Is my surgery on the day of the first office visit?
Your initial office visit is a consultation with your surgeon to determine whether surgery is indicated, what additional tests may be required and to discuss surgery and its risks. Surgery is usually scheduled for a later date.
Do you do surgeries in the office setting?
Some small procedures are done in the office setting, but most surgeries are done in a hospital or surgery center (Please refer to list of associated facilities by clicking here).
Which office?
It is important to check which location your office visit is scheduled. The particular office location is typically dependent on the day of your office visit and can change from visit to visit. If you have a preference for a particular office location please inform the staff member who schedules your visit and they will be happy to accommodate your request.
I have a form to fill out for my insurance and/or work. Where can I bring it?
You should bring forms which need to be filled out to the office where you are having your appointment. The medical assistant/staff will fill them out and return them. This may take several business days. There is a charge for this service.
What activity restrictions are there after surgery?
Activity restrictions should be discussed with your surgeon either prior to or after the time of surgery. For most abdominal and hernia surgeries there are lifting and physical activity restrictions for 4-6 weeks after the date of surgery.
Is my surgery scheduler a nurse?
While important for the scheduling of your surgery, authorization of the surgery with your insurance company, and scheduling of preoperative testing, the surgery schedulers are not nurses. Questions regarding medical conditions or concerns regarding your surgery should be addressed with your surgeon or other members of the clinical staff.
Do I call a separate number for each office?
There is only one number to remember for all offices. This number is (702) 383-4040.
When can I shower after surgery?
This is also something that should be discussed with your surgeon prior to or at the time of surgery. Typically incisions should be left dry for 48-72 hours to allow the skin to seal. If your incision has drainage, and you have not been instructed otherwise by your surgeon, please keep it dry and dressed with gauze. Please also notify the Desert West Surgery nurse at (702) 383-4040 for incision drainage.
When can my dressing come off?
If you have a dressing in place, in the absence of other instructions by your surgeon, it normally can be removed in 48 hours. If drainage occurs from your incision after the dressing is removed, please keep it dry and covered with clean gauze. Notify the Desert West Surgery nurse if drainage occurs after the dressing is removed.
There is tape underneath my dressing. What do I do with them?
These pieces of tape are called steri-strips and are usually left in place for at least a week. You can wait until your follow up appointment to have them removed and you can get them wet.
There is glue (Dermabond) on my incision. How do I care for it?
Usually it is ok to get the glue wet the day after surgery. No dressing is required. Frequently there are dissolvable sutures just underneath the skin in addition to the glue. If drainage occurs from the incision, keep it dry and cover with clean gauze. Notify the Desert West Surgery nurse if drainage occurs after the first day.
There are staples closing my incision. How do I care for them?
Leave the staples in place until removed by clinical staff in the office. Normally they stay in about 1-2 weeks. It is ok to get the staples and incision wet after 48 hours provided there is no drainage from the incision. If drainage does occur from the incision, cover it with clean gauze and notify the Desert West Surgery nurse at (702) 383-4040.
I’m a new patient, should I bring records and imaging studies from my previous health care providers?
Absolutely. Bringing records (e.g. dictations, x-ray reports & hospital records) from your previous place of residence gives us the best opportunity to provide you with quality health care. It’s also excellent advice to maintain a record of current & past medical diagnoses, past surgeries, allergies, and current medications (including vitamin supplements and over-the-counter medications).
Should I bring a list of my current medications to my office visit?
Yes. It is very important that your surgeon have a correct record of your current medications (including vitamin supplements and over-the-counter medications). Of particular interest to your surgeon will be any “blood thinners,” aspirin, steroids, or any medication that affects wound healing.
What should I eat before and after the operation?
For surgeries that do not involve the abdomen or its contents, what you eat prior to surgery is probably not as important as when you discontinue eating (usually this is the night before surgery). If intestinal, rectal, or colon surgery is contemplated or if a large hernia is being repaired, your surgeon may leave instructions for a “bowel preparation” regimen prior to surgery. Check your preoperative instructions, talk to your surgeon or call and speak with the Desert West Surgery nurse if you have any questions regarding your diet pre-op.
After surgery, if you are discharged home, you can eat a regular diet. You may wish to start out with clear liquids and bland foods first as sometimes general anesthesia can cause nausea and or vomiting post-operatively.
Will I have pain medicine for my surgery?
After most surgeries are completed, the surgeon will write a prescription for pain medicine. As with any medication, please let your surgeon know if you have had an adverse reaction to any particular pain medication.
Where are patients seen for wound care?
Our surgeons evaluate and treat wounds in the hospital and at three wound care centers. Please refer to the “About Us” tab for all locations.