| Surgical
Services
When
you need surgery, whether inpatient or outpatient, turn to
McDonough District Hospital for the latest technology, techniques
and high level of expertise rarely found in smaller hospitals.
We offer common practice with uncommon talent. Day in, day
out.
Because
we're a smaller hospital, we can provide you a continuity
of care not available in larger facilities. Your nurses will
better know you and your needs. Our staff is a perfect blend
of experienced medical professionals who have been with the
hospital for several years and newer staff members who bring
valuable experience from other hospitals.
We
feel we owe it to our patients to continually upgrade to the
newest equipment and stay abreast of breakthrough treatments
and techniques so we can provide you optimum care. From lasers
to endoscopes to video systems, McDonough District Hospital
brings you the most advanced technology for a successful surgery
by skilled medical professionals - all in a convenient, comfortable
atmosphere.
Outpatient
Procedures
Outpatient
surgery may also be called same-day surgery or ambulatory
surgery. Patients arrive at the hospital, have surgery, recover
and go home the same day.
Outpatient
surgery has many advantages. Procedures are performed using
the hospital's sophisticated equipment and experienced staff.
Then you're allowed to fully recover in the comfort of your
own home. Because you don't have to stay at the hospital overnight,
your medical costs are lower, also.
Your
physician will determine whether your procedure may be performed
on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
Inpatient
Procedures
Inpatient
surgery is for more invasive surgeries, those that require
lengthier recoveries, or for patients who need monitoring
more closely.
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Understanding
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally
invasive procedures require smaller incisions and generally
less recovery time for patients. These procedures are being
safely used more frequently as technology advances, allowing
for more outpatient procedures.
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Laparoscopic surgery. A common minimally invasive
procedure, laparoscopic surgery reduces patient discomfort
because the surgeon uses several small incisions rather than
traditional large ones. Through these "keyhole" incisions,
a surgeon inserts slender tubes containing small instruments
and cameras for viewing the procedure on a video monitor.
Laparoscopic surgery may be used for appendix removal, ulcer
surgery, hernia repairs and lung biopsies.
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Lithotripsy. This minimally invasive procedure crushes
a kidney stone while it's still inside a patient so the stone
can easily pass through the patient's system.
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Manometry and GI endoscopy. These outpatient minimally
invasive procedures are performed using monitoring equipment
available to provide highly accurate screening and diagnosis
for people who have recurring heartburn symptoms.
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Anesthesia. McDonough District Hospital offers pain
intervention therapy for obstetrics patients as well as epidural
pain injections to treat back pain due to lumbar spine injuries.

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Types
of Surgical Services We Offer
McDonough
District Hospital offers a full spectrum of surgical services:
.
General, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
General
surgical procedures using advanced technology range from complex
procedures to smaller procedures such as biopsies. General
surgery includes operations on the liver and spleen; breast
operations for benign and malignant disease processes; anorectal
operations (hemorrhoidectomy); laparoscopic and open operations
for hernia, gallbladder, and other abdominal conditions. Vascular
procedures are available to restore or improve circulation
to small and large vessels. Laparoscopic surgery is the most
common form of minimally invasive surgery performed today,
and is used successfully for the removal of gallstones, appendix
removal, ulcer surgery, hernia repairs and lung biopsies.
Surgeons:
Dr.
Edwin Card

