The surgeons at Ringgold County Hospital (RCH) are highly trained physicians who perform a wide range of surgeries on the head, neck, abdomen, upper and lower extremities, and more. The procedures may be diagnostic or curative in nature, or both. Thanks to advances in medicine, these operations are less invasive than ever before.
Here are more about three common general surgery procedures performed at RCH.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic procedures have become the gold standard for many common orthopedic issues, such as torn tendons and ligaments or other types of joint damage. Using very tiny surgical instruments equipped with lights and real-time video cameras, surgeons can diagnose and treat a wide range of joint problems in a single procedure.
Arthroscopy has many advantages for physicians and patients alike, including:
- Small incisions
- Few to no sutures
- Faster surgery
- Less general anesthesia; use of twilight sedation or local anesthetics
- Reduced or no hospital stay
- Less patient downtime and rehabilitation, post-surgery
- Faster return to work and daily activities
Also, because arthroscopic instruments are so small, there is a significantly reduced risk of infection, blood clots, and unnecessary harm to healthy tissue surrounding the joint, as compared to traditional “open” surgical procedures. Because post-op pain is reduced, patients require less or even no pain medications after surgery.
Laparoscopy
Like arthroscopy, a laparoscopic surgical procedure employs miniature cameras, lights, and surgical tools to investigate internal organs and tissue and to perform repairs as needed.
Some common laparoscopic surgeries include:
- Appendectomy
- Freeing of bowel blockages (colon resection)
- Investigation of traumatic injury or infection
- Removal of ovarian cysts and endometriosis
- Surgical sterilization (tubal ligation)
- Hernia repair
- Gallbladder removal
Laparoscopy features far smaller incisions and suturing than open procedures. This means less pain, fewer meds, a lower chance of infection and other complications, as well as a quicker recovery time for patients. Some laparoscopies are performed on an outpatient, or same-day, basis.
Biopsy
To obtain a tissue sample for lab analysis, a physician may perform a surgical biopsy. Biopsy samples can reveal certain types of health problems, such as cancer (including its type and stage), or help gastroenterologists understand characteristics of a chronic GI condition, such as Barrett’s esophagus or Crohn’s disease.
Biopsies may require open incisions, in the case of large abdominal tumors, or they may be far less invasive as needle biopsies of the breast or shave biopsies of skin moles. Biopsies are regularly taken during an upper GI endoscopy as well as during colonoscopies. The particular type of biopsy performed will depend on what your physician wishes to investigate.
Surgical Services at Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, IA
The surgical staff at RCH in Mount Ayr, Iowa, performs scores of inpatient and outpatient procedures in two different, fully equipped, and state-of-the-art surgery suites. These procedures include endoscopy, laparoscopy, biopsies, and joint replacements, as well as a wide array of vascular surgeries, including carotid stent placement.
As always, the compassionate care we’re known for at RCH extends to our patients during pre-op, surgery, recovery, and beyond.
To learn more about general surgery procedures at one of the finest rural community hospitals in the country, call Ringgold County Hospital at (641) 464-3226, and we will get you the information you need.
