Procedures Offered

Our surgeons are skilled at minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries, including gallbladder and colon and spleen surgeries. They also perform many gastroscopies (esophagogastroduodenoscopies and colonoscopies), hernia repairs, hemorrhoid therapy, abdominal surgery, appendectomy surgery, breast procedures, gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment, thyroid and adrenal gland surgery and skin cancer removals.

Lesion removal by cryotherapy (freezing), electrodesiccation (electrical current) and excision are also within their expertise. The services of this local group means the people of Big Bend won’t have to wait months for an appointment or travel to an Odessa or El Paso dermatologist for a simple surgical procedure.

To schedule an appointment, call Big Bend Surgical Services at 432-837-0041.

Preparing for Outpatient Surgery

Thanks to the miracle of science, surgeries that once required a hospital stay can now be done on an outpatient basis. That’s good news for those who recover better in the comfort of home, but it also means that any necessary arrangements must be made before the surgery date. If you or a loved one is facing outpatient surgery, try the suggestions below to help make the experience as smooth as possible.

PLAN AHEAD

As surgery day draws closer, you’ll find it helpful to have certain things taken care of. Once you know your surgery date and time, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need to make any changes in my house’s setup? You may have to set up a temporary bedroom on the first floor if you think you’ll have difficulty climbing stairs, for instance.
• Do I have enough food in the house? Stock up on meals in the freezer (either homemade or store-bought) so you won’t have to worry about food preparation. Ask your doctor about dietary restrictions or recommendations.
• Will I need help in the house? Plan to have a friend or a family member drive you home from the hospital. It’s also a good idea to have someone stay with you during the first 24 hours. After that, schedule your visitors. They’ll brighten your mood but may also cut into your resting time. Be sure to limit visits based on how you feel.
• Is there anyone I’m responsible for? If you have babysitting or caretaking responsibilities, remember to make other arrangements for your recovery period.

THE DAY BEFORE

Your doctor will probably instruct you not to eat or drink within eight hours of surgery. Ask your doctor whether you should abstain from taking medication or bring a day’s dosage with you to the hospital.

If you’re recovering from or coming down with a cold, tell your doctor. Your surgery may be postponed until you feel healthy.

Because skin-tone changes can sometimes be a sign of postsurgery problems, don’t wear any makeup the day of surgery, including eye makeup and nail polish. Also, plan to wear loose clothing to the hospital.

AFTER SURGERY

Tell your healthcare team about any discomfort, irritation or pain you feel. How long you stay at the hospital will depend on your ability to drink fluids, walk and urinate. The amount of pain you’re in will also affect your discharge. Before you leave, get a written list of postoperative instructions, symptoms to monitor and in-case-of-emergency phone numbers.