General Surgery

• Abdominal wall hernia repair
• Appendectomies
• Colon and small bowel disease treatment
• Gallbladder disease therapy
• Hemorrhoid treatment
• Hernia repair (open and laparoscopic surgery) 
• Wound care

Endoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a long, thin tube into the body to conduct an internal health examination. Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons perform endoscopies on an outpatient basis. Patients must fast for 8 hours prior and will be under sedation during the procedure. After the procedure, patients may have a sore throat or feel groggy and should avoid driving for 24 hours.

PRE-SURGERY

We encourage patients to discuss any questions or concerns about the procedure with their surgical team prior to the operation. It is also important to provide information about medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, and any vitamins or supplements you are taking or have taken recently.

Some other important information to discuss with your surgical team includes:

• Any food or drug allergies
• Any diet restrictions
• Any jewelry/clothing restrictions
• Any physical restrictions after the procedure and the time frame for when they will be lifted

DAY OF SURGERY

Patients should arrange transportation for arrival and departure. Loved ones are encouraged to stay during the procedure in one of our designated waiting areas.

On the day of operation, patients should follow all instructions given by their surgical team prior to arriving. After arrival, patients will be asked to read and sign a consent form.

INFORMED CONSENT

The informed consent document covers how the procedure is performed, what the risks of the procedure are, and your rights as a patient. Patients should read over the information thoroughly and ask questions if they need help understanding any part of it. Without a patient's informed consent, the procedure cannot take place. Patients should not sign the consent form if they do not agree with any part of it.

POST-SURGERY

After surgery, our highly qualified staff monitors patient recovery. They will ask about pain levels, record patient vitals, check incisions, and disperse medications. Physicians will also make routine visits to inquire about recovery. Patients are encouraged to share any concerns or discomfort as soon as possible.

After discharge, patients will be scheduled for follow-up appointments. Some surgeries will require physical or occupational therapy as part of the recovery process.

Southwestern Medical Center is always looking for innovative ways to minimize intrusion and maximize effectiveness in patient care. Laparoscopic Surgery reduces patient recovery time, allows for smaller incisions and decreases after surgery bleeding and pain.

Laparoscopic surgeries are effective in treating a variety of organs including:

• Gallbladder
• Pancreas
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Female Reproductive Organs
• Stomach
• Intestines

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions for entry, with specially designed surgical instruments equipped with a camera that project onto a television screen in the operating room. This permits the surgeon a full internal view without having to make larger incisions.  Carbon dioxide gas is inserted through a tube in the incision to inflate the surrounding internal area and increase visibility for the physician.

Patients who experience laparoscopic surgery will experience minor discomfort, but have lower risk of infection than those who experience traditional methods of surgery.