OGHS Surgical Services

Dedicated to Quality Care

At Opelousas General Health System (OGHS), we are committed to providing care of the highest quality. Here you will find state-of-the-art technology and a highly trained team of surgeons. Our team includes board certified specialists in general, vascular, and cancer surgery.

We understand that surgery can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Our goal is to alleviate your anxiety in any way we can. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your procedure. You can rest assured that someone from our team will be by your side through every step of the procedure.

Whether your surgery requires an overnight stay or a less invasive same-day procedure, our warm, compassionate staff will exceed your expectations.

Changing the Surgery Experience at Opelousas General Health System with Da Vinci XI

Learn more about our Da Vinci XI Surgical System, which is designed to further advance the technology used in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Pre-Admission

We will conduct a pre-admission assessment before your surgery. This can be done over the phone or in-person at the hospital, just to ensure your questions are answered and to reduce wait time on the day of your surgery. During your procedure, your family and friends can wait in our waiting room conveniently located next to our surgical rooms.

Preparing for Same-Day Surgery

The physicians and staff at OGHS want to make your experience as pleasant as possible. Please read the instructions very carefully and make sure that you understand all of the information. Should you have any questions concerning your procedure, please don't hesitate to ask your doctor or the Same Day Surgery staff.

Parking

Parking facilities are located next to the hospital in our parking garage.

Pre-Admit

• On the day you are scheduled for surgery, please go to the Pre-Admit Office located next to the Emergency Center, unless you are instructed otherwise. The Pre-Admit Office opens at 5:30 a.m. Please bring all information that the Admit Clerk requested.
• Should you develop a fever, cold, rash or wound on or near the surgical site prior to admission, call your physician's office and notify them as soon as possible.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions at all times. If you have any questions concerning instructions, contact your doctor or call the Same Day Surgery Unit at (337) 594-3880, ext. 5200.

Please refer to our Pain Infection Nausea brochure for important information regarding surgery.

Day of the Surgery

• Bring all of your medications with you!
• Please do not wear makeup, nail polish, hairpins or jewelry. This includes body jewelry.
• All valuables should be left at home.
• You may bathe and use deodorant, but please do not apply any powders or lotions to the body. These items may interfere with the use of our monitors and tapes.

During Your Stay

• Your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature will be checked.
• You may have additional lab tests and/or X-rays to assist in determining your treatment plan.
• Use your call bell to summon a nurse if you need assistance.
• Side rails on the bed should be kept in the upright position.
• The staff will review your activity level with you.
• A shave or scrub may be done prior to surgery.
• While in bed, your position should be changed every two hours unless instructed otherwise.
• You will need to take deep breaths and cough every two hours to reduce the risk of pneumonia.
• If you have an IV, it will be monitored by the nurses and removed as indicated.
• You will need to do leg exercises to reduce the risk of blood clots.

If You Have General Anesthesia

• Do not drive or operate a motor vehicle, sign any legal document, or make any important decision for 24 hours. You may feel wobbly or light-headed.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
• Should you develop a fever, cold, rash or wound on or near the surgical site prior to admission, call your physician's office and notify them as soon as possible.
• We strongly suggest that a responsible adult remains with the patient for the rest of the day and night for the patient's protection and safety.