Surgery

Surgical specialty hospital in South Tampa

The skilled surgeons at Memorial Hospital of Tampa perform surgical procedures in a variety of specialty areas. We offer routine outpatient surgeries to minimally invasive and complex procedures. The operating rooms at our hospital are equipped with the latest surgical technology, including advanced robot-assisted operating systems for patients undergoing robotic surgery. We are here to answer all your questions before surgery and to provide recovery support following your procedure.

To learn more about the types of surgery performed at our hospital, please call our Consult-A-Nurse^® team at (855) 245-8329.

Surgical specialties

Patients come to our hospital in South Tampa for the unique surgical expertise and care we provide, including:

• Bariatric surgery
• Cosmetic and plastic surgery
• Endocrine, including thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal gland
• Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, including colorectal procedures
• General Surgery, including appendicitis, hernia repairs, and cholecystectomy
• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmic (eye) surgery
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Orthopedic surgery, including podiatric (foot and ankle) surgery
• Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) surgery
• Spine and neurological surgery, including degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, and spine deformities
• Surgical oncology
• Urogynecologic surgery
• Urologic surgery
• Vascular surgery

Our team is also here for you throughout the postoperative recovery process with physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help you regain strength and mobility.

Gastrointestinal procedures

We offer a range of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, such as:

• Bronchoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Feeding tube insertion
• GERD treatment options, including laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, transoral incisionless fundoplication and a magnetic reflux management system
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Small bowel endoscopy
• Upper endoscopy

Robotic and minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a wide ranging term that refers to surgery that uses certain tools and technologies, such as laparoscopes and endoscopes. It typically offers a shorter recovery time, less pain and fewer complications. Over the past several decades, there have been many advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques. As a result, surgeries that were once considered major operations can now be performed using only a few small incisions.

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that allows a surgeon to use a robot-assisted surgical system. The surgeons remains completely in control during the entire surgery. The system is only implementing the surgeon's precise movements and offering them enhanced visualization.

Outpatient surgery process

In an outpatient procedure you will return home the same day as you have surgery. If you are scheduled for outpatient surgery, your surgical team will tell you how you should prepare and what to expect. However, following is an outline of the process you can expect to follow:

Prior to outpatient surgery

Before the day of your surgery, your doctor or a nurse will provide you with specific instructions on preparing for your procedure. You will be told not to eat or drink anything for a specified amount of time prior to surgery and you will be informed about the medications you should or should not take. Following preoperative instruction is important for patient safety and, if instructions are not followed, your surgery may have to be postponed.

Most surgeries require preoperative testing, such as lab work or imaging exams. All preoperative tests should be completed at least three days prior to surgery, so your doctor has time to review your results before surgery.

If you are unable to keep your appointment for surgery, please notify your physician directly. Please also contact the hospital as soon as possible by calling our surgery scheduling department at (813) 873-6411.

Day of outpatient surgery

When you arrive on the day of surgery, please report to registration in the Memorial Diagnostic Center before entering the hospital. Patients may park in the visitor parking lot located off of Swann Avenue. Please follow these guidelines when coming to the hospital:

• Arrange for someone to pick you up after surgery (you will be unable to drive as a result of the effects of anesthesia)
• Be prepared in case there is a delay in your procedure
• Bring appropriate storage for personal items, such as dentures, contact lenses, hearing aids and prostheses
• Leave all jewelry, money and other valuables at home
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes

Upon admission, a nurse will record your vital signs and other important health information. You will sign a surgery consent form and be visited by your surgeon and anesthesiologist. We do allow a family member or friend to accompany you in the preoperative area prior to surgery. When you are taken to surgery, your loved ones are welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting area where they can receive updates on your progress.

After outpatient surgery

After surgery, you will rest and recover in the surgical recovery area until your medical team determines you are able to go home. Upon discharge, you will receive specific instructions on how to care for yourself and who to contact if you encounter a problem.

We are here for you and your family, which is why we encourage you to ask questions. We want to help you feel comfortable while you are in the hospital and better prepared to recover at home.