At Providence, we do all types of surgery, from more common procedures such as appendectomies, C-sections and cataract removal to complex heart operations and organ transplants.

We’re well known for the highly specialized procedures we perform. Some of these include:

• Breast reconstruction
• Deep brain stimulation
• Heart transplants
• Image-guided neurosurgery
• Kidney and pancreas transplants
• Neonatal and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery
• Orthopedic oncology
• Reconstructive airway
• Reconstructive urology
• Robotic-assisted cardiology
• Robotic-assisted total joint replacement

Surgeons who operate at our facilities include those who specialize in:

• Cardiovascular surgery
• Colorectal surgery
• Dental surgery
• Ear, nose and throat surgery
• General surgery
• Gynecologic oncology surgery
• Gynecologic surgery
• Maxillofacial surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmological surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Robotic surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Urological surgery
• Vascular surgery

We strive to get you well prepared for surgery and knowledgeable about what to expect. In many cases, a pre-surgery consultation with a nurse will be part of your care.

During the consultation, a nurse will explain what will happen on the day of your surgery, verify your current medications and allergies and go over the steps we take to keep you safe.

Before your consultation, please be prepared with:

• A list of any questions you have
• A list of your current medications
• Your medical and surgical history
• Information about allergies, any previous anesthesia complications and other pertinent information.

Your surgeon will provide any special instructions you must follow before surgery. Sometimes, for instance, you may be required to temporarily stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, herbal supplements or blood thinners prior to your operation. Be sure your surgeon knows if you’re using these medicines.

If you have diabetes, your surgeon may give you instructions to follow on the day of your surgery as well.

If an unexpected medical problem, such as a fever, cold, cough or the flu, arises before your scheduled surgery, please let your surgeon know as soon as possible. For your well-being, it may be necessary to postpone your operation.

Finally, we ask that you don’t shave any area of your body associated with your surgery before your procedure. We will take care of this just before surgery.

For your safety and the safety of others, if you’ll be having outpatient surgery, we don’t allow you to drive yourself home. Please arrange to have someone at the surgery center to give you a ride once you’re discharged.

It’s also important to have someone with you or close-by for the first 24 hours after you return home.