Anesthesia
This is being put to sleep by an anesthesiologist. There are several different medications
used for anesthesia and some people are at higher risk for anesthesia if they have
heart or lung disease. You will have a preop visit with the anesthesiologist to talk
about your risk for anesthesia. Be sure to bring a complete medication list and inform
them of any problems you have had in the past with anesthesia.
Endoscopy
Refers to procedures use for screening, diagnosis and sometimes treating diseases
in the intestine. This involves sedation or anesthesia and passing a flexible, lighted
camera into the intestine.
Elective
Refers to any procedure that is scheduled ahead of time. Elective surgery is for problems
that do not require immediate attention but do have some discomfort or some risk to
you. Many of these procedures can be done as an outpatient.
Emergent
Refers to surgery that should be done as soon as possible. This includes appendicitis,
bowel perforation or some infections. If surgery is not performed quickly, serious
or life-threatening complications may occur.
Laparoscopy
Surgery performed through a series of small incisions using long instruments and a
camera. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery are decreased pain, smaller scars and
faster return to normal activity. Also known as minimally invasive or minimal access
surgery, this type of surgery is the specialty of the Minimally Invasive and Digestive
Diseases Surgery Division.
Outpatient or Ambulatory
Refers to procedures for which you come to the hospital, get surgery, and go home
the same day.
Preop
Refers to the time before your surgery, including the office visit with your surgeon
at which time you discuss the need for surgery, discuss the procedure in detail, sign
consent for the surgery, and decide on a date for surgery. This also refers to your
appointment with the Anesthesiologist, who will review your medical history and ensure
that it is safe to put you to sleep for the operation.
Postop
Refers to your recovery period after surgery. Also refers to your follow up visit
with your surgeon
Urgent
Refers to surgery that should be done within a short period of time. If surgery is
not performed, there could be serious or even life-threatening complications.
Work Up
Refers to any blood work, x-ray studies or other doctors you may need to see before
proceeding with surgery. This ensures that the right diagnosis is made, the right
surgery is planned and any other medical problems you may have are being treated in
the best way to decrease any risk from
the surgery or anesthesia.