Surgery

For more information about Baxter Health Surgical Services, call (870) 508-1810.

The surgical team at Baxter Health performs a wide range of procedures, from the most common to the most complicated surgeries. Our board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists, working alongside highly trained nurses and technicians, are armed with the most advanced technology available.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: A COVID-19 test is currently required prior to all surgeries. All patients will be tested within 36 hours of their surgery.

Baxter Health has now implemented a new process for those having scheduled surgery at the hospital. Once you have been scheduled for surgery, the next step is to contact the Pre-Registration and Testing staff to make an appointment. On your pre-registration date, you will check in at the Pre-Surgery Registration located on the second floor of the Medical Arts Building. At that time, a nurse will take a health history and answer any questions that you may have about your upcoming surgery. Also at this time, insurance cards and photo I.D. will be copied and any tests that you need will be performed. These tests may include blood work, chest X-ray, and an EKG. A current list of all your medications (name of the medication and dosage) should be brought with you and patients need to be prepared to take care of their co-pays or deductible. If your physician's office has not made this appointment for you, you may call (870) 508-1865 to schedule your Pre-Registration and Testing appointment.

Some patients are admitted and discharged the day of surgery as outpatients. Inpatients are admitted the day of surgery and remain in the hospital for part of the recovery process.

We want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible on the day of your surgery. By following these guidelines, we can better ensure that your surgery process will go smoothly:

On the morning of your surgery, please report to surgery desk on the 2nd floor of the Medical Arts Building. You will be escorted to the preoperative area and one family member or friend is welcome to accompany you. The surgery waiting room is located nearby.

In the pre-op area, you will change into a hospital gown, be weighed and have your vital signs checked. An IV line may be started and monitors attached. Your surgical area may be prepared for the operation, depending on the physician’s orders.

Once you are ready for surgery, you will meet the anesthesiologist, the physician who will administer your anesthesia and monitor you during surgery. You may receive medication to relax you through your IV line. This medication may cause your mouth to feel dry and your vision to seem blurred. Your visitor will be directed to the surgery waiting area before you are taken to the operating room.

Often referred to as the OR, the operating room is a sterile surgical environment staffed by specially trained professionals: surgeons, surgical assistants, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses who make sure the environment and procedures are sterile. You may notice the room’s cool temperature and bright lighting.

After surgery, you will be taken to PACU, or the recovery room. As you recover, you will be constantly monitored by a trained post-anesthesia care nurse. As the anesthesia begins to wear off, you may experience any of the following symptoms: blurred vision, dry mouth, mild nausea and/or chills.

You may still have an IV line and even drainage tubes around the surgical area. Your nurse may administer pain medication at your request. While you are in the recovery room, your doctor will discuss your condition with your family and answer any questions they have.

After an hour or two, you will either be admitted to a hospital room as an inpatient or returned to the pre-op area to be dressed and receive your verbal and written post-operative care plan. You will then be discharged to your family’s care. Remember, you must have someone else drive you home due to the effects of anesthesia.

Whether you are an inpatient or are going home immediately as an outpatient, important steps help ensure a successful recovery:

As an inpatient, you will be visited by your physician for a follow-up. Outpatient surgical patients will go to the doctor’s office for an examination in the days following the surgery.

It is critical that you have a friend or family member who has been properly educated about your health and surgery to help with your recovery. Your home care may require the use of Baxter Regional Home Health services. A home health nurse or therapist is provided through a doctor’s prescription and makes weekly visits to monitor your progress.

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