Minimally invasive 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.
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 instructions that will let you know whether or not you will need to have any tests prior to surgery, like X-rays or blood tests, for example.
The day before your surgery, you will be contacted by the Henry Ford Patient Services Department. A member from this team will confirm what time you should arrive for surgery and ask you to answer a set of questions.
You will meet the anesthesiologist and other team members on the day of your surgery, but you are welcome to request to talk with the anesthesiologist earlier to discuss any questions or concerns.
After you arrive for surgery, you will be taken to the preoperative area for preparation. Part of this preparation includes meeting the Anesthesiology team members including the senior staff anesthesiologist as well as the anesthesiology resident and/or certified registered nurse anesthetist. At this point, you will discuss important information like your medical and surgical history, current medical condition, known allergies to medications, previous experiences with anesthesia and prior side effects, and the surgical procedure you are planned to have.
It may feel like you have been asked the same question many times. This is normal! This is done for quality medical care and patient safety.
You may receive antibiotics, pain medications, and/or anti-anxiety medications in the preparation for surgery. We tailor our plan to you and your specific needs and procedure.
During the final stages before surgery, our Anesthesiology team will explain the anesthesia so you and your family understand what to expect. After all the goals have been achieved in the preoperative care plan, you are ready for the Operating Room.
After surgery care
When you are done with surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be monitored. The Anesthesiology team will continue to care for you in collaboration with the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit team.
After the required management in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, you will likely be transferred to a hospital room whereas ambulatory surgery patients not requiring a longer stay may be discharged home. Ambulatory surgery patients are discharged home only after all Post-Anesthesia Care Unit patient goals are met.
While you are in the hospital, the Anesthesiology team will care for your pain management needs and other related anesthetic needs. Surgical patients who remain in the hospital longer than 24 hours will be visited by the Anesthesiology team to discuss their experience and any additional requirements.
The Anesthesiology team cares for every aspect of your anesthetic surgical experience to provide the safest, highest quality care throughout your surgery and hospital recovery.