Swedish Surgical Specialists - West Seattle
Swedish Surgical Specialists - West Seattle
When it comes to where your surgery will be performed, experience matters. Multiple studies have shown that surgeons who have the most experience doing a procedure also have the best patient outcomes after surgery.
Swedish started as a surgical hospital over 100 years ago. Today, we have the largest, most comprehensive surgery program in the region. Our surgeons have extensive experience – even with the most complex procedures.
This level of experience extends well beyond the operating room to include nursing care, support services and other experts who will care for you until you’re back on your feet.
All surgery patients must have a pre-admission appointment within 14 days of surgery, especially if bloodwork is required. The appointment takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your procedure. You may be able to complete your pre-admission interview by phone.
During your appointment, we will:
- Obtain comprehensive health history
- Obtain complete current medication list
- Determine needs for pre-anesthesia studies (blood work, EKG, etc.)
- Offer pre-surgical instructions
- Answer your questions
Download and print important surgery instructions for you and your child. We also have instructions for the how to shower before your surgery.
Download, read and sign this consent form before your surgery:
Anesthetics help block pain in all or part of your body during surgery. Three basic categories of anesthesia are:
- Local anesthesia – blocks feelings of pain at the surgery site. It numbs a small part of your body and is frequently used for procedures such as biopsies, hernia repairs and eye surgeries. You may also receive a calming or relaxing medication.
- Regional anesthesia – blocks pain for surgery in a larger portion of the body, such as a knee, bladder or prostate. You may also receive a calming or relaxing medication.
- General anesthesia – puts you in a state of unconsciousness for all types of surgeries, major and minor.
Anesthesiologists provide the safest possible pain relief for patients and the best operating conditions for surgeons. During surgery, your anesthesiologist regulates your anesthesia, monitors your vital functions and manages your overall medical well-being.
As you prepare for surgery, your surgeon and anesthesiologist will be able to answer any questions you may have about anesthesia.
For a smoother discharge from the hospital, please note the following information:
- Verify your preferred pharmacy information for your discharge prescriptions or let us know if you want to pick up your prescriptions at the hospital.
- Ensure the person driving you home is available by 11 a.m. on your day of discharge.
- In case your ride is not available at your time of discharge, we have a full-service discharge lobby where you can wait. The lobby is attended by a hospital caregiver who will escort you to your ride upon arrival.