For more information about Baxter Health Surgical Services, call
(870) 508-1810.
The surgical team at Baxter Health performs a wide range of procedures,
from the most common to the most complicated surgeries. Our board certified
surgeons and anesthesiologists, working alongside highly trained nurses
and technicians, are armed with the most advanced technology available.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: A COVID-19 test is currently required prior to all surgeries. All patients
will be tested within 36 hours of their surgery.
Registration and Pre-Admission
Baxter Health has now implemented a new process for those having scheduled
surgery at the hospital. Once you have been scheduled for surgery, the
next step is to contact the Pre-Registration and Testing staff to make
an appointment. On your pre-registration date, you will check in at the
Pre-Surgery Registration located on the second floor of the Medical Arts
Building. At that time, a nurse will take a health history and answer
any questions that you may have about your upcoming surgery. Also at this
time, insurance cards and photo I.D. will be copied and any tests that
you need will be performed. These tests may include blood work, chest
X-ray, and an EKG. A current list of all your medications (name of the
medication and dosage) should be brought with you and patients need to
be prepared to take care of their co-pays or deductible. If your physician's
office has not made this appointment for you, you may call (870) 508-1865
to schedule your Pre-Registration and Testing appointment.
Outpatient or Inpatient?
Some patients are admitted and discharged the day of surgery as outpatients.
Inpatients are admitted the day of surgery and remain in the hospital
for part of the recovery process.
Before Your Surgery
We want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible on the day of your
surgery. By following these guidelines, we can better ensure that your
surgery process will go smoothly:
Wear loose clothing, such as a sweat suit
Children are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or blanket
For your safety, we recommend not eating or drinking anything after midnight
the day prior to your surgery
Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to surgery to
avoid possible complications with anesthesia
Avoid wearing jewelry, metal hair pins or nail polish on the day of your surgery
If you wear contact lenses on the day of surgery, please bring a case for storage
Please leave your purse, wallet or other valuables at home
You may be asked to scrub the area where the incision will be made with
an antimicrobial soap
Please make sure someone else can drive you home, since anesthesia may
cause drowsiness
Your Surgery
On the morning of your surgery, please report to surgery desk on the 2nd
floor of the Medical Arts Building. You will be escorted to the preoperative
area and one family member or friend is welcome to accompany you. The
surgery waiting room is located nearby.
In the pre-op area, you will change into a hospital gown, be weighed and
have your vital signs checked. An IV line may be started and monitors
attached. Your surgical area may be prepared for the operation, depending
on the physician’s orders.
Once you are ready for surgery, you will meet the anesthesiologist, the
physician who will administer your anesthesia and monitor you during surgery.
You may receive medication to relax you through your IV line. This medication
may cause your mouth to feel dry and your vision to seem blurred. Your
visitor will be directed to the surgery waiting area before you are taken
to the operating room.
The Operating Room
Often referred to as the OR, the operating room is a sterile surgical environment
staffed by specially trained professionals: surgeons, surgical assistants,
anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses who make sure the environment
and procedures are sterile. You may notice the room’s cool temperature
and bright lighting.
After The Operation – Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
After surgery, you will be taken to PACU, or the recovery room. As you
recover, you will be constantly monitored by a trained post-anesthesia
care nurse. As the anesthesia begins to wear off, you may experience any
of the following symptoms: blurred vision, dry mouth, mild nausea and/or chills.
You may still have an IV line and even drainage tubes around the surgical
area. Your nurse may administer pain medication at your request. While
you are in the recovery room, your doctor will discuss your condition
with your family and answer any questions they have.
After an hour or two, you will either be admitted to a hospital room as
an inpatient or returned to the pre-op area to be dressed and receive
your verbal and written post-operative care plan. You will then be discharged
to your family’s care. Remember, you must have someone else drive
you home due to the effects of anesthesia.
Hospital or Home Recovery
Whether you are an inpatient or are going home immediately as an outpatient,
important steps help ensure a successful recovery:
Walk to stimulate circulation, if possible
Breathe deeply and cough to expand the lungs, aid circulation and prevent pneumonia
Follow recommended dietary measures; for example, your digestive system
may require only fluids for a short time after surgery
As an inpatient, you will be visited by your physician for a follow-up.
Outpatient surgical patients will go to the doctor’s office for
an examination in the days following the surgery.
It is critical that you have a friend or family member who has been properly
educated about your health and surgery to help with your recovery. Your
home care may require the use of
Baxter Regional Home Health services. A home health nurse or therapist is provided through a doctor’s
prescription and makes weekly visits to monitor your progress.
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