He specializes in the advanced surgical treatment of liver, pancreatic and gastrointestinal tumors. Gulf Coast Surgical Oncology, based in Pensacola, provides multidisciplinary care for patients who previously would have had to travel outside the area for care. Dr. Villegas conducted research at Duke in laparoscopy and the use of robotics to minimize invasive surgery. He uses his specialized training in laparoscopic surgery to perform the least invasive procedure possible. Laparoscopic surgical treatment is an alternative to radiation and has been found to enhance quality of life and minimize recovery time.