cut the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Sympathectomy is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands. It may cause new symptoms of sweating elsewhere on the body.
Surgery to remove sweat glands, most often in the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.

Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.

The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.

Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.

An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.

Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 25%

By Volume:

hernia surgery

laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

In 2012, Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD performed more hernia surgery, and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of providers in related specialties within Alaska.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2012 were anastomosis, vascular procedures and dialysis access procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

anastomosis	11
dialysis access procedures	11
doctor visit	30
vascular procedures	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	39

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	57
Female	41

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	78
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	50
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	42
Dementia	0
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2014 were hospital care, inpatient care, open surgery and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	15
doctor visit	51
gastrointestinal procedures	15
hospital care	45
inpatient care	45
open surgery	15

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	74
Female	61

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	107
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	11
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	68
From 75 to 84	30
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2014

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2015 were hospital care, inpatient care, open surgery and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	15
doctor visit	29
gastrointestinal procedures	15
hospital care	81
inpatient care	81
open surgery	15

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	128
Female	110

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	192
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	102
From 75 to 84	76
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2015

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	30
Dementia	15
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2016 were hospital care, inpatient care, open surgery and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	15
doctor visit	24
gastrointestinal procedures	15
hospital care	72
inpatient care	72
open surgery	15

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	89
Female	57

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	114
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	70
From 75 to 84	37
85 and over	16
Less than 65	23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2016

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	25
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	28
Dementia	16
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2017 were hospital care, inpatient care, open surgery and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	13
doctor visit	44
gastrointestinal procedures	13
hospital care	81
inpatient care	81
open surgery	13

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	88
Female	76

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	135
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	83
From 75 to 84	47
85 and over	12
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2017

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	29
Dementia	14
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2018 were hospital care, inpatient care, open surgery and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	18
doctor visit	45
gastrointestinal procedures	18
hospital care	72
inpatient care	72
open surgery	18

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	75
Female	63

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	109
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	11

**Age**
From 65 to 74	68
From 75 to 84	35
85 and over	14
Less than 65	21

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2018

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	29
Dementia	17
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2019 were hospital care, inpatient care, open surgery and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	22
doctor visit	31
gastrointestinal procedures	22
hospital care	59
inpatient care	59
open surgery	22

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	75
Female	58

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	106
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	68
From 75 to 84	32
85 and over	16
Less than 65	17

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2019

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	29
Dementia	13
Cancer	8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2020 were hospital care, inpatient care, open surgery and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	16
doctor visit	78
gastrointestinal procedures	16
hospital care	42
inpatient care	42
open surgery	16

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	85
Female	54

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	107
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	78
From 75 to 84	41
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2020

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	27
Dementia	8
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2021 were hospital care, inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	16
doctor visit	64
gastrointestinal procedures	16
hospital care	64
inpatient care	64
minimally invasive procedures	16

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	95
Female	61

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	123
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	12
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	74
From 75 to 84	41
85 and over	12
Less than 65	29

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2021

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	30
Dementia	12
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2022 were hospital care, inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	19
doctor visit	63
gastrointestinal procedures	19
hospital care	43
inpatient care	43
minimally invasive procedures	19

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	86
Female	49

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	112
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	58
From 75 to 84	40
85 and over	16
Less than 65	21

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	24
Dementia	8
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK were hospital care, inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures and open surgery.

abdominal surgery	16
anastomosis	11
dialysis access procedures	11
doctor visit	45
gastrointestinal procedures	16
hospital care	62
inpatient care	62
minimally invasive procedures	17
open surgery	16
vascular procedures	11

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD.

**Gender**
Male	77
Female	57

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	2
Non-Hispanic White	107
Native American / Alaskan Native	1
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	36
85 and over	7
Less than 65	12
65 to 74	65

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	8
Osteoporosis	4
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	27
Atrial Fibrillation	14
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

Education & Training

Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 1993. He completed residency at Oregon Health & Science University Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Surgery (General Surgery) and has a state license in Alaska.

Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine (1993)

Residency: Oregon Health & Science University Affiliated Hospitals (1998)

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Surgery (General Surgery)

Licensed In: Alaska

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence

Alaska Regional Hospital

Providence Alaska Medical Center

ALASKA TRAUMA AND ACUTE CARE SURGERY LLC

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. David C. Wrigley, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$17,683 Da Vinci Surgical System $17,683
Medical Device Business Services, Inc.	$1,144 ANTEGRA $1,144
Davol Inc.	$130 BD MAX $130
Ethicon US, LLC	$92 Mega Vac $92
DePuy Synthes Sales Inc.	$73 SYNFIX $73
Other	$18 ForceTriad $12	ReliaTack $7

**Types of Payments**
Education	$13,000
Travel and Lodging	$4,665
Food and Beverage	$1,475

Biography

Dr. David Wrigley specializes in general surgery. His areas of expertise include feeding tube insertion, inguinal hernia, and umbilical hernia. Dr. Wrigley's professional affiliations include Alaska Regional Hospital and Providence Alaska Medical Center. He attended medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine. His medical residency was performed at a hospital affiliated with Oregon Health & Science University.