• Ambulatory Surgery
• Department of Ophthalmology
• Department of Pulmonary & Critical Medicine
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Urology Services

Ambulatory Surgery
Pre-Testing Day
Today, you will be sent for blood work, urinalysis, EKG and X-ray testing. A member of the anesthesia team and a nurse will interview you to make an assessment of your physical status and to plan your care. Please feel free to ask either of these persons specific questions regarding your treatment.

Night Before Surgery
On the night before surgery, you will be requested not to have anything to eat or drink after 12 midnight. You also may not have anything to eat or drink on the morning you come into the hospital, such as water, juice and/or coffee. You will receive specific instructions if you need to take routine medications. A member of the Ambulatory Surgery Center will call the night before to review your instructions. For your safety, hospital policy requires that a responsible adult accompany you home after checkout. It is advisable that two adults accompany children home.

Day of Surgery
You will be asked to arrive at the Ambulatory Surgery Unit (fifth floor). There, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, and your temperature, pulse and blood pressure will be taken. Your belongings will be transferred to the Nursing Unit where you will be after surgery. Do not bring any valuables (jewelry, watch or money) to the hospital.

Holding Room
Approximately one half-hour prior to your scheduled surgery, an orderly will transport you on a stretcher to the surgical holding room on the sixth floor. Children may be accompanied by their parents or guardians. Here, you will be greeted by a registered nurse who will coordinate your care while in this area. You will also meet and talk with the surgical nurse and the anesthesiologist who will provide your care during surgery. Rest assured that while you wait with other patients for your surgery to begin, we will help you feel as comfortable as possible. We encourage you to ask any questions you might have and to convey any important information at this time. As soon as your surgeon has arrived and your operating room suite is prepared, you will be taken to this room.

Anesthesia
During your surgical procedure, you will be administered a form of anesthesia that has been planned for your comfort, and given with your physical condition in mind. The anesthesia will be administered by a team from the Anesthesia Department, consisting of an anesthesiologist and one or more certified registered nurse anesthetists. The anesthesiologist is a physician specializing in anesthetics and how they affect the body. The certified registered nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse educated in anesthesia.

Operating Room Suite
Upon entering this room, you may notice that it is cooler. Warm blankets are available for you. You will also notice that the staff in this room are all dressed in scrub clothes, hats and masks. This is to ensure the cleanest environment possible for your surgery. Soon after you are transferred to a surgical bed, your surgeon will arrive to greet you before your anesthesia begins. Your surgical nurse will remain during your entire surgery to coordinate your nursing care and act as your advocate during this time.

Recovery Room
When your surgery is completed, you will be transported to the recovery room. This is an area equipped to care for your immediate postoperative needs, and is staffed by nurses with specialized skills. Upon admission to the recovery room, you will be placed on a cardiac monitor, have your blood pressure taken frequently and may be given oxygen for your comfort. In addition, you will be assisted in turning from side to side and asked to take deep breaths and to cough. Pain medication is available if needed.
Once it has been determined that you can leave the recovery area, you will be returned to Ambulatory Surgery by a member of the recovery room staff.

Ambulatory Surgery Unit
On your return, the nurses will frequently check your blood pressure, temperature and pulse, as well as any IV's or dressings you may have.

For your own well being, please do not try to get out of bed, go to the bathroom, eat or drink without first asking the nurse. Your doctor will leave specific orders concerning these activities; following them will ensure a speedier recovery for you. Please tell the nurses if you have any pain.

When you are ready for checkout, your family or responsible person will be contacted. Prior to leaving, you and/or your family will be given detailed written home-care instructions regarding activity, return to work, a return appointment with your physician and medication instructions, if appropriate. If, for any reason, your doctor feels that hospitalization is necessary after surgery, you can be admitted for further observation.

A member of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit will call you the evening after your surgery to help you with any questions you may have.

If you have any questions regarding your Ambulatory Surgery procedure, or your hospital stay, please call the nursing staff at the Caritas Carney Hospital Ambulatory Surgery Unit at (617) 296-4936, Monday through Friday, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
The Caritas Carney Hospital Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Service has a long history of excellence in the delivery of high-quality care to patients with all types of pulmonary disease. Special expertise is provided in the care of patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, lung cancer, sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. The service also specializes in the evaluation and treatment of patients with breathing-related sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. A multidisciplinary team and a complete sleep laboratory are present to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment plans. The Pulmonary Laboratory provides technical support, including a full range of pulmonary function testing, bronchoprovocation testing, sputum and blood gas analysis.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
-Fouad J. Samaha, M.D., Service Chief

Plastic surgery is a broad field which includes both cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. Cosmetic procedures are primarily intended to improve the appearance of facial and bodily features, while reconstructive procedures are generally involved with the correction of deformities that may result from cancer, trauma or tumor surgery.

Plastic surgery at Caritas Carney Hospital offers patients everything they need for a comfortable, convenient, and professional experience. You're given the necessary information that will help you explore all your possibilities and gain insight and knowledge about plastic surgery procedures.

Common Procedures in Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery can make a significant contribution in our lives by improving the appearance of normal body features and enhancing self-image and confidence.

• Breast Augmentation and Reduction
• Chin Augmentation
• Eyelid Surgery
• Facelift
• Liposuction
• Nose Surgery
• Ear Correction
• Tummy Tuck
• Correction of enlarged male breasts

Common Procedures in Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive Surgery includes the repair of congenital deformities such as cleft lip, laser surgery, post-surgical reconstruction such as breast and head and neck defects.

• Treatment of skin cancer
• Reconstruction after cancer surgery
• Reconstruction following traumatic injuries
• Reconstruction of congenital defects
• Closure of complex wounds
• Treatment of facial injuries

Common Procedures in Hand Surgery
Special hand surgery corrects deformities, acute injuries and diseases of the hand.

• Acute injuries of the hand
• Chronic injuries of the hand
• Work-related conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, trigger finger, etc.
• Hand deformities

Thoracic Surgery
- Michael Jaklitsch, MD Section Chief
The members of this division perform over 100 procedures per year at Caritas Carney Hospital. The division provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients with benign and malignant tumors and other disorders of the lung, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall. The members of the division use advanced techniques including minimally invasive thoracoscopy, endoscopy, and placement of tracheobronchial and esophageal stents. Unique cooperation among the various specialists at Caritas Carney Hospital (including pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, otolaryngologists, and gastroenterologists) allows for a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive care of patients with lung and esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, swallowing difficulties and emphysema.

Urology Services
-Jeffrey Bennett, MD, Service Chief
Urology is a surgical subspecialty which provides evaluation and surgical management of disorders and diseases of the male genitourinary tract and the female urinary tract for patients of all ages. Commonly encountered problems include voiding and erectile dysfunction, benign and malignant tumors of the prostate, bladder, kidney and adrenal gland, urinary tract stones, incontinence issues and congenital genitourinary abnormalities.

The Urology Section at Caritas Carney is sensitive to the needs of patients with urological problems. We put the patient first and offer private, personal treatment. Our dedicated staff of urologists combine extensive experience, compassion, and the latest technology in addressing your urological concerns.

Caritas Carney is committed to providing you with the highest quality medical care, and is dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible treatment options. Our newly refurbished Operating Room Suite has the finest state-of-the-art equipment available. The Suite includes a modern cystoscopy room where a procedure is used to visually inspect the bladder and urethra in patients who are experiencing urologic problems. This includes laser therapy and shock wave therapy to remove difficult kidney stones. Also, modern minimally invasive surgical techniques are routinely performed to improve incontinence in both male and female patients.