General Surgery

What is Surgery?

No one wants to face surgery. Sometimes, the option arrives after years of “trying everything else.” Other times, we find ourselves dealing with an urgent, critical situation that requires immediacy. As it stands, there are many reasons to have surgery, from relieving pain, to uncovering problems, to saving a life. Thanks to technological advances, certain operations that once required large incisions now occur using smaller cuts, and include speedier recovery than ever before.

How We Are Different

The surgeons at The Vancouver Clinic are master technicians when it comes to your body and your health. We understand the emotions involved, as well as the delicacy and precision needed when it’s time for care. We utilize state-of-the-art surgical technologies that help minimize the impact of surgery and improve results. Our practice encompasses a wide range of surgical patients including everything from carotid surgery and endocrine surgery to carpal tunnel surgery, as well as complex oncological cases.

What does Board Certified mean?

Board certification recognizes surgeons who have met the highest standards of education, training and knowledge specifically in the area of general surgery and its related specialties. To maintain their board certification, surgeons must pass a written examination every 10 years and demonstrate they have participated in ongoing professional development, continuing education, and practice improvement.

What does F.A.C.S. stand for?

The letters F.A.C.S. stand for “Fellow, American College of Surgeons.” The American College of Surgeons admits to its Fellowship only those surgeons who agree without compromise to practice by the professional and ethical standards of the College. When this designation appears after a surgeon’s name it indicates that the surgeon’s education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the American College of Surgeons.

Will my surgery be performed in your office?

Office-based procedures such as applicable biopsies, incision and drainage of abscess, and thrombosed hemorrhoids can sometimes be accomplished in the office if appropriate. Surgeries that require anesthesia are performed in the hospital setting, most of which are outpatient or same day surgery and discharge.

How long will it be before my surgery is scheduled?

If your surgery is deemed an emergency, you are scheduled immediately. Elective surgery is usually scheduled within 3-7 days and is based on the pre-certification requirements of your insurance company, potential medical clearance results from your primary care, cardiologist, etc.

What do I do if I have problems at night or on weekends?

Just call our main office number of 360-991-0738. One of our physicians is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Refill for prescription pain medicine should be requested during normal office hours.

Can I drive myself home after my surgery?

No. Patients receiving anesthesia and/or those under prescription pain medicine should not operate a motor vehicle.

When can I resume my activities and return to work?

This is dependent on several factors: type of surgery, your occupation, and your rate of recovery. This date will be determined at the time of your postoperative visits to our office.

Above all else, expect expertise, empathy and precision, whether your surgery is a planned procedure, or comes in response to an immediate, critical need.