General Surgery

Thanks to advances in medical technology, many surgical procedures that once were major operations can now be performed using tiny incisions with instruments guided by cutting-edge, miniature cameras.

As a result, there is less surgical trauma so you can heal faster, have less scarring and can return to daily activities faster.

Outpatient surgery allows you to return home on the same day that a surgical procedure is performed and new technologies enable doctors to perform many operations on an outpatient basis. This approach reduces inpatient hospital admission, lessens surgical trauma, cuts down on the amount of medication prescribed and uses your and the doctor’s time better.

Inpatient surgery is any surgery where you need to remain overnight or longer after the surgery is completed, for care or observation.

Whether you are having inpatient or outpatient, it is important to:

• Schedule an appointment with our admission team. They will arrange your preoperative testing and give you instructions about eating and drinking.
• You may also visit with the anesthesiologist, a doctor focused on your pain medication during surgery.
• Bring a current medication list that includes the name and dosage, and how often you take it. Or you can bring your medications with you in their prescription bottles.
• Please leave your items of value at home when being admitted for day surgery.
• Please come prepared to pay your co-payment when you are admitted on the day of your procedure.

When your doctor decides you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. You may want to plan for a family member or friend to help you when it is time to go home. Some important things to remember concerning:

• Personal belongings: Collect all of your belongings and double-check closets and drawers to be sure you do not leave anything behind.
• Discharge instructions: Your doctor and your nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your diet, activities or other matters, please be sure to ask. Be sure to follow-up with your primary care provider and schedule your post-op appointment.

Our team is committed to helping you understand the entire surgical experience. We urge you and your family to ask questions. This will help you to feel more comfortable while you are in the hospital and better prepared for recovery once you are home.