All about Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priscilla-  Surgery Scheduler

 

   

 

 

Will it take long to schedule my surgery?

 

The turn around time for scheduling with your surgeon is one to two weeks from your initial consultation, depending on the urgency.

After your intial consultation and the doctor has determined that you need surgery you will be scheduling with Priscilla. A surgery date that works with your schedule and the surgeons is determined.  Priscilla schedules the day of the surgery,  However, the Surgery scheduling department schedules the time.  A time is not provided until the day before surgery. 

VGH Surgery Department schedules the day before surgery because often the doctors are scheduling surgeries up until the day before surgery.  The order of the surgeries are then determined based on priority of patients health and the length of the procedure.  For example, a diabetic or minor would be priority.  If you have not heard from surgery scheduling the day prior to your surgery before 4PM call  360-794-1496.  VGH staff will advise you the time.

Priscilla covers the basic questions you will have to prepare for surgery and then she sends you over to the hospital to meet with the pre-operative nurse who goes into greater detail with you.   If you unable to at that time an appointment will be scheduled no sooner than two weeks of your surgery. 

Priscilla provides you with the length of your stay. 

 Outpatient surgery means you will go home on the same day.  The Ambulatory Care nurses at Valley General Hospital provide your post-operative instructions including pain management and wound care.    Priscilla will call to see how you are feeling the day after your surgery and to schedule your post-operative appointment which is typically scheduled within 10-14 days unless otherwise specified by the doctor.
 

 

What does it take to prepare a surgery for me?

 

Priscilla needs time to prepare your surgery.  We want your surgery experience to be

worry free.

  Priscilla is responsible for preparing and distributing all aspects of your surgery required by Valley General Hospital to include:

 

 

  • Faxing your surgery details  to Valley General Hospital.
  • Scheduling pre-operative appointments with Valley General Hospital pre-procedure office.
  • Pre-authorizations and eligibility verification with your Insurance company.
  • Coordination of Physicians Assistant.
  • Radiology and pathology needed prior to or during the procedure.
  • Bowel preperation Instructions.
  • PCP or cardiac clearance , if required.
  • Instructions and phone numbers you will need for any questions.

 WHere will my surgery be done?

 

Our doctors perform surgery at Valley General Hospital  14701 179th Ave SE Monroe, WA .  Arrive at the reception desk through the front doors of the hospital  andtell them you are checking in for surgery today. The receptionist will direct you to admitting.
 

 

 

 

 

May I  eat or drink before my surgery?

 

No eating or drinking , including water, after midnight!

 

It is important to make sure you stomach is empty before surgery. This will  minimize the chances of vomiting during the procedure causing complications. The pre-operative nurse at Valley General Hospital will advise you what medications that you may or may not take.
 

 

What will I be able to do after surgery?

You may feel tired and have pain the first few days.  Make sure you have you prescription for pain medications before you leave the hospital, if they are required.  Walking is good for you and should be done each day to help you regain strength.  Pain medicine can cause constipation and adding fiber to our diet is essentual.  Drink plenty of water ,eat raw vegetables, raw fruits and grains to maintain regular bowel movements. A supplement of fiber for example Citrucel or colace (nature stool softeners and not laxatives) may be used.   You should not drive or operate machinery while taking narcotics.  There may be weight lifting restrictions the doctor may instruct.
 

Is my incision healing normally?

Your incision may look swollen or discolored.  If you have redness that is increasing, red streaks, bleeding, or drainage that is puss like around the incision or a fever above 100 degrees, these are signs of a possible infection.  Please notifiy your doctor in the event of any of these conditions.

Our Services

 

Gallbladder

Hernia Repair:

Breast:

Colon:

  • Coloitis
  • Colon and Rectal Cancer
  • Colon Polyps
  • Diverticulitis
  • Small Intestine
  • Obstruction
  • Tumors
  • Infection
  • Ischemic bowel
  • Chrones
  • Ulcerative colitis

Other: