Surgery
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Southeast HospitalIt can be scary to contemplate having surgery. But when you need an operation, you can be confident in choosing SoutheastHEALTH.
We perform all types of surgeries, from simple outpatient procedures to complex open heart surgery. Our compassionate team is here for you at every step in your surgery journey.
Anesthesia: True or false?
Anesthesia, or anesthetics, blocks all feeling and can help you get through medical procedures without pain—and, often, without awareness.
While "going under" may be common, how much do you know about anesthesia?
True or false: Ether was the first anesthetic successfully used to put people under for surgery.
True. In 1846, a dentist demonstrated how ether fumes could be used to knock people out during surgery.
True or false: General anesthetics allow you to become unconscious and can only be delivered by gas.
False. General anesthesia does knock you out so that you have no awareness or sensations during surgery. But these drugs can be injected into your bloodstream or inhaled as a gas.
True or false: Getting anesthesia always means becoming unconscious.
False. Some anesthetics can be given with or without sedation, so you can stay awake. A local anesthetic numbs only a small part of your body, such as a tooth or a finger. A regional anesthetic helps numb larger areas and is delivered through a cluster of nerves.
True or false. General anesthetics that are inhaled wear off faster than those that are injected into veins.
False. Inhaled anesthetics take longer to wear off than those given through the veins. Intravenous anesthetics disappear from the bloodstream quickly, allowing patients to go home sooner after surgery.
True or false: Anesthesiologists are medical doctors.
True. Anesthesiologists have a medical degree. They also have to complete a four-year residency in anesthesiology.
Are you scheduled for a medical procedure or surgery? Ask your doctor what kind of anesthesia you can expect to have.
Our Surgery Expertise
At SoutheastHEALTH, your surgery is performed by some of our area's most respected surgeons, who are trained in the latest surgery techniques. This allows our patients to enjoy shorter hospital stays and better surgical outcomes.
Many of our surgeons publish research findings. And they participate in continuing medical education, including through our collaboration with world-renowned Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Our dedicated nurses and surgical technologists have received extensive training and education too.
We also provide some of the most technologically advanced surgical care in the area.
Two of our 18 surgical suites are equipped with the latest da Vinci surgical robots. We have a brand new cardiac hybrid operating suite. Other suites are dedicated to general surgeries, gynecologic surgeries, neurosurgeries, small procedures, orthopedic surgeries, and ear, nose and throat surgeries.
Furthermore, every member of our surgical services is committed to patient safety. We are proud of our surgical-site infection rates that are below the national average.
Patient-Friendly Facilities
Our facility features private pre-op and post-op rooms. This means you can have your own space to prepare for surgery and recover afterward.
An electronic patient tracking system lets your loved ones know exactly where you are in the surgery process. With a glance at the tracking board, they can see if you are in pre-op, surgery or recovery. Our surgery staff will even call your family to provide updates.
Other features include reserved parking spaces for surgery patients and their families.
Preparing for Surgery
If you and your provider decide that you need to have surgery at Southeast Hospital, you'll first have some presurgery testing. To help you get ready for surgery, you will receive specific instructions. For example, you may be asked to fast for a specific period. You may need to temporarily stop certain medications.
We know you might be concerned. Knowing what to expect can ease your mind. That's why our nurses will take the time to answer your and your family's questions.
The day of surgery, you will first come to the registration desk, which is in the lobby off the main entrance to the hospital.
After you register, you and your family member will be escorted to the surgery area. Our experienced and talented nurses will begin prepping you for surgery by starting an IV and reviewing your medical history. You will then be seen by an anesthesia provider who will describe the anesthetic treatment you will receive.
We provide all types of anesthesia—including local, regional, general and monitored anesthesia care—administered by a highly trained team of physician anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
Have a Question About an Upcoming Surgery?
If you have questions about a scheduled surgery, please call 573.331.5830.