Surgical Services
Welcome to the Surgical Services Department of Upson Regional Medical Center. We have Board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists, state of the art equipment, professionally trained and experienced staff in addition to our exceptional customer service, combined to make your surgical experience at Upson Regional Medical Center pleasant and safe. Our highly trained nursing and technical staff work in concert with the physicians to provide exceptional, competent and compassionate care.
The surgical procedures offered range from minimally invasive outpatient procedures to major surgical interventions requiring an inpatient stay. Surgery may be needed to diagnose or cure a specific disease, correct a deformity or to restore function. Our staff gives each patient individualized care with a specialized care team. We will help prepare you before surgery, care for you during the surgical and postoperative phases, and teach you about your care for your return home.
The Surgical Process
Before
Prior to your surgery, your physician may require you to have some routine tests. These may include blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays or an electrocardiogram. Your test results contain important information your physician needs before surgery.
A pre-admission nurse will call you to arrange testing and obtain your health history. Surgery may be delayed or cancelled, if you are not able to go for testing.
A parent or legal representative must accompany a minor (under the age of 18) to his or her pre-admission testing appointment. Arrangements should be made for someone to take you home and stay with you at home after surgery.
During
Prior to surgery an anesthesiologist will talk to you about the different types of anesthesia. There are four main categories of anesthesia: IV or monitored sedation, local, regional, and general. The anesthesiologist will watch your condition and provide medication as needed. Each has many forms and uses.
In general anesthesia, you are unconscious and have no awareness or other sensations. There are a number of general anesthetic drugs. Some are gases or vapors inhaled through a breathing mask or tube and others are medications introduced through a vein. During anesthesia, you are carefully monitored, controlled and treated by your anesthesiologist, who uses sophisticated equipment to track all your major bodily functions. A breathing tube may be inserted through your mouth and frequently into the windpipe to maintain proper breathing during this period. The length and level of anesthesia is calculated and constantly adjusted with great precision. At the conclusion of surgery, your anesthesiologist will reverse the process and you will regain awareness in the recovery room.
In regional anesthesia, your anesthesiologist makes an injection near a cluster of nerves to numb the area of your body that requires surgery. You may remain awake, or you may be given a sedative. You do not see or feel the actual surgery take place. There are several kinds of regional anesthesia. Two of the most frequently used are spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia, which are produced by injections made with great exactness in the appropriate areas of the back. They are frequently preferred for childbirth, knee or hip surgery, and prostate surgery.
In local anesthesia, the anesthetic drug is usually injected into the tissue to numb just the specific location of your body requiring minor surgery, for example, on the hand or foot. It usually lasts about one hour and may be injected into the skin or applied as a spray, drops or ointment to the skin, eyes or mouth.
In IV or monitored sedation, you are kept relaxed and comfortable. You may remain awake aware throughout the surgery or you may also receive medicine to make you drowsy or fall into a light sleep.
Families
During surgery, family and friends are welcome to wait in our surgical waiting areas. Important updates are given to families while you wait.
You may bring your cell phone. If you leave the surgery waiting area, please notify the nursing desk.
Families can enjoy meals in our cafeteria. Fresh coffee is offered in the surgery waiting areas.
After
After surgery, you will be closely monitored as the anesthesia wears off in the recovery room or if you are ready you will be taken to a patient room on a surgical unit or may even be discharged to home. Your family can stay with you in the room. During this time, you may experience some numbness, swelling, or pain in the incision area. If you need medication, please advise your nurse.
At discharge, you will be informed on when to return for a follow-up visit. Your role in your recovery can speed your healing. Always follow your physician instructions. At home ask a friend or family member to help during your recovery.
Your discharge nurse will discuss your needs for a good recovery, which will include diet, medications, bathing techniques, activity level and wound care. You will be given a copy of your discharge instructions. If you experience any complications call your physician or go to the nearest emergency room.
Your follow-up appointment with your surgeon is important to check your progress. YOU are the most important part of your recovery - listen to your body and allow yourself time to heal.
