Surgery

Some of the scariest words in the medical world are, “I think you need surgery.” You can put your mind at ease—there’s a place you can go—close to home—with state-of-art operating rooms and a highly trained staff known for their compassion.

View a list of our surgeons.

Surgical Procedures

Procedures offered by our general surgeons, Dr. Matt Morgan and
Dr. Michael Thompson:

  • EGD (upper gastrointestinal scope)
  • Colonoscopy
  • C-section delivery
  • Tubal ligation
  • Vasectomy
  • Lesion removal
  • Colon resections, open and laparoscopic
  • Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery

  • Appendectomy, open and laparoscopic
  • Hemorrhoid surgery
  • Repair of hiatal hernia
  • Trauma injury management
Dr. Matt Morgan and Dr. Michael Thompson also offer advanced treatment of:
  • Breast cancer including sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Reflux disease (GERD)
  • Varicose veins and spider veins
  • Botox and facial aesthetics


Procedures completed by Dr. Dale Lensing, Pella Regional’s Gynecologist
  • Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Vaginal Hysterectomy
  • Removal of Ovaries
  • Tubal Ligation
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Repair of Pelvic Prolapse
  • Endometrial Ablations
  • Treatment of Abnormal Pap Smears & Cervical Dysplasia
  • Infertility Evaluation

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Planning for Surgery

Are you planning to have surgery soon?  Here are some things you can expect to help make your surgery experience successful.

Stop Smoking.  It is suggested that you should stop smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or any other form or use of tobacco products before the scheduled procedure.  Smoking cessation will help to prevent infections and will promote healing.  If you must smoke, cut down as much as possible.  This will help your lungs be as healthy as possible for your surgery.

Medication. If you regularly take medications, including herbals, aspirin, NSAID (i.e.; Aleve, ibuprofen, Celebrex, etc.),  anticoagulant (blood thinners), or any other prescriptions and over the counter drugs, ask your doctor if you should stop taking them prior to surgery. If your physician instructed you to take your medications the morning of surgery, please take with a minimal amount of water to comfortably swallow the medication. Please bring CPAP or inhaler if needed.

Hygiene. Shower with an antibacterial soap the night before surgery and again the day of your surgery.  Paying special attention to the surigcal site do not use lotions on your skin the morning of surgery. You may use deodorant. This reduces the bacteria on your skin and helps prevent infections.

Eating. Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. If you do eat or drink your surgery may be cancelled since it poses a significant safety risk.

Clothing. Wear loose comfortable clothes and warm socks to the surgical facility.  Leave your jewelry, makeup and valuables at home.  Generally, you will be provided with a gown, slippers and robe to wear and warm blankets to keep you comfortable.

Eyewear. It is best to wear your glasses –NO CONTACTS PLEASE.

Other. If you use an assistive device such as walker, cane, hearing aids, please bring it with you.

You may brush your teeth and gargle the morning of surgery.  Be careful not to swallow any of the liquid.

Before Surgery

When you arrive at Pella Regional Health Center, please check in and register at the Admissions Desk, which is located near the main entrance.

Please let us know if you have a pacemaker or any other kind of internal deliberator.

Bring your insurance and ID card(s) with you. Copies may be needed when you register.

If you have a living will, bring a copy with you.

Information you will be expected to share with the nursing staff prior to surgery includes:

  • Previous health experiences
  • Previous surgical and anesthesia history
  • Allergies
  • Current Medications- PLEASE bring list or actual medication (dose, frequency). (Feel free to download this card (20 KB pdf) and write your medications on here.)
  • Your plans following surgery

The nurse will perform a physical assessment when you arrive.  An intravenous infusion may be started.

You must have someone available to drive you home after surgery if you are going home that same day.  You may also want to make plans to have someone drive you to follow up appointments, if necessary.

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After Surgery

You will spend some time in the recovery room and outpatient surgery following your surgery.  If your surgery is planned as outpatient, you may be discharged when certain conditions are met. These may include:

  • Vital signs are stable
  • Able to walk with assistance
  • Bleeding is controlled
  • Awake and alert
  • Nausea and vomiting are controlled
  • Pain is controlled

If your surgery is planned as inpatient, you will be admitted to our medical/surgical unit.  Again, family members are encouraged to participate in your care and are welcome to stay with you.

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Discharge Instructions

Discharge instructions will be explained before surgery, and handed out before you leave to go home. Plan to stay home after discharge to rest and heal.
When you have had general, regional or local anesthesia with sedation it can leave you feeling tired and lightheaded.  Your judgment and motor skills may be impaired for a period of twenty-four (24) hours.

  • Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages
  • Postpone signing legal documents or making important decisions
  • Limit your activities

Begin your diet with liquids and light foods (gelatin, soups, toast, juice, etc.).  You may progress to your normal diet if you are not nauseated.  Eat a well-balanced diet to properly heal after surgery.  Resume special diets.  Good fluid intake and food with fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, is important to prevent constipation.

Take medications as prescribed by your physician.  When taking pain control medications, be careful when you walk, drive or climb stairs.  Drink plenty of water with your pain medications.  Dizziness is not unusual.  Do not mix with alcohol.

It is suggested that you do not smoke after surgery, as this will interfere with healing.

You will experience some pain, bruising, swelling and bleeding after surgery.  A small amount of drainage from the incision site is normal.  It is also common to experience increased pain the day after surgery.  If you have excessive pain, bruising, discoloration, tingling, numbness, swelling or bleeding, please call your surgeon.  If your wound becomes red, swollen, shows pus or red streaks, feels more tender, or you experience an elevated temperature (more than 101 degree F.) call your surgeon. 

We will call a day before your surgery to give instructions, answer any questions, and verify your time of arrival.

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