Memorial Medical Center performs general surgeries and laparascopic (small incision) surgeries for:
During surgery, the hernia sac is removed and occasionally a couple of stitches are used to close the opening of the inguinal canal nearest the abdominal cavity (internal ring).
Most hernia repairs are done as outpatient surgery. Anesthesia can be local, spinal, or general.
The use of synthetic patches or mesh for hernia repair is becoming standard for adult surgery. The mesh or patch is used to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent hernias from recurring.
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If you have painful attacks caused by gallstones, your doctor may recommend removing your gallbladder. This surgery is called cholecystectomy. This surgery eliminates pain and prevents future attacks. Best of all, you’ll be able to live a full, healthy life even without your gallbladder. This includes eating the foods you enjoyed before your gallbladder problems started.
Before Your Surgery
Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen as directed. Ask your doctor what to do if you take prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin.
Have any tests, such as blood tests, that your doctor recommends.
Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before your surgery. This includes water and coffee.
The Day of Surgery
Arrive at the hospital or surgery center on time. You’ll be given an IV to provide fluids and medication.
An anesthesiologist will talk with you about the medications used to prevent pain during surgery. Cholecystectomy is done using general anesthesia. This lets you sleep during the procedure.
During Surgery
There are two methods for removing the gallbladder. Your doctor will choose which method is safer for you.
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Clips are used to close off the bile duct and blood vessels so the gallbladder can be removed.
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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is used for most gallbladder problems. During surgery, a thin, lighted device called a laparoscope sends images to a video monitor. The magnified view lets your surgeon view and remove the gallbladder using only small incisions in the abdomen.
Open cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder through a single, larger incision. It is most often used when scarring or other factors make this a safer procedure for you. There is also a chance that your doctor may need to convert from laparoscopic to open surgery during the operation.
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The goal of appendectomy is to remove the appendix safely. In most cases, the surgery lasts from 30-60 minutes. If your appendix has burst, surgery may take longer.
Before Surgery
You may receive fluids, antibiotics, and other medications through an IV (intravenous) line. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will give you general anesthesia just before your appendectomy. This keeps you pain-free and allows you to sleep during the surgery.
Reaching the Appendix
One of two techniques may be used to reach the appendix. Your surgeon will discuss which is best for you.
Open surgery: One incision (about 2 to 3 inches long) is made in your lower right side. A bigger incision may be used if the appendix has burst.
Laparoscopic surgery: From 2 to 4 small incisions are used. One is near your bellybutton. The others are elsewhere on your abdomen. A laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera attached, is inserted through one incision. The camera shows the inside of your abdomen on a monitor. This image helps guide the surgery. Surgical tools are inserted in the other incisions.
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