Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Services
1. What type of surgery is available at Lansdale Hospital?
Lansdale Hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient surgical expertise in a seven operating room suite. Lansdale Hospital surgeons offer a wide range of procedures in the following specialty areas:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Colon and Rectal Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Urologic Surgery
- General Surgery -minimally invasive procedures
- Hand Surgery
- Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery
- Podiatric Surgery
- Spine Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
2. How many surgeries are performed at Lansdale Hospital?
Last year, nearly 4,000 surgeries were performed at Lansdale Hospital.
3. What are the credentials of the Lansdale Hospital surgeons?
The surgeons at Lansdale Hospital are trained in their respective surgical specialty, many with additional training in their sub-specialty area, to meet the needs of their patients. Many of the surgeons completed their surgical residency program at Abington Memorial Hospital.
4. What type of training does the nursing staff receive?
Surgical (Operating Room) Nurses
The surgical nursing staff consists of highly skilled professionals, who are required to maintain their surgical techniques and knowledge through vigorous continuing medical education requirements.
Medical/ Surgical Nurses
Many of the nurses at Lansdale Hospital were educated at Abington's Dixon School of Nursing, a regional program that graduates over 80 nurses each year. The Dixon School of Nursing graduates complete clinical rotations at Abington Memorial Hospital, offering the nursing students experience with physicians from many specialties.
5. What can I expect when I have surgery at Lansdale Hospital?
For local patients, surgery at Lansdale Hospital provides a personal experience in a convenient location. Patients first sign in for their surgery at Outpatient Registration, near the main lobby of the hospital. Then, patients report to the Same Day Surgery Unit, where they will be prepared for their surgery. From there, patients are then taken to the operating room where surgery occurs and family members will wait in the Family Waiting Center, adjacent to the Main Lobby of the hospital. After surgery, patients will be taken to the post anesthesia unit, (PACU) for recovery. Unfortunately, family members are not permitted in the PACU. Finally, the patients will return to Same Day Surgery, where they will be joined again with their families. Patients are discharged from Same Day Surgery. Following a surgical procedure, patients are contacted via phone by a member of our nursing staff to check in and review any questions or follow up questions.
6. What are patient outcomes related to quality for surgical procedures at Lansdale Hospital?
The Pennsylvania Cost Containment Council reports on quality indicators for hospitals in the SE PA region. In its annual report for the most recent time period, Lansdale Hospital outcomes for surgical infection rates are ranked within the expected range for all reporting hospitals in SE PA.
7. What are the most common surgical complications?
The most common surgical complication is infection. Administration of antibiotics prior to surgery helps to minimize this risk.
8. How does Lansdale Hospital rate in surgical infection prevention measures-such as "Appropriate Preventative Antibiotics for Surgery"?
The compliance rate for this measure in 2008 at Lansdale Hospital is 94%
In comparing this to the State of PA – 95%
In comparing to Average U.S. Hospitals – 93%
9. What enhancements have been made to surgical services since Lansdale Hospital became part of Abington Health?
We've moved quickly to add surgeons in the following areas to meet the growing needs of the local community:
- General Surgery
- Spine Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Urology
- Cardiology
10. What do patients say about their Lansdale Hospital experience?
Below are excerpts from recent patient letters:
February 2009
To all the nursing staff, I just wanted to thank all of you for taking care of me before the operation and after the operation. Loretta,
just wanted to thank you for calling me the day after the operation. It really made my day.
March 2009
This was my first surgery at Lansdale Hospital and I have to say it was a very pleasant experience.
March 2009
My experience with the personnel at the hospital, from pre-certification, testing, admissions, anesthesia and recovery was wonderful. Everyone was pleasant and gave me a good feeling that I was getting their full attention. I would recommend your facility to all my friends.
April 2009
I was recently in Abington Health Lansdale Hospital for surgery. The care I received there more than exceeded my expectations. I would particularly like to single out the nurses and aides who took care of me...
May 2009
To say "Thank You" for all you did for my husband doesn't seem enough. Everything was perfect from admitting – surgery – nurses of the fourth floor – food – cleanliness etc. We are very pleased with Abington Health Lansdale Hospital's changes and wouldn't hesitate to be a patient. What a difference a year makes. Thank you for your courtesy, time and helping make my stay a pleasant one.
June 2, 2009
I was a patient in your hospital under the care of a surgeon and was so well treated by your staff, especially the nurses and nurse's aides on the second and third shift. I just want you to know that they made my stay a happy experience and to thank them for their wonderful care.
June 2009
I would like to thank all your staff who helped me during this time in the hospital. Let me mention a few names and I hope I don't forget any but please forgive me if I do as I don't mean to. Surgeons and the surgical team members and the Anesthesiologist.... This letter is being written to let you know that your hospital and staff made me feel very secure. I have been in many a hospital and this was the first time I felt that way.
January 2010
..."A recent kidney stone attack warranted treatment at the nearest facility. I was impressed with the care I received in the ER and surgery center. I think I'll make the change and seek care closer to home. Thanks for caring and treatment."
January 2010
"The nurses in the short procedure unit were excellent! My nurse was informative, caring and professional. The staff in Imaging/Procedure area were very kind, informative and contacted me the day before to answer question...I appreciate all the care I received."
