State-of-the-art lasers. Video-guided instruments and computerized monitoring.
The latest anesthesia and pain control therapies.
These medical advances make same-day surgery a safe and beneficial reality.
At Lawrence General Hospital, an attractive, modern facility provides our patients with this state-of-the-art care, staffed by a team of highly skilled nurses, an experienced anesthesia staff, and exceptional surgeons.
Services
More than 70% of all surgeries performed at Lawrence General are day surgery or morning admissions.
Day surgery patients arrive in the Surgical Day Care Center on the day of surgery and are discharged to home later that same day.
Morning admission patients also arrive on the day of surgery but are admitted to the Hospital postoperatively for overnight care.
How is day surgery different from inpatient surgery?
Day or ambulatory surgery differs from inpatient surgery in the following ways:
- Healthier patients do not always require hospitalization.
- New technology and surgical techniques allow for faster, less invasive surgery.
- New anesthetics and pain control methods allow for a smooth and rapid recovery.
- A family member or close friend may be with the patient to offer comfort and support in the postoperative ward.
- Patients can relax and rest at home following surgery, returning to normal activities more quickly.
Our Services
Lawrence General Hospital's Surgical Day Care Center is the busiest in the region.
Our team of surgeons covers a wide range of specialties, including:
- Ear, Nose and Throat
- General Surgery
- Gynecology
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Plastic Surgery
- Podiatry
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Urology
- Vascular Surgery
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Click here for a map and directions to Lawrence General Hospital.
Instead of turning left at the Hospital sign onto General Street, continue straight and take the first driveway on the left.
This is less than a quarter block past General Street - just before the Medical Office Building at 50 Prospect Street.
As you drive in, you will see a blue awning marked Surgical Day Care over the entrance.
Patients can be dropped off at that entrance, but the parking in this immediate area is limited to those with special needs.
For regular parking, continue past the patient drop-off area, and take your first left.
Enter the Hospital under the Outpatient Entrance awning, and take one of the main lobby elevators to the 3rd floor.
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This information provides an overview of what patients should expect before, during, and after their procedure.
If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact the Surgical Day Care Center at (978) 683-4000, extension 2430.
Pre-Admission Testing
Once your physician has scheduled your surgery, the Pre-Admission office will contact you by telephone to obtain information for your medical record and to schedule any tests you will require prior to surgery, such as X-rays, EKG, or laboratory blood work.
Testing will be scheduled up to two weeks before your surgery day, and must be completed at least three days before surgery in order to avoid delays and cancellations.
Every effort will be made to reach you by telephone, however you should contact the Admitting office between one and two weeks before surgery if your testing has not yet been arranged.
The Pre-Admission office may be reached at (978) 683-4000, extension 8110.
Pre-Admission testing takes place on the 3rd floor of the Hospital, adjacent to the Surgical Day Care Center.
On the day of your testing, you should go to the Surgical Day Care Registration area.
You will meet with one of the center's nurses and a representative of the Anesthesia department who will review your health history and provide special instructions to follow in preparation for your surgery.
In many cases, children cared for in the Surgical Day Care Center will be transported to the Hospital's inpatient Pediatric Unit on the 2nd floor to fully recover before discharge.
To help make them more comfortable, parents are encouraged to visit the Pediatric Unit with their child during Pre-Admission testing.
Preparing for Surgery
These guidelines, in addition to any instructions from your physician, will help you prepare in advance:
- Notify your physician if you are experiencing any health changes, such as fever, cold, sore throat, or cough, or if you may be pregnant.
- If you are currently taking medication, ask your physician for instructions regarding its use before and after surgery. The anesthesia representative will also instruct you on what medications to take on the morning of your surgery.
- Arrange to have a responsible adult who can drive you home after surgery, or accompany you if you travel by taxi. Someone will also need to stay with you at home for 24 hours following the procedure. You may not drive yourself home following surgery and the procedure will be rescheduled if you do not have a support person with you.
- Make arrangements for your children's care outside of the Hospital on the day of your surgery.
- Avoid smoking, eating, or drinking anything (including water, gum and mints) after 12 midnight on the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed.
The Day of Surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Please bathe or shower before your procedure.
- Remove nail polish from the index finger on both hands.
- Avoid wearing make-up.
- Bring cases for dentures, contact lenses, or glasses - they may need to be removed before your surgery.
- Bring a pillow for your comfort during the ride home.
- Please leave money, jewelry and other valuables at home.
After Surgery
- Get extra rest.
- Take only medications prescribed or approved by your physician.
- Refrain from driving a car or operating machinery for 24 hours.
- Avoid making important decisions, such as signing important documents, for 24 hours.
- Drink fluids and eat lightly for 24 hours.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
Remember that a responsible adult will need to stay with you at home for 24 hours after surgery to assure your safety.
Following your procedure, you will be monitored in the postoperative ward until you are ready to return home.
The amount of time you will need to recover before leaving the Hospital depends on the nature of your surgery and the type of anesthesia you received.
When you are ready to go home, a staff member will provide you with personalized follow-up care instructions, and will let you know what to expect as you continue on your road to recovery.
A Surgical Day Care Center representative will also call you at home within the next few days to check on your progress.
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The staff of the Surgical Day Care Center works to assure the comfort of our patients and to reassure your family members during the procedure.
Surgical Day Care staff spend time with you to assure that you have all the information you need.
Family members may wait in a special Family Waiting Room, and the Surgical Services Liaison will keep them informed of your progress during your surgery and let family know when they can visit you in the postoperative area.
Family members may also take advantage of the Hospital's amenities, such as the Hospitality Shop on the 1st floor or the Cafeteria on the Basement level.
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