PLHS Surgical Services Q & A

Wednesday, February 01, 2023
Surgical Services
Surgical Services

Surgeons and Specialists throughout the region regularly use both the Prairie Lakes Hospital and Mallard Pointe Surgical Center to perform a variety of both inpatient and outpatient surgeries. The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) Surgical Services team is trained in working with these surgeons and specialists to provide experienced and compassionate patient care.

To get a better idea of how this team works together to care for our surgical patients, we asked them a few questions:

Q: What are the most common surgeries performed by the Surgical Services team?

A: Fracture repair, hernia repair, colonoscopy, total joint replacement, and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Q: How many surgeons does Prairie Lakes Healthcare System have?

A: Currently, there are 9 PLHS surgeons and specialists:

Surgical Services also supports the surgeries and procedures performed by other surgeons and specialists outside the PLHS organization.

Q: What are the different care teams involved in a surgical procedure?

A:  Pre-Operative Nurse, Anesthesiologist, OR Circulator Nurse, OR Surgical Nurse, Surgeon, Radiology, and Post-Operative Nurse.

Q: What procedures are performed as Outpatient or Same Day Surgery?

A: Mainly, we perform Vascular surgeries, Cardiac Cath, LINX Placement, Hernia repairs, Knee/Shoulder Arthroscopy, and Colonoscopy as outpatient surgeries

Q: What does “Pre-Op” entail?

A: To start, a patient will check in and have their vitals taken. Then, a health history will be recorded and consent forms signed. Next, anesthesia will visit with the patient to discuss their role in the procedure, an IV will be started along with any pre-operative medications necessary. The OR circulator nurse will then introduce themselves and answer any questions and ensure the patient is ready to proceed with their procedure. Finally, the surgeon will speak with the patient to answer any remaining questions and comfort the patient to prepare for the OR.

Q: What happens during “Post-Op and Recovery”

A: The post-op nurse will monitor the patient’s vital signs, pain, and nausea and offer medications if necessary. The patient will then wake up and come out of anesthesia. Once the patient is more awake and aware, they are moved to a recovery room to discuss the next level of patient care.

Q: What kinds of advanced technologies or state-of-the-art equipment does PLHS use?

A: There are five surgical suites – one of which is always set up for an emergency c-section. Four of our suites are integrated with video equipment used for laparoscopic/arthroscopic procedures. We have a Navigation Unit which allows us to perform image-guided functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS). We also have a SOLTIVE Premium laser for removing bladder stones.

Q: What is the difference between procedures performed at Prairie Lakes Hospital or Mallard Pointe Surgical Center?

A: More complex surgeries are performed at Prairie Lakes Hospital where additional support is available when necessary. Mallard Pointe Surgical Center focuses on cataract, dental, and podiatry procedures along with specific ENT procedures. The surgical services team at Mallard Pointe is specifically trained for the procedures performed there, but they also support patients in the Prairie Lakes OR when needed. A surgeon’s preference is also taken into account.

Q: What safety measures does the Prairie Lakes Surgical Services team have in place?

A: We have a Sterile Processing Department that is solely responsible for cleaning dirty instruments, assembling trays, and sterilizing the instruments used for surgeries and the entire PLHS facility – including the Specialty Clinic. This team makes sure all instruments are in working order. There are specific safety checks to ensure equipment is sterilized properly. The OR has a specific process to clean and prepare surgical suites between procedures. In addition, the patient is asked regularly what procedure is being done and on what part of the body to prevent operating on the wrong site or performing the wrong procedure. Lastly, there is a “Time Out” performed prior to every procedure for the entire surgical team in the OR to restate who the patient is, what the consent is signed for, and any allergies the patient may have.

For more information on the Prairie Lakes Surgical Services team, visit our website here.