Should you ever need surgery, you won't have to travel far to find expertise you can trust.
At Humboldt General Hospital, we offer a variety of surgical specialties right here in Winnemucca.
By choosing to have your surgery near home, you will stay closer to family and friends while still getting expert treatment from our highly-trained surgical staff.
Here are a few things we want you to know about our surgery team:
- HGH offers modern surgical suites equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
- The surgeons at HGH use the latest techniques, including laparoscopic (small-incision) surgery whenever possible. As a result, many of our patients go home the day of their surgery.
- Our highly qualified surgeons, nurses, and certified nurse anesthetists deliver safe, excellent results for our patients, including low rates of infection after surgery.
Our surgery services
We offer many types of surgery at HGH. Among them:
General surgeries. Our general surgeons perform a wide range of procedures. These include all types of hernia repairs, biopsies, breast cancer lumpectomies and mastectomies, wound care surgeries, and skin lesion and mass removals.
Gastroenterology procedures. These include colonoscopies and EGDs.
Orthopedic surgeries. Orthopedic surgeons at HGH perform hip and knee replacements, ACL reconstructions, and much more.
Gynecologic surgeries. These include hysterectomies, procedures to treat stress urinary incontinence, and tubal ligations.
Podiatric surgeries. HGH podiatrists perform a variety of foot and ankle surgeries.
Urology procedures. These include laser kidney stone surgery and prostate surgeries.
Pain management. Our surgeons perform pain-relieving procedures such as nerve ablations, nerve stimulator implants, and injections.
Cardiology services. Our cardiologists provide services such as TEE and pacemaker insertions.
Obstetrics. Our OB providers provide cesarean sections.
We're here for you before and after surgery
No matter what type of procedure you'll be having, the surgery team works to coordinate your care, answer your questions, and help you understand how to prepare.
You can also review the following surgery guidelines:
- A staff member will call to confirm your surgery time and ask questions regarding your medical conditions. If you have not heard from the surgical staff the day before your surgery, please call 775.623.5222, ext. 1250 for instructions.
- If you take medications for any condition, ask your physician if you can take your medication the morning of your procedure.
- To minimize the risk of infection, do not shave anywhere on your body for 24 to 48 hours prior to surgery.
- You must have a ride home if you are receiving any type of sedation or anesthesia for your surgery. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Notify your physician if there is any change in your health—such as cold, fever, or sore throat—the week before surgery.
- For women, if there is any possibility you are pregnant, please notify your physician and surgery staff.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight prior to your surgery.
- Shower the morning of your surgery following the specific instructions your physician gives you or using an antibacterial soap, such as Dial. Use a clean towel to dry off. Be sure your hair is dry.
- Do not use any styling products or wear makeup, perfume, or nail polish.
- Contact lenses are not advised to wear on the day of surgery. If you do not have glasses, bring a contact lens case and solution with you.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Upon arrival, you will change into a gown and slippers provided by the facility.
Items to bring with you include insurance card, driver’s license, any orders from your doctor, updated medications list, form of payment if you haven’t paid already, glasses, hearing aids, and inhalers.
- Patient less than 18 years of age must have a parent present in the facility to sign consents and be available until discharge.
- For your safety, you must have a responsible adult drive you home and to stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery. You will not be allowed to drive if you received any sedation or anesthesia.
You will be moved to a recovery area where you will be closely monitored until you are ready to go home or transferred to your inpatient room. When you are fully awake, one family member will be able to join you.
Take it easy for at least 24 hours. We encourage you not to do anything that requires balance, judgement, or coordination.
For 24 hours, DO NOT:
- Drive, operate machinery, or use household appliances.
- Drink alcohol.
- Make important decisions or sign legal documents.
- Stay alone.
You will be provided post-procedure instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise, and medications prior to discharge.
Call your physician if you experience:
- Fever above 101 F.
- Pain not relived by medication.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting.
- Excessive bleeding (blood soaking through dressing).
- Unexpected drainage from wound.
- Extreme redness or swelling around the incision site, discharge, or unpleasant smell around incision area.
- Inability to urinate/empty your bladder within 8 hours.
If you experience any of the above symptoms and are unable to contact your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care. Call 911 if you develop problems with breathing or chest pain.