Dr.
Ronald Whitley

"As
a general surgeon, I enjoy the challenge of evaluating and
treating acutely injured trauma patients. Dr. Card and I
are able to provide an exceptional level of care to patients
along with first responders and the MDH Emergency Room staff.
We are able to respond in a quick and professional manner,
and it's rewarding when the outcome is successful. At MDH,
life and limbs have been saved using splenectomy to control
intra-abdominal bleeding. This procedure allows us to perform
a bypass to extremities that are without blood supply. Specializing
in general and vascular surgery, no two days are the same,
and it's exciting to work in a field that continually offers
new procedures and equipment that helps us improve patient
care and save more lives."
-Ronald
Whitley, M.D., General Surgery
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Gynecological Surgery
Some
of the common gynecological procedures performed at McDonough
District Hospital include dilatation and curettage (D&C);
Thermachoice thermal endometrial ablation and laparoscopic
CO 2 laser to treat endometriosis; operations for prolapse
and incontinence; hysterectomies; laparoscopic tubal ligations;
and Cesarean sections. Laparoscopic procedures are performed
both for diagnostic and operative purposes.
Surgeons:
Dr.
Troy Eckman
I
take great pleasure in being able to perform minimally invasive
outpatient surgeries, which result in the patients being
diagnosed and/or cured of their problems. One of these is
a little known procedure called Thermachoice© endometrial
ablation for heavy menstrual periods. Through this simple
procedure many women no longer have to fear that time of
the month and they do not have to have a hysterectomy. We
also perform a wide range of laparoscopic procedures with
the latest tools at our disposal to diagnose/ treat a patient's
pelvic pain, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, infertility,
or other disorders of the female reproductive system. These
outpatient procedures often result in patients having a
greatly improved sense of well-being and that makes me feel
better too.
-Troy
Eckman, M.D., Obstetrics
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Orthopedic Procedures
Orthopedic
procedures are available to patients with diseases/disorders
and degenerative conditions affecting the musculoskeletal
system, as well as fractures and injuries. Internal and external
systems are used to stabilize many types of fractures. Arthroscopes
allow the physician to diagnose and treat joint conditions
through a minimally invasive approach.
Surgeon:
Dr.
Drake White

Surgery
cannot cure every orthopedic ailment. However, frequently
outpatient surgical procedures can and do improve the lives
of patients who have a specific indicated operation that
addresses their source of pain or other symptoms. Common
orthopedic outpatient procedures performed at MDH include
knee arthroscopy, carpal tunnel release, shoulder tendon
repair and other shoulder procedures. In addition, certain
fractures that require surgery can be treated on an outpatient
basis. It is very gratifying to see individuals' lives improved
through these and other surgical procedures.
-Drake
White, M.D., Orthopedics
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Services
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Urological Procedures
These
include lithotripsy, laparoscopic surgery and collagen injection
for incontinence. Lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure
that crushes a kidney stone while it's still inside a patient
so the stone can easily pass through the patient's system.
Some urological procedures can be performed using small endoscopes
to visualize the bladder, ureter and kidneys but others involve
more invasive techniques.
Surgeon:
Dr.
Christopher Castillo
It
is the most gratifying feeling of a urologist to see a patient
walk out of the hospital pain- free after suffering extreme
pain because of a kidney stone. Specifically, a patient
who has a kidney stone blocking the kidney comes to the
hospital and a stent is put in place, followed by lithotripsy.
Lithotripsy is a uniquely non-invasive procedure that crushes
the stone in the body and allows small pieces of the stone
to pass in a natural way, making this a day surgery. Some
patients describe their experience as a 'miracle.' MDH and
its surgical staff will do anything to perform state-of-the-art
procedures for patient benefit and comfort.
-I.
Christopher Castillo, M.D., Urologist
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Endoscopic Procedures
Endoscopy
is performed on patients suffering from a variety of gastrointestinal
conditions. The procedure allows a physician to examine the
lining of the digestive system through the use of a lighted
instrument called an endoscope. For patients who have recurring
heartburn symptoms, the minimally invasive procedures of manometry
and GI endoscopy are performed using the newest equipment
available to provide highly accurate screening and diagnosis.
Internist:
Dr.
David Greathouse
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Podiatric Procedures
These
procedures use the most current technology available to help
relieve pain associated with foot deformities and improve
function of the foot and ankle (such as hammertoe correction
and bunionectomy).
Surgeons:
Dr.
Idol Mitchell
When
the foot hurts the whole body hurts' is the statement that
makes me proud to have the skills as a podiatric physician
and surgeon. Treating patients' feet as life puts more demand
on them defines what I do. A bunion is an example of a common
disorder of the foot that is treated surgically. This procedure
is done on an outpatient basis. The condition is unsightly
and can cause pain and limitation of motion. Surgery realigns
the joint, and the patient can return to activity with improved
form and increased ease of wearing shoes. At MDH, the surgical
staff ensures you 'take a step in the right direction.'
-Idol
Mitchell, D.P.M., Podiatry
Dr.
Max Rexroat

