General Surgery

The thought of having surgery can be overwhelming. Rest assured, Henry Ford Health has been nationally recognized for the expertise and pioneering efforts of its surgeons since 1920. We offer a complete range of surgical procedures available, from joint replacement, organ transplant, and heart and vascular surgery to cosmetic procedures.

Our surgeons frequently publish research testing the effectiveness of the latest surgical approaches. This commitment to research means patients have access to the most advanced treatments.

Minimally invasive and robotic surgery options

Just because you need to have surgery doesn’t mean you need the scars to prove it. Whenever possible, surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques — where the surgeon operates through three or four tiny openings about the size of buttonholes, while viewing and treating the patient's organs through a TV monitor. Research has shown that these procedures lead to faster and easier recovery times for patients with good clinical outcomes.

In some cases, our surgeons are able to perform some intricate procedures using robotic surgery. Surgeons are able to operate robotics that are designed to handle delicate, minimally invasive operations.

Our dedication to patient safety

Our commitment to patient safety is emphasized in surgery, as it is throughout Henry Ford Health. We continually measure our surgical quality against national benchmarks, and actively participate with national quality initiatives through the government and private organizations to ensure our patients receive the safest and best possible surgical outcomes. We make sure that you are prepared and informed about what to expect during and after your procedure.

How to prepare for surgery

Throughout the entire process we hope to put your fears at ease by telling you exactly what to expect. If you are scheduled for surgery, you will receive specific instructions that will let you know whether or not you will need to have any tests prior to your surgery, like X-rays or blood tests. You will also be instructed on what and when you can and cannot eat leading up to the procedure.

Every surgery is unique, of course, but here’s generally what to expect leading up to your procedure:

• You will be contacted by a member of the Henry Ford Patient Services Department to confirm your procedure and to answer any last-minute questions you might have.
• You will meet your surgery team including the surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists.
• You will prep for the procedure. This includes:
  • Briefly discussing your medical history and current medical condition.
  • Reviewing any allergies or past experiences with anesthesia.
  • An overview of the surgery you have planned.
• You may receive antibiotics or pain medications as part of your individualized surgery plan.
• The anesthesiology team will explain what to expect with anesthesia and make sure you are all set for the operating room.

After-surgery care

There is a lot of build-up to having surgery, but a big part of a successful outcome happens as part of your after-surgery care and as you recover.

Here what to expect following your procedure:

• You will be taken to a recovery room and monitored by our Post-Anesthesia Care Unit team.
• If your procedure requires an overnight stay or recovery in the hospital, you will be transferred to a general hospital room for continued recovery before discharge.
• The Anesthesiology team will help with you pain management, discuss your experience and provide additional post-surgery requirements.