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Questions and Answers
What is the difference between Local Anesthesia, IV Sedation and General Anesthesia?
Local Anesthesia - Anesthesizing agents are infiltrated directly into the surgical site to numb the area for the procedure.
IV Sedation - Before local anesthesia is administered, an intravenous line is placed for administration of sedation agents and pain medications. Also referred to as Conscious Sedation, the patient is awake but has reduced sensitivity to pain. Blood pressure, oxygenation, pulse and mental status is monitored during an IV Sedation procedure.
General Anesthesia - Similar to IV Sedation but is supplemented by intubation for the purpose of administering inhalation gases. The vital signs are monitored as with IV Sedation, with the additional monitoring of gas concentrations. Patients may breathe by themselves, or breathing may be assisted with a ventilator. Pain medications are given to maintain patient comfort both during and after the operation. Additional medicines are given to reduce the chance of nausea after the surgery. Use of short-acting anesthetic drugs allows the patient to wake up quickly after surgery, even after a “deep sleep.”
What does it mean to be AAAASF accredited, DHS licensed, and MEDICARE certified?
Accredited surgery centers are rigorously inspected and evaluated by a private accreditating agency such as AAAASF. Accreditation provides evidence that the facility meets high standards, which assures the patient of a commitment to safety and quality of care. An accredited facility must be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal codes for building, fire safety and sanitation. All surgery centers in California must be accredited, but only a small, elite group is accredited, licensed by the Department of Health Services (DHS), and MEDICARE certified.
Who can perform surgeries at Huntington Surgery Center?
Surgery can only be performed by qualified physicians who are members of the medical staff of Huntington Surgery Center. All surgeons who use the Surgery Center are Board Certified in their specialty. They have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to patient care and ethical standards. Appointment to the medical staff are made after a careful review of the Medical Staff application, confirmation of hospital privileges,liability insurance verification, professional references and qualifications including education and training.
Why have surgery in an outpatient surgery center versus an office or a hospital?
New laws require that surgeries being performed under IV sedation or General Anesthesia be performed at a hospital or a licensed/accredited surgery center. Since hospital operating rooms are very costly many surgeries are being performed at more cost-effective outpatient surgery centers.
What are the benefits of having my surgery performed at Huntington Surgery Center?
Our new surgery center was recently constructed and furnished with truly state-of-the-art equipment and technology. All of the physicians on our medical staff are Board Certified, assuring the highest quality medical team. Our nursing and administrative staff are highly qualified and trained to ensure that your surgical experience will be pleasant.
The safety and comfort of our patients are our primary objectives. Our goal is to exceed expectations for all aspects of the stay. By providing the highest level of patient care, we demonstrate in every way that it is our privilege to serve our patients. Our desire is that our surgery center will be THE surgery center of choice, for you, your family and your friends.
How can I best prepare for my surgery?
Here are some helpful things for you to know as you prepare for your surgery.
Do not take any blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aleve or any medication containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen for at least two(2) weeks before surgery. Avoid Ginkgo, Ginseng, St. John’s Wart and Vitamin E supplements. If pain medication is necessary, Tylenol is recommended. Before you take any medication or supplements, please discuss with your surgeon.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol at least two(2) weeks before surgery because smoking will significantly impair healing and alcohol may interact negatively with the medications you will be given during and after surgery.
Begin to eat a healthy diet. Increase the intake of water, juice, fresh fruit and vegetables. Decrease the intake of foods containing sugar and fat. It is in general good to supplement your diet with a multi-vitamin or whole food nutritional supplement. If you are on a diet plan or pill, please let your surgeon know. Our diet recommendation should be discussed and approved by your personal physician or surgeon.
Pre and Post-Operative (before and after surgery) instructions given by your surgeon’s office & by Huntington Surgery Center should be followed carefully in order to make your surgery and recovery process as smooth as possible. Your surgeon’s instructions & the surgery center’s instructions may differ and any differences should be discussed with your physician as well as with the anesthesiologist that will be performing the sedation for your surgery.
Remember, A healthy attitude and a “joyful heart is good medicine”
Call us today at 714-230-2420 to schedule a tour of our state-of-the-art facility.
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