At the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, we offer a wide range of surgical services. For major operations, our large surgery department includes special rooms for heart surgeries and orthopedic procedures.
Minimally Invasive Procedures Thanks to breakthroughs in medical technology, many surgical procedures that once involved major operations can now be performed through tiny incisions and instruments guided by sophisticated, miniature cameras. As a result, patients heal faster, can return more quickly to their normal activities, and experience much less scarring.
Some of our surgery suites are specifically designed for these procedures. The high-tech equipment includes computerized touch-screen controls for easy adjustments to lighting levels and positioning of cameras and plasma-screen monitors.
Surgical Specialties
Many types of surgical procedures are performed at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, including:
Cardiac
Cardiothoracic
Colorectal
Gastroenterology
General
Gynecology
Neurosurgery
Obstetrics
Orthopedic
Otolaryngology (ear/nose/throat)
Podiatry
Vascular
Outpatient Surgery
New technologies also enable us to perform many operations on an outpatient basis. These procedures minimize surgical trauma and the time needed for recovery, so you can return to the comfort of your home on the same day as surgery.
Before Surgery
Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions on preparing for your procedure. They will tell you not to eat or drink anything for a specified period prior to surgery and they will inform you about any medications you should or should not take. For your safety, it is very important to follow all of these instructions. If you fail to follow your pre-op instructions, it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.
Most types of surgery require pre-surgery testing. If possible, these tests (lab work, X-rays, EKG, etc.) should be completed at least three days before your procedure so your doctor will have time to review the results before your operation. Please bring your insurance card when you come to the hospital for pre-surgery testing.
Please bring your insurance card when you come to the hospital for pre-surgery testing. If you are unable to keep your appointment for pre-surgery testing, please notify both your physician and The Medical Center by calling our Surgery Scheduling Department at (409) 853-5589 as soon as possible.
Surgery Day On the day of surgery, please report to the Registration Department, located on the first floor in the main lobby. When you come to the hospital, please follow these guidelines:
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
Leave all jewelry, money and other valuables at home or with your family.
Bring appropriate storage for personal items such as dentures, contact lenses, hearing aids, and prostheses. We will label these items and keep them in a safe place during your procedure.
Arrange for someone to pick you up after surgery. Due to the effects of anesthesia, you will be unable to drive yourself home.
We make every effort to begin your procedure at the scheduled time. However, emergency cases can affect the surgery schedule. We recommend that you bring a book or magazine to read just in case there is a delay in your procedure.
When you arrive, a nurse will record your vital signs and other pertinent health information. You will be asked to sign a surgery consent form, and your anesthesiologist and surgeon will visit you. One family member or friend can be with you in the pre-surgical area before surgery. When you are taken to the operating room, your loved ones are welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting area, where our staff can provide updates on your progress.
After Surgery
After your procedure, you can rest and recover in the surgical recovery area until your medical team determines you are able to go home. The length of your stay will depend on the type of surgery scheduled. When it is time to go home, your physician or nurse will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself and who to call if you have problems.
Our surgery staff is committed to helping you understand the entire surgical experience. We encourage you and your family to ask questions. This will help you to feel more comfortable while you are in the hospital
