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Surgery

Our team is here to help you prepare for all of your general surgery needs. This information is for those having procedures in the Liberty Hospital Surgery Department. If you are having an outpatient procedure at The Surgery Center located in Medical Plaza East, click here.

Meet our general surgeons available at The Surgeons Clinic

Pre-surgical testing

Patients scheduled for inpatient or outpatient surgery at Liberty Hospital will be asked to visit the pre-surgical testing department 1 to 14 days before their procedure. The department features spacious rooms that recently have been renovated to accommodate patient needs.

The primary reason behind pre-surgical testing is patient safety. During the appointment, the patient and doctors can discuss the patient's health history as well as any issues that might have an impact on the type of anesthesia used. This ensures that the patient's healthcare team is aware of any potential issues that could prevent or cause a problem with the scheduled procedure.

During the pre-surgical testing visit, all of the healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care come to the patient in the pre-surgical testing department. During this visit, patients typically:

  • Speak to an anesthesiologist.
  • Speak to a nurse about health history.
  • Have any blood or diagnostic tests ordered by the physician performed.
  • Receive specific instructions to prepare for surgery.
  • Receive specific instructions on exercises and therapies for after surgery.
  • Learn what to expect while staying at the hospital.

Liberty Hospital also encourages patients to formalize a plan of care, including healthcare treatment directives, so that family members and caregivers can honor their wishes. If the patient does not have these documents, the hospital will assist the patient in completing them.

Ultimately, the goal of pre-surgical testing is to detect and resolve any possible health problems so that all goes smoothly the day of surgery.

How to prepare for surgery

Patients can help make their stay at Liberty Hospital go smoothly when they are prepared. Here's what to bring if you are scheduled for surgery:

  • Family and friends—it helps to have someone along who can take notes and help you remember instructions and suggestions.
  • A list of questions for your providers.
  • A list of medications and supplements you take, or bring the medications and supplements themselves.
  • A list of past surgeries or medical procedures, why they were performed and the dates.
  • A healthcare treatment directive and durable power of attorney for healthcare, if you have one. If you don’t, Liberty Hospital staff will help you complete one.

Rehabilitation

Following surgery, Liberty Hospital offers a full complement of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care to help patients recover from surgery. Inpatient rehabilitation occurs with physical and occupational therapists during a patient's stay in the hospital. Outpatient rehabilitation occurs at Liberty Hospital Sports Medicine, where physical and occupational therapists help patients continue their recovery.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® system when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci system may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options as well as their risks and benefits. For additional information on minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci® system, visit davincisurgery.com.