Hernia Repair
Open and laparoscopic repair of inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional hernias using mesh and tissue-based techniques tailored to each patient's anatomy.
Board-Certified General Surgeon
A lifetime of surgical expertise, now serving Shelbyville and the surrounding communities.
For over 25 years, Dr. Hayden has provided comprehensive general surgical care — from routine hernia repairs to complex oncologic procedures — with the personal attention and clinical precision that define his practice.
25+
Years of Practice
ABMS
Board Certified
ACS
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Clinical Services
Comprehensive surgical care across the full spectrum of general surgery
From initial evaluation through recovery, each procedure is approached with meticulous planning and a commitment to the safest, most effective outcome.
Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal — the standard of care for symptomatic cholelithiasis — performed with small incisions, minimal postoperative pain, and rapid return to normal activity.
Endocrine Surgery
Thyroid and parathyroid procedures including thyroidectomies, parathyroidectomies, and minimally invasive approaches guided by preoperative localization studies.
Surgical Oncology
Diagnosis and surgical management of malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, skin, and soft tissue, coordinated with oncology and radiology specialists.
Breast Surgery
Diagnostic evaluation of breast abnormalities, lumpectomies, mastectomies, and sentinel lymph node biopsy, delivered with sensitivity and clear communication throughout.
Skin & Soft Tissue
Excision of benign and malignant skin lesions, abscess drainage, and soft-tissue mass removal with attention to functional and cosmetic outcomes.
About Dr. Hayden
Decades of surgical excellence in a community-focused practice
Dr. Gary D. Hayden is a board-certified general surgeon whose career has been defined by a single conviction: that every patient deserves the same standard of care regardless of geography. After completing his surgical residency and fellowship training, he established his practice in Shelbyville, choosing to serve east-central Illinois where access to specialized surgical care is limited.
His practice encompasses the full breadth of general surgery — from common elective procedures such as hernia repair and gallbladder removal to complex oncologic resections and endocrine surgery. He maintains active admitting privileges at Shelbyville Memorial Hospital and collaborates closely with referring physicians throughout the region.
What distinguishes Dr. Hayden's practice is not merely the breadth of his surgical training but the manner in which he practices. He believes that surgical care begins with a thorough conversation, continues with meticulous technique, and extends well beyond the operating room through attentive postoperative follow-up.
Education
Medical Degree, Residency & Fellowship in General Surgery
Certification
American Board of Surgery, Diplomate
Membership
American College of Surgeons, Fellow
Hospital Affiliation
Shelbyville Memorial Hospital
The Patient Experience
A standard of care that begins before surgery and continues after discharge
Consultation & Evaluation
Every patient receives a comprehensive assessment — a detailed medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic studies — to determine the optimal surgical approach.
Personalized Planning
Dr. Hayden discusses each procedure in detail, including risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected recovery. Informed consent is treated as an ongoing conversation, not a formality.
Surgical Execution
Procedures are performed with attention to the latest evidence-based techniques, including minimally invasive approaches when appropriate, with patient safety as the guiding principle.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Postoperative care includes direct surgeon availability, coordinated follow-up visits, and clear instructions for recovery. Dr. Hayden remains personally involved throughout the healing process.
Insurance & Administration
Accepting most major insurance plans
Dr. Hayden accepts a broad range of insurance plans and works with patients to verify coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Please contact our office to confirm your plan.
Verify Your InsuranceMajor Payers Accepted
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- United Healthcare
- Cigna
- Aetna
- TRICARE
- Most commercial plans
Contact our office to verify your specific plan. Self-pay and cash-pay options are also available.
Contact & Location
Visit our office in Shelbyville
Address
1215 W Main St
Shelbyville, IL 62565-1252
Shelbyville, IL 62565-1252
Phone
(217) 774-4305
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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