Leading the Way in Outpatient Surgery
July 7th, 2008
With advances in technology and the development of less invasive techniques, more and more surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. The Outpatient Surgery Department at Floyd Memorial is on the leading edge of this exciting and important trend, bringing the Southern Indiana community advanced technology and a team of experts who work together to provide services that are caring, comprehensive and convenient.
According to Ruth Heideman, RN, director of Surgical Services, “Just about any type of surgery that can be performed on an outpatient basis can be performed here at Floyd Memorial. And, because we are hospital- based, we can often provide outpatient surgery to patients who may have underlying health issues that would preclude them from having outpatient surgery elsewhere.” Among the outpatient procedures available at Floyd Memorial are:
- Laparoscopic procedures such as gall bladder surgery, appendectomy, hernia repair, arthroscopic surgery, incontinence surgery and bronchoscopy
- Many types of biopsies
- Gynecologic procedures
- Prostate surgery
- Treatment of kidney stones
- Ear, nose and throat surgeries, including tonsillectomies
- Eye surgery, including cataract removal
Quick Access to Ancillary Services
As Thelma Thomas, RN, manager of Outpatient Surgery explained, “We have fast access to a full service lab as well as X-ray and other imaging services. Also, if a patient needs to learn how to use crutches before surgery, the Physical Therapy Department is here to help. And, if a patient is having trouble with pain management or any other complication, he or she can be directly admitted to the hospital.”
Pre-Admission Testing and Post-Surgery Follow Up are Important Parts of the Process
“By completing the initial assessment and conducting tests before the day of the procedure,” said Heideman, “we can see if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed. We also get a complete history and provide patient education before the procedure.” “A day or two after the surgery,” added Thomas, “we follow up with phone calls to patients to answer questions and offer education. We also give patients a survey and address any issues that need our attention.”
A Remarkable Team of Experts
Patients receiving outpatient procedures have a whole team of professionals from a variety of areas of expertise to care for them. Among them are nurses, many of whom have over 20 years of experience. “Our nurses are experts in every aspect of operative care,” said Heideman. “Their expertise is a key part of our ability to give our patients exceptional, top-quality care.”