Surgery

The medical staff at First Care Medical Services is an experienced team of surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers dedicated to working together to provide high quality, cost effective general medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for patients close to home. We recognize patients as our first priority, and our services are designed to meet our patients' health care needs in an atmosphere that promotes healing and comfort.

The surgical nursing unit provides postoperative care including comprehensive patient assessment, monitoring and intervention for adult and pediatric surgical patients.

Surgeries performed at First Care

General Surgery

We perform emergency and elective general surgeries such as:

gallbladder surgery
laparascopic
hernia repair
biopsies
cesarean sections
hysterectomies
vasectomies
tubal ligations
bowel resections
mastectomies
appendectomies
hemorrhoidectomies
vein ligation and strippings
testicular surgery
cystocoele (bladder repair) and rectocoele (repair of rectal hernia)
endoscopies
anal fistula surgery
colonoscopies

Orthopedics

We perform a full array of specialty and subspecialty care in:

Total Joint Replacement
Total Joint Revisions
Shoulder Surgery
Repair of fractured hips and other fractures
Sports Medicine

Dr. Glenn Johnson specializes in minimally invasive orthopedic surgery, using a smaller incision, causing less bleeding and tissue trauma, and patients enjoy a faster recovery with less pain and fewer overall complications.

Ophthalmology

We perform eye surgeries including:

cataract
lid repair
yag lasers

All Ophthalmic Surgical and Laser Procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Robert Dicken uses state of the art equipment and technology when performing surgery at First Care.

Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)

We perform:

tonsillectomies
sinus surgeries
placement of tubes in ears
cosmetic and facial surgeries.

Preparations for Surgery

Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to your arrival.
Do not smoke after midnight the night before your surgery.
Do not chew gum or suck on candy after midnight the night before your surgery.

Helpful Hints

Notify your doctor if you have a cold, flu or high temperature during the days before your surgery.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to fit over dressings.
Remove makeup, nail polish and all jewelry including body jewelry.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a glasses case or contact supplies with you.
Remember to bring your contact information, insurance information including insurance, Medicare or Medical Assistance cards with numbers and addresses and photo ID.
Assistance cards with numbers and addresses and photo ID.
Do not bring valuables or money.
Bring a special blanket, stuffed animal or other security toy for children.
The nurse will ask questions about your health history and a list of the medications you are currently taking.
Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery.

Care at Home

You may feel lightheaded and sleepy for the first 12 – 24 hours after surgery. For your safety, do not operate a motor vehicle or machinery, drink alcoholic beverages, or take any medications not prescribed by your doctor for at least 24 hours following surgery. A nurse will call you at home within a few days of surgery to check on your progress and answer questions.