Robotic Surgery is at Memorial!
The da Vinci Surgical System offers patients the precision of robotics, the skill of experienced surgeons and the personalized care that has become synonymous with Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. This innovative program allows many open surgeries to be performed as minimally invasive procedures, resulting in less blood loss, decreased risk of infection, reduced postoperative pain and less scarring. Patients undergoing robotic surgery also experience shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and a faster return to normal activities.
Surgery and Surgical Specialties
If your physician recommends surgery for you or a loved one, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital provides the necessary clinical expertise, medical technology and compassionate professionals. With a nationally recognized cardiovascular program, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive cardiac care, including open-heart surgery. Memorial also offers vascular, neurological, orthopedic and general surgery for both inpatients and outpatients. Our team includes skilled surgeons using the latest available surgical techniques and instrumentation supported by highly trained nurses and clinical staff. Together, they work to ensure you or your loved one receives the appropriate treatment.
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has expanded its services. The main operating area includes 10 operating rooms. All types of general and specialty surgeries are performed in this area. Customized rooms have also been created to support the specialty needs of different types of surgery.
Making your way through surgery:
If your doctor recommends surgery, we have some helpful tips to ease your preparation and recovery.
Inpatient and major outpatient surgeries:
You may begin the pre-surgery process up to two weeks before your scheduled surgery. During your pre-surgery registration and testing (PREP) appointment you will meet with a member of our nursing staff who will review your health history and give you detailed instructions for the day of your surgery and answer any questions you might have. If you need any lab, X-ray or EKG tests, these can be done during your visit unless your insurance requires them to be done elsewhere.
What to bring:
- Your hospital insurance card(s).
- Orders or forms from your doctor (PREP PASSPORT).
- If you have completed an advance healthcare directive form, please bring a copy with you.
- A list of your current medications.
- For patients under age 18, a parent or guardian must sign consent forms. Guardians must present their copy of the court order granting their guardianship of the minor when registering and on the day of surgery.
Appointments are required. To schedule your appointment, please call 327-4647, ext. 4562. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on major holidays).
Insurance
Many insurance carriers require the patient to be responsible for a co-payment or percentage of approved charges. Co-payments and deductibles are due at the time of service. Payment may be made by cash, check or major credit card. Because insurance requirements vary by contract, it is the patient's responsibility to verify that our hospital is a contracting provider and that all requirements are met for authorization and notification. Our Admitting staff will assist in any way possible.
Day of Surgery
If you are having any type of general or monitored anesthesia, please arrive two hours prior to surgery. If you are having local anesthesia, arrive one hour before surgery. (Children under age nine may arrive one hour prior to surgery, regardless of the type of anesthesia used.) Report to the Admitting Department (via main entrance) then the 3rd Floor Outpatient Services Department, unless you are instructed otherwise by your PREP nurse.
Vistor's Lounges are located near the operating areas for family and friends; however, seating is limited to only one to two persons per patient. Additional seating is available in our main lobby area and at the front entrance.
On the day of surgery:
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, candy, or chewing gum, for the specified time before your surgery as directed during the pre-registration process. You may brush your teeth or have a sip of water to take your regular medication. If, by mistake, you eat or drink anything, notify your physician or the Surgical Coordinator at (661) 327-4647, ext. 4562, before coming to the hospital.
- Notify your doctor if you become ill; develop a cold, persistent cough, or fever; or if there are any changes in your condition.
- Advise your physician and/or nurse practitioner of any allergies or medications you are taking.
- Please leave all jewelry, money and other valuables at home.
After Surgery
When your surgery is complete, the nursing staff will advise your visitors that they may see you. The staff will work with you to assess your level of discomfort and will make you feel as comfortable as possible.
After surgery, follow these guidelines for a safe recovery:
- Do not drive or operate machinery until the day after surgery, or as directed by your physician.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours.
- Do not make critical decisions or sign important papers for 24 hours.
- Rest quietly the night of your surgery.
- If any problems arise, call your doctor immediately. If you are at home and are unable to reach your doctor, go to the Emergency Room at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital or an emergency room near you.
Our staff will also provide you with personalized post-operative instructions about rest, activity, medications, and diet. Be sure to follow these instructions. Take-home prescriptions may be filled at the pharmacy of your choice.
Going Home
Recovery time from surgery varies.
If you are discharged on the same day as your surgery, you cannot leave the hospital alone. A friend or relative should be told the anticipated time of your discharge and must accompany you home. When family or friends arrive, they may park and pick you up in the patient drop-off/pickup zone in front of the main lobby of the hospital. You will be discharged via a wheelchair with a transporter to the patient pickup area.
