Surgical Services
Dunn Memorial Hospital Operating Room and Day Surgery staffs are committed to providing you safe excellent care.
View our our Patient Safety Standards.
The safety of patients undergoing operative or other invasive procedures is a primary responsibility of the perioperative registered nurse.
We follow Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations "Patient Safety Standards"
CORRECT PATIENT:
- You will be asked multiple times to identify yourself by stating your name and date of birth.
- Your ID bracelet will be checked that it matches the information you give us.
CORRECT SURGICAL PROCEDURE AND SITE:
- You will be asked what surgery you are having.
- Your surgeon will mark and initial the surgical site when there is a choice of right or left side.
MEDICATION SAFETY:
- We will verify medication you are taking at home.
- We will verify absence of allergies before giving medications.
- We have computerized medication dispensing systems.
- We label all medications on the surgical table.
Your surgical experience actually begins with the decision of your need for surgery by you and your physician. You are an important part of the surgical process. It is very important for us to know your medical and surgical history as well as any medications you are taking and any allergies to medications. It is very helpful if you bring a list of medications and any other medical information to the hospital with you. You may print out and use this form for that information. You need to check with your surgeon if you should withhold any medications and which medications you may take the morning of surgery.
Your surgeon will also give you instructions on when you should not eat or drink anything. For most surgeries, you will be asked to arrive 1½ — 2 hours prior to your scheduled time. You may receive a call to pre-register a day or two before your surgery.
With the advancement of technology, more than 80% of surgeries are done as outpatient procedures.
Many outpatient procedures are advanced laparoscopic surgery, commonly referred to as minimally invasive surgery, using small incisions and telescopes, cameras, and special instruments. This technique dramatically reduces hospital stay, decreases post-operative recovery and allows people to return to normal duties much sooner. Laparoscopic procedures may include, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomy, hysterectomy, bowel surgery, and procedures to cure reflux disease (GERD).
For any surgery with general anesthesia or sedation, you will need to have someone drive you home. It is usual for you to feel tired after surgery. Get plenty of rest and assume your normal activities as instructed. You will receive written post-operative instructions before you are discharged.
Fill prescriptions as order by your surgeon and follow instructions on resuming your home medications.