We are with you every step of the way throughout the surgery process

At Hurley Medical Center, we understand that a successful surgery begins well before you enter the operating room and continues after you have been discharged and are at home recovering from the procedure.

With this in mind, our physicians consult with patients and their families before surgery to truly understanding what is expected from the procedure. A registered nurse is on hand to manage the patient's care in the office and to help develop a patient-care plan. This plan helps keep everyone well-informed at every step in the process.

Pre-surgery appointments and your surgery all performed in one place

When you choose Hurley for your surgery, pre-operative consultations are performed in the Medical Arts Center directly adjacent to Hurley Medical Center. Surgical procedures are performed in the hospital’s operating suites.

Hurley offers a broad scope of services for adult, the adolescent and pediatric populations and has the staff, resources and capacity to get patients into surgery immediately, if necessary. In fact, emergency surgical consults are available 24 hours a day. Patients or their physicians can call just one phone number to schedule a procedure.

Three questions you should ask

The surgeons at Hurley Medical Center understand that patients who are well informed about their treatment tend to be more satisfied with the outcome or results of their care. We welcome your questions.

Below are three questions that you or your guardian should ask your surgeon before you have surgery, and the reasons for asking these questions. The answers to these questions will help you make the best, informed decision. If you do not understand the answers, ask your doctors to explain them clearly.

1. What operation are you recommending?

Sometimes there are different ways of doing the operation. One way may require more extensive surgery than another. Ask why your surgeon recommends one method over another and to explain the differences between the surgical procedures. Your surgeon can draw a picture or a diagram and explain to you the steps involved in the procedure.

2. What side effects might I have after this operation?

Surgery always involves potential risks, side effects, and a certain amount of discomfort or pain. Ask your surgeon about the possible side effects of the operation and how your doctors and nurses will help you manage the pain.

3. How long will it take me to recover?

Your surgeon can tell you how you might feel and what you will be able to do or not do the first few days, weeks or months after surgery. Ask how long you will be in the hospital. Find out what kind of supplies, equipment, and any help you will need when you go home.

Knowing what to expect can help you cope better with recovery. Ask when you can start regular exercise again and go back to work. You do not want to do anything that will slow down the recovery process.