RMC Surgical Services
At RMC, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of surgical services to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Our expert surgeons provide the best care in many different medical areas using the latest technology and modern equipment.
Whether it’s a routine procedure or a complex operation, our commitment to excellence ensures that every patient receives the highest quality of treatment. From minimally invasive surgery to advanced therapies, RMC is well-equipped to handle many different types of medical conditions, ensuring optimal outcomes and faster recovery times.
General Surgery Services
General surgery covers many common surgical operations you could have across your lifetime. You would see a general surgeon for appendicitis or gallstones or if you need a hernia repair or even gastric bypass surgery. Here’s a closer look at the different types of procedures a general surgeon can perform:
- Appendectomy: Removal of the inflamed appendix.
- Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder, often done laparoscopically.
- Hernia repair: Surgical repair of weakened abdomen wall muscles that make organs or tissues protrude.
- Colon resection: This procedure involves removing a diseased portion of the colon, which can be performed for conditions like colon cancer or diverticulitis.
- Gastric bypass surgery: A weight-loss procedure that alters the digestive system.
- Thyroidectomy: Involves the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
- Wound debridement: The doctor performs this surgery to remove dead or infected tissue that can slow healing and harbor bacteria around the wound area.
Remember, general surgeons are well-rounded. They have extensive training and experience in all aspects of patient care, from diagnosing a condition before surgery (preoperative care) to performing the surgery itself (operative care) to guiding the patient through recovery (postoperative care).
Specialized Surgical Services
Beyond general surgery, many specialized interventions address specific anatomical areas or medical conditions. Here’s a glimpse into these different types of procedures.
Commonly Offered Surgical Procedures at RMC
Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons are experts in performing surgeries on the heart, lungs, and other chest organs. Their work includes heart valve procedures, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), lung surgeries, and operations on the thoracic aorta.
Orthopedic surgery focuses on the musculoskeletal system, treating conditions such as fractures, joint problems, spinal surgery, and sports injuries. This field of medicine aims to restore function and mobility through surgical interventions.
Pediatric surgery involves the surgical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Common procedures include pediatric appendectomy, hernia repair, congenital anomaly corrections, and minimally invasive surgeries adapted for younger patients
Plastic and reconstructive surgery encompasses procedures aimed at improving appearance or restoring function. Examples of these procedures include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cosmetic surgeries like rhinoplasty or facelifts, and other procedures following trauma or cancer treatment.
ENT surgery addresses conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures. Procedures include tonsillectomy, sinus surgery, tympanoplasty (ear drum repair), and surgeries for head and neck cancers.
Eye surgery involves procedures to correct vision or treat eye conditions. These procedures include cataract surgery, LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) for vision correction, retinal detachment repair, and surgeries for glaucoma or corneal diseases.
Urologists perform surgeries related to kidney stones and kidney removal. Procedures include ureteroscopy with stone removal, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), and nephrectomy (partial or completely removing kidneys).
Breast reconstruction surgery helps reshape and restore the look and balance of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The options for this surgery include using implants, the patient’s tissue, or a mix of both.
Vascular surgery treats disorders of the blood vessels, including those affecting arteries and veins. Procedures include bypass grafting for blocked arteries, endovascular interventions (e.g., angioplasty and stenting), and treatment of varicose veins or aneurysms.
Anti-reflux surgery, often performed by gastrointestinal surgeons, aims to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One example is fundoplication, which involves wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lower esophagus to stop acid reflux and repair a hiatal hernia.
Advanced Surgical Technologies
New technologies are emerging in surgery to improve precision and patient outcomes. Here are some of the state-of-the-art advancements transforming surgical practices:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): Unlike open surgery (which utilizes large incisions to access affected organs), MIS makes smaller openings to the body to minimize injury and bleeding, help you heal faster, and reduce pain and scarring.
- Robotic Surgery: The surgeon utilizes computer-guided robotic arms to perform delicate procedures in hard-to-reach areas of the body. Surgeons operate these robotic systems through a console, which gives them a clear, magnified view of the surgical area, allowing for greater precision and control. Visit our Robotic Surgery page for more information about the procedure.
- Advanced Imaging Techniques: The doctor relies on high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance. These technologies provide detailed anatomical information on critical structures, tumors, and blood vessels to enhance surgical decision-making.
Patient-Centered Surgical Care
At RMC, patient care is at the heart of everything we do. By prioritizing our patients’ physical, emotional, and informational needs, our patient-centered approach creates a supportive and healing environment that promotes optimal recovery and overall patient satisfaction.
Here’s a glimpse into our patient-centered approach:
Preoperative Care and Support
- Personalized Care Plans: Before surgery, each patient receives a tailored care plan that considers their medical profile and family history, current health status, diagnosis, and specific surgical needs. This personalized approach ensures the identification and effective management of potential risks.
- Patient Education: Detailed explanations of the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes help patients understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and empowering them to make informed decisions.
- Preoperative Assessments: Comprehensive preoperative assessments, including medical evaluations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, optimally prepare patients for surgery. These assessments help identify and address pre-existing health conditions that could affect the surgery or recovery.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Healthcare providers offer counseling and support services to help patients and their families cope with stress and anxiety. Support groups, mental health professionals, and patient navigators are available to provide guidance and reassurance.
Postoperative Care and Support
- Pain Management: Effective pain management strategies, including medications, nerve blocks, and non-pharmacological approaches, can keep patients comfortable and facilitate faster recovery.
- Postoperative Monitoring: Close monitoring in the immediate postoperative period ensures early detection and management of complications. Healthcare teams are vigilant in observing vital signs, wound healing, and overall patient condition.
- Rehabilitation Services: Tailored physical and occupational therapy programs restore a patient’s movement, strength, and performance.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments and check-ins with the surgical team ensure ongoing recovery and address any concerns that may arise. Patients receive guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of potential complications.
- Patient and Family Engagement: Involving families in recovery fosters a supportive environment and encourages adherence to postoperative instructions. Clear communication and open dialogue are maintained to keep everyone informed and engaged.
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Support: Post-op nutritional counseling and lifestyle advice support patients’ healing and overall health. Proper nutrition is essential for wound healing and recovery, while lifestyle modifications can enhance long-term benefits.
- Patient Feedback: Patient-centered care involves actively seeking and incorporating feedback to continuously improve care quality and treatment options.
FAQs on Surgical Procedures
We offer various surgical procedures, including general, bariatric, cardiovascular, and more.
The type of surgical procedure you undergo is a decision you will make with your doctor. They will consider your medical history, the severity of your condition, and other factors to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, including dietary restrictions and medication adjustments—for instance, stop eating and drinking after midnight before the surgery. Also, avoid smoking and alcohol.
You’ll talk with the surgeon in a pre-operative appointment to review the procedure, its advantages and possible risks, and what to expect during recovery. You may also undergo blood tests, imaging scans, and other tests.
You’ll check in at the hospital, complete the necessary paperwork, and meet your surgical team for prepping before you get on the operating table. This process may include changing into a gown, having an IV inserted, and receiving anesthesia.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Your surgeon will provide an estimated timeline and specific post-operative care instructions, including pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or complications, such as severe pain, fever, or signs of infection (e.g., swollen skin), contact your primary care provider immediately or visit the nearest emergency room.
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your medical condition and recommend surgery if it is the most effective treatment option. Factors considered include the severity of your condition, alternative treatments available, and overall health.