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Surgery
Our surgical staff performs more than 3,800 surgical cases a year. The department is experienced in orthopedic, urologic, gynecologic, eye, ear, nose and throat surgery, as well as oral and general surgery. The area's only full-time anesthesiologists, highly trained surgical personnel, and sophisticated surgical equipment are just a few of the reasons we have become this region's premier surgical center.
Anesthesiology
Outpatient Surgery
Surgery Guide
Anesthesiology
On our medical staff are the area's only physician anesthesiologists. Lakeview Medical Center is unique among area hospitals in having four anesthesiologists -- doctors with four years of additional training after medical school -- who have the knowledge necessary to evaluate and reduce patients' risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Rounding out LMC's anesthesiology team are three certified registered nurse anesthetists. They evaluate each patient prior to surgery and monitor them during surgery and recovery.
Outpatient Surgery
Nearly 60 percent of our surgical patients take advantage of our special outpatient surgery recovery unit. With new instruments and procedures plus new ways to manage pain, patients are able to go home in a few hours instead of a few days.
Surgery Guide
Prior to Surgery
On the night before your scheduled surgery, eat a light supper. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless otherwise instructed. You may also be instructed to take certain medications the morning of your surgery. Talk with your doctor about any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you are taking and whether you should continue those the morning of surgery.
If you should develop a cold, sore throat, fever, major illness, or if you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Important Reminders
In order for us to provide the best care possible, it is important that you follow these instructions and your doctor's orders:
- Plan to arrive at Lakeview Medical Center at your scheduled time, which will be 1 to 2 hours before your surgery depending upon the type of anesthetic that will be used.
- Be sure to have someone available to drive you home.
- If you develop a fever, rash, cold symptoms, flu, bronchitis, or diarrhea within 48 hours of your scheduled time, call your doctor. Any of these symptoms may affect your treatment.
- Register at the front desk before coming to the outpatient department.
- If you smoke, stop smoking 24 hours before and 24 hours after your surgery. Lakeview Medical Center is a non-smoking facility, and smoking may affect your post-operative recovery.
- Plan to shower or bathe the evening or morning prior to coming to the hospital. Please remove all jewelry, nail polish and makeup before coming to the hospital.
- Do not eat or drink anything including water, after midnight, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
- Please discuss with your doctor and anesthesiologist whether you need to take your medication(s) the morning of surgery.
- Please bring a list of the prescription and over-the-counter medications and dose you are presently taking.
Preparing for Surgery
When you arrive at Lakeview Medical Center for your appointment, you will need to register at the main reception desk or Admission Office located just inside the front entrance. If you have pre-registered, please stop by the main desk to announce your arrival. After registration, you will be directed to the Outpatient Surgery Department.
Before surgery you will be asked to put on a hospital gown and remove your jewelry and glasses or contact lenses. In the pre-operative area, a nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, breathing and temperature. An intravenous line (IV) may be started at this time.
An anesthesiologist will meet with you to review your plan of care and answer any questions you or your family might have.
We ask that no more than two family members or friends join you in the pre-operative area. When you are taken to surgery, your family will be directed to the waiting area.
After Surgery
Depending on the anesthetic you received, you with either go to a Recovery Area immediately after surgery or you will be placed in a special waiting area for further observation before going to the Recovery Area. Your doctor will talk to your family in the surgery waiting area. The doctor or nurse will let your family members or friends know when they can join you in recovery.
While you are in recovery areas, nurses will take your blood pressure, pulse and check your bandages frequently. You will be asked to breathe deeply and cough frequently as well as exercise your legs. We also encourage you to do these exercises on your own at home.
Your doctor will have medication ordered to relieve any discomfort you might experience. If you feel discomfort during recovery, please tell your nurse.
Discharge and After-care
Prior to your leaving the hospital, a nurse will review discharge and medical follow-up instructions with you. When appropriate, we can arrange for home care support.
You will not be allowed to drive home at the time of discharge, so please plan to have someone drive you to and from the hospital.
A nurse will call you a day or two after
surgery to see how you are progressing. We recommend you write
down any questions you might have prior to the nurse calling.
Our staff is available to provide support in any way possible
to make your stay at Lakeview Medical Center and your recovery
as pleasant as possible.
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