We
are fortunate that in podiatry many of the surgical procedures
that we perform on the feet have an immediate relief of
symptoms with little post-operative recovery necessary.
One such procedure is for the neuroma of the forefoot. A
thickened nerve may cause numbness, tingling and acute pain.
When necessary, a simple outpatient procedure with a very
small incision can remove this thickened nerve with relief
of symptoms. This procedure is performed regularly at MDH
and our staff makes it a comfortable surgical experience.
-Max
Rexroat, D.P.M., Podiatry
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Ophthalmologic Procedures
Both
outpatient and inpatient ophthalmic services are available
for patients of all ages. Cataract surgery is the most common
ophthalmic procedure performed at McDonough District Hospital.
We also offer strabismus repairs to correct eye muscle problems,
corneal transplants, and treatments for patients with glaucoma.
Surgeon:
Dr.
Jill Brody

Being
an Eye M.D. (ophthalmologist) is the most rewarding specialty.
As an ophthalmic surgeon, I can take a patient, unable to
drive anymore because of poor vision, and allow them to
see after removing their cataract. Right here in Macomb,
I have been providing delicate corneal transplant surgery
(replacing the tiny clear window on the front of the eye)
for almost 10 years. With the help of MDH and the excellent
surgical staff, the procedure flows smoothly from the air
delivery of the donor corneal tissue, the preparation of
the patient, to the transplantation of the donor cornea.
And taking the patch off the next day is the best reward...a
twinkle in the eye and a beaming smile.
-Jill
Brody, M.D., Ophthalmology
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Patient
Guide to Surgery
Whether
you're having inpatient or outpatient surgery at McDonough
District Hospital (MDH), you'll follow similar steps beforehand.
Before
Surgery
To
prepare patients and their families for the surgical experience,
we offer a Pre-Admission Surgical Service (PASS).

Pre-Admission
Instructions
Please
report to the Admitting Department at the arranged time. The
pre-admission process consists of several steps, which will
take about one to two hours. For more information about pre-admission,
please call 309-833-4101, ext. 13494.
.
For registration, please bring your health insurance or medical
card(s). (It is your responsibility to pre-certify with your
insurance carrier.)
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Dress accordingly for any physician-ordered blood tests, X-rays,
or EKGs. Chest X-rays and EKGs require removing clothing from
the waist up.
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A registered nurse will interview you about your surgical
and medical history. Bring your home medications in their
original bottles or a medication list with the name, dose
and frequency. You will sign the consent form for surgery
or tests and have the opportunity to ask questions. Patients
also receive pre-operative and post-operative teaching through
verbal and written instructions.
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Patients having total joint replacements and those requiring
crutches following surgery will visit with Rehabilitation
Services. (Please allow extra time for this process.) If you
already have crutches that you plan to use after surgery,
bring them with you to Rehabilitation Services.
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If you are having a procedure such as an upper endoscopy,
colonoscopy, esophageal manometry, or 24-hour pH probe testing,
more detailed pre-surgery instructions can be found at www.macomb.com/lamoine/procedures
.
Day
of Surgery
.
Beginning at midnight the night before surgery, do not take
anything by mouth (unless instructed otherwise). Do not eat,
drink, chew gum or have candy or mints.
.
If you're having outpatient surgery, you must have a ride
home with a responsible adult.
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Patients who are minors must be accompanied by a parent or
legal guardian.
After
Surgery
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After the procedure, you will be observed in the Recovery
Room.
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At an appropriate time, outpatients will receive discharge
instructions and be released to go home. Patients who are
to be admitted to the hospital or observed overnight will
be transferred to their room.
.
All patients receive home instructions before leaving MDH.
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If you have difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, fever
or any other disturbing problems after leaving the hospital,
call your physician immediately.
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