Surgical Services
A Guide for Surgical Patients
Rusk County Memorial Hospital is dedicated to providing quality health care close to home. Your health and safety is our top priority.
When you need surgery to help you maintain, improve or restore your health and vitality, our surgeons, anesthetists and medical professionals are here to serve.
Working as a team, we merge years of medical training and experience with state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best surgical outcome possible.
Outpatient Surgery
Outpatient surgery (Same Day Surgery) is a safe and comfortable option for many surgical procedures. It is designed as a service in which a patient arrives at the hospital, has surgery, recovers under staff supervision and then returns home in the same day without an overnight stay in the hospital.
There are several benefits to outpatient surgery. Our patients have access to our best resources, including sophisticated equipment and a great staff, to perform the procedure and oversee your safe recovery. Outpatient surgery allows you to recuperate amongst the comfortable surroundings of home and family. Also, since an overnight stay is not required, you can receive excellent care at a lower cost.
Inpatient Surgery
Inpatient surgery may be necessary when your specific procedure or your health dictates a greater level of nursing care or requires a lengthier recovery. Your physician will work with you to decide your hospitalization needs.
Preparing for Your Surgery
The instructions your surgeon provides you prior to your surgery are very important. If they are not followed closely, your surgery may have to be postponed or cancelled.
Surgical preparation:
- Do not eat or drink anything (not even water, tea, coffee or non-clear fluids like milk or orange juice; and no gum, hard candy or breath mints) after midnight the evening before you surgery.
- Note the time of your last intake of fluids or food prior to your procedure.
- Have the evening meal the night before your procedure before 5:00 pm.
- Take no medications unless instructed to do so.
- If you take aspirin, Coumadin, insulin, diabetes pills or other medication, contact your primary physician.
- If you develop a cold, a temperature or other illness before the day of surgery or if you must cancel your surgery for some reason, please notify your surgeon's office or the hospital as soon as possible.
These guidelines should not take the place of instructions and information you receive from your doctor about your specific procedure and health condition.
Your Scheduled Surgery
On the day of your scheduled surgery, please arrive promptly at your scheduled time.
- Bring all your medications with you in their original containers.
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
- Know the time of your last intake of fluid or food.
- Wear comfortable clothing such as a jogging suit.
- Remove all make-up and nail polish.
- Bathe and shave as instructed before coming to the hospital.
- Bring a morning urine sample for pregnancy test if requested to do so.
- If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a glasses case or contact supplies with you.
- Bring insurance card and forms with you.
On the day of your scheduled surgery, you must register at the patient registration desk.
Preparation will begin shortly for your surgical procedure. A nurse will assist in preparing you for surgery. An anesthetist will visit with you to discuss your anesthesia and answer any questions you may have. When it is time for surgery, you will be escorted to the operating room.
While you are in surgery, your family members may wait in the lounge designated by your nurse. The physician will speak with your family after the procedure.
After Surgery
Following surgery, you will be taken into the Recovery Room where you will be closely monitored by our nursing staff.
If you had an inpatient surgery, once you are deemed ready to leave the Recovery Room, you will be escorted to your patient room where your family may join you.
If you had an outpatient surgery, once you are deemed ready to leave the Recovery Room, you will be escorted to a patient room to rest and recover. Your family may join you at this point. Your nurse will monitor your physical readiness for discharge. Your time of discharge may vary depending on how you respond to surgery and anesthesia. Admission to the hospital for overnight may be required if judged medically necessary by your physician.
Prior to being discharged, your nurse will provide you with further care instructions for once you leave the hospital.
Safety Following Your Discharge:
People respond differently to surgical procedures and anesthesia. For these reasons, you will need an adult to drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours. You must not drive any motorized vehicle, drink alcohol, operate machinery or make any important decisions for 24 hours following your surgery. Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us.
If You Have Questions About Your Recovery
Occasionally, people have questions or concerns that arise in the days after their surgical procedure. We encourage you to call your physician's office with any questions regarding recovery, unusual symptoms or side effects following surgery.
