Your Surgery
If you or a loved one needs surgery, you can count on exceptional care
from Riverview Regional Medical Center. You’ll find surgeons who
are leaders in their specialties, and a team of skilled and caring professionals
who have access to the latest surgical technology.
We offer a full range of surgical services in almost every medical specialty
— everything from surgeries to treat colorectal cancer, gastroesophageal
reflux and hernias, to minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical
options. All of our general surgeons are certified to handle traumatic injuries.
Focus on patient comfort and safety
Our skilled teams work in state-of-the-art surgical suites, and deliver
personalized care using sophisticated medical technology. We work closely
with patients, families and their primary care doctors to ensure that
we answer every question and address every concern. At Riverview Regional
Medical Center, our focus is on patient safety, care and comfort.
Before Surgery
Knowing what to expect about an upcoming surgery can provide comfort to
both you and your family. To help in your preparation, we have outlined
information that allows you to take care of some important items before
you come to the hospital.
Scheduling
Your surgeon's office will schedule your procedure with our scheduling
staff. If necessary, they will contact you with any individualized information
and instructions, including pre-surgery tests and procedures, prior to
your procedure. It is your responsibility to pre-authorize these procedures
with your insurance company; check with your physician's office staff
to see if they provide this service.
Registering
Pre-register with Riverview by checking with your physician and following
their instructions. Once scheduled, our hospital will follow up with you
to let you know of your appointment time.
Please have your insurance information available.
Please note that we are required for hospital accreditation to have you
fill out surgical health and medication history forms. These forms may
be in addition to the history forms required or used by your surgeon or doctor.
Note:
Important! Your arrival time will be earlier than your scheduled procedure time in
order to complete the necessary preparations for the procedure.
Preadmission Testing
This needs to be completed prior to your surgery. Your physician’s
office will schedule your preadmission testing with Riverview. You will
then be notified by your physician’s office as to your appointment
date. This could be scheduled up to two weeks prior to your surgery.
You will need to have your insurance cards and Driver’s License and/or
Social Security Card.
Please have a list of all mediations you are currently taking. This can
easily be obtained from your pharmacy.
Expect your preadmission process to take approximately 1½ to 2 hours.
The day before your surgery our Preadmissions office will call to follow
up with reminders.
Day of Surgery
Day Surgery will call and notify you of the time you should arrive at the hospital.
Reception and Admitting
Complete admissions paperwork prior to arriving at the hospital for your
procedure. When you arrive at Riverview for your procedure, remember to
check in at the Surgical Services registration desk on the second floor.
Pre-Operative Area
You will be taken to a private area where you will change into hospital
clothes. A registered nurse will perform an assessment, and you will be
prepared for surgery. This may include: having vital signs and weight
measured, starting an IV (intravenous) line, conducting lab tests, skin
prep and marking of operative site, if necessary. At your request, we
will provide you a warm blanket. You may bring a book or magazine to read
while you wait. You will learn about your anesthesia, the medication that
will help to keep you comfortable during your procedure.
Anesthesia will be provided based on your surgery type and your health
status. All anesthesiologists are medical doctors with special training
in the field of anesthesiology. A registered nurse, under direction of
your surgeon, will administer medications. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist
will visit with you in the preoperative area. Please feel free at this
time to ask any questions regarding your procedure.
A nurse from the operating room will also visit you to verify your name,
allergies, food intake status, and to identify the surgical site. Children
may be medicated prior to surgery. Parents must watch medicated children
closely at all times. Waiting times before your procedure starts will
vary. The actual time your surgery begins will depend on longer or shorter
surgery times and emergencies. We will make every effort to keep you informed
if a delay occurs. You will be transported to the operative area by a
member of the surgical team. Your family will be shown where to wait during
your surgery. No family may be permitted in the operating room during
the surgery.
Operating Room / Surgical Area
Your physician will visit with you prior to surgery. Please feel free
at this time to ask any questions regarding your procedure. Anesthetic
will be administered before the procedure begins.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Your recovery begins with individual nursing care, including pain management.
The time spent in this area will be based on your needs, the type of anesthesia
and the procedure performed. Family will not be able to visit in the Recovery
Room. Once you have met specific medical criteria, you will be discharged
to the post-operative area.
Post-Operative Area
You will be observed and made comfortable until your doctor decides it
is safe for you to go home or be admitted to the hospital for recovery.
The duration of this stage is dependent on your needs, type of anesthesia
and the procedure performed.
Same Day Surgery
Riverview ’s Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU) provides comprehensive care
to medical and surgical patients admitted for same day procedures. The
Same Day Surgery team provides professional medical care and assists each
patient with everything needed for a positive outcome, from pre-hospitalization
through discharge and aftercare.
A sample of Same Day procedures include:
- Minor surgical procedures with conscious sedation
- Endoscopy procedures
- Chemotherapy administration
- IV medication administration
- Pain therapy
- Gastrointestinal lab
- Medical observation
Same Day Surgery provides:
- Pre-admission testing
- Pre-admission registration
- Pre- and post-operative care and assessment
For further information, please call (256) 543-5270.