A wide range of surgical options for the residents of Cambridge, North Dumfries and the Region of Waterloo

Learning that you or a loved one needs surgery can be stressful. At CMH, we provide support, care and expertise to help you and your family to feel more comfortable. Our team of experts will guide you through your stay from the preadmission visit, surgical preparation, the operating room and the recovery room. Whether you will be in hospital for a day or for several days, we will ensure you receive compassionate, professional care. We will answer your questions and will collaborate with you in decisions affecting your care.
 

Surgical services at CMH include:

• Dental
• Ear/nose/throat
• General
• Gynaecology
• Maxillo-facial
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedic
• Plastic
• Spine
• Urology
   

Kindly note that CMH has a no scent policy. Please refrain from using or wearing perfumes, scented deodorants and scented products before coming to hospital.

Pre-Op Area

On the day of your surgery (if not already admitted to hospital), you will be escorted to the waiting room to a gurney in the pre-op area of the recovery room. You will meet your pre-op nurse who will do an admission, answering any questions you may have. You may be weighed before being asked to change into a hospital gown. 

Before you go into the operating room, an intravenous (IV) will be started in your arm that will administer medications during the surgery. You will continue to have opportunities to ask any questions you may have before going into the room. Your anesthesiologist may also ask you additional questions at the time related to your health history. 

Operating Room (OR)

CMH has a eight fully functional operating rooms. One of which is designated specifically for birthing parents. An operating room (OR) nurse will take you to the operating room when it is time. It is common for different members of your OR team to ask you similar questions regarding your health and surgery. This provides you with safe and high quality patient care. If an IV was not started prior to arriving in the OR, the anesthesiologist will start one. 

Most surgeries will have monitoring equipment that is used to assess your vital signs during surgery. 

Here's what you can expect when you enter the OR:

• An automatic blood pressure cuff will be put on one of your arms. 
• Electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heart. 
• A probe, similar to a clothes peg, is placed on your finger to measure oxygen levels in your blood. 
• You may be introduced to your OR team including a nurse that coordinates necessary supplies and equipment, the OR scrub nurse that sets up the sterile supplies, your anesthesiologist, and your surgeon. 

Once your surgery is completed, you are transferred to a stretcher or bed and taken to the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) or recovery room. Your surgeon or a member of the team will notify your family that you are out of surgery.

Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU)

After your surgery, you are taken to the Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) by the operating team. If you require more intensive observation, you may be taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Admission to PACU would include patients who had procedures performed under general anesthesia, regional, and monitored anesthetic care. Your surgeon may speak to you at this time or after you leave the recovery room. 

Upon arrival, the PACU team ensures you are comfortable and pain and nausea are under control. Your vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels, are monitored. In some cases, as ordered by your doctor, you may have specialized monitoring equipment. Heart monitor wires may still be connected to the top of your chest to monitor your vitals and a temperature probe tucked under your armpit to monitor your temperature. If your temperature is low, you will be given a warming blanket.

Our PACU team is committed to helping you manage your pain and recuperate after surgery. You may be asked many times about your level of pain and checked on regularly. You can expect to be monitored for one hour or more until you are ready to be transferred to the hospital or to the Outpatient Surgery Unit for discharge. 

It is normal not to remember being in PACU due to the medications you received for your surgery.

Visitors

Visitors are NOT allowed in PACU. Patients and/or caregivers of children undergoing surgery may be invited by a nurse. Under certain circumstances, a patient requires special attention and/or assistance, arrangements can be made for someone to stay with the patient in the PACU. This would include a patient who has a disability or requires a translator. 

Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) offers a wide range of surgical options performed by highly skilled physicians and staff. Elective surgeries are normally scheduled Monday through Friday from 0800 - 1630h (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Urgent and emergency surgeries are performed as required, at any time of the day or night, depending on the needs of the patient. 

General Surgery

General surgeons perform a wide range of surgeries. Most general surgeries are done using laparoscopes. This minimally invasive procedure uses a very thin telescopic camera and surgical tools to access the abdomen and pelvis. The incisions are very small, which means faster recovery and less pain for many patients. Most gall bladder removals are performed using this method. Some other common surgeries performed include hernia repairs and bowel surgery.

Dental Surgery

Dental surgeons perform surgery on the mouth and/or teeth. Some of the more common procedures they  perform include: removal of multiple teeth, jaw bone re-alignment and repairing jaw fractures.

Ear, Nose, and Throat

These specialists perform a variety of surgeries on the ear, nose and throat of both adults and children. Some of the more common procedures are: removal of tonsils and adenoids, placement of tubes in children’s ears, nasal endoscopic (nose) and sinus surgeries.

Gynecology

Gynecology specialists perform surgeries such as hysterectomies, endometrial ablations, operative laparoscopy and tubal sterilizations. These surgeons also perform obstetrical procedures like Caesarian Sections (C-sections).

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmic surgeries involve the eyes and surrounding tissues. Some examples of surgeries performed by these specialists include the removal of cataracts, procedures for glaucoma and eye surgery for children.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery involves joints, bones and the tissues that connect them. Our orthopedic surgeons routinely perform total joint replacements such as hips, knees, and shoulders. Many other procedures are performed arthroscopically – using a telescope to look into the joint, which can result faster recovery times for many patients.

Urology

Urology surgery involves the bladder and kidneys. Examples of some of the procedures that the urologist may perform include: examining the bladder using a scope, and removal of kidney stones.

Plastics

Plastic surgeries performed include skin cancer surgery, hand surgery, breast reduction, breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.

This section includes patient information and education related to many surgeries performed at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. If you do not find information about a surgery you or a loved one may be having, your surgeon may provide this information prior to or after your surgery. Contact your care provider directly if you have questions or concerns. 

• Bowel Surgery: Path to Home Guide
• Hip Fracture: Moving