What to Know About Surgery During the Pandemic

3/16/2021

Akbar Ali, M.D., FACS
General Surgery Specialists
Eastern New Mexico Medical Group

The thought of having surgery for a nagging injury or lingering pain can make some patients feel uneasy. But, as many experts have said over the last few months, it is extremely important not to neglect medical needs during the pandemic.

Patients can feel confident seeking the medical care they need at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. Numerous steps have been put in place to keep patients safe during their visits, including:

• Screening all visitors for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms before they are allowed to enter.
• Visitor restrictions reduce the number of people inside to enable social distancing and keep patients and employees safe.
• All elective and emergency operations get screening for COVID infection.
• Face masks are worn by everyone inside the hospital – patients, employees and physicians.
• Caregivers are using appropriate personal protective equipment and washing hands before and after caring for every patient.
• Cleaning protocols have been enhanced with extra measures and increased frequency, including disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and all patient care areas.
• Furniture in waiting areas arranged to support social distancing.

“It is now over a year that we have this pandemic that is affecting the whole world including our country and our town. During this pandemic, routine and basic healthcare has been delayed by many patients. Routine screening for colon cancer with colonoscopy, breast cancer with mammogram and routine physical examination, follow-up by the primary care has been delayed by many patients due to concern regarding virus infection, said Dr. Akbar Ali of General Surgery Specialists. “What we see now is that patients are coming with advanced breast cancer and colon cancer with not having routine care by either physician. We see more patients coming to the emergency room with an acute life-threatening emergency from hernia strangulation, heart attack, stroke, infection of the gallbladder and appendix. Keeping all these in mind it is really important to have a regular routine follow-up with their primary care and taking care of their screening and routine surgical intervention. Sometimes delaying the basic surgery can cause permanent damage or disability.”

Pre-surgery COVID-19 testing is required for patients undergoing procedures involving general anesthesia or aerosolizing procedures. Patients are asked to self-quarantine after receiving the test and before arriving at the hospital. Care for surgery patients is delivered in a non-COVID care zone in which all patients have tested negative for COVID and provided by a dedicated group of staff who only work in this area.

“Delaying surgery for any length of time can sustain unnecessary pain and suffering and sometimes lead to more complicated procedures and reduced quality of life,” said Akbar Ali, M.D., FACS. “Remember, the sooner your surgery is done, the sooner your relief and recovery begin.”

Eastern New Mexico Medical Center has a broad spectrum of healthcare services available including colonoscopy, endoscopy, outpatient surgery and inpatient surgery. To schedule an appointment with a general surgeon call 627-0535.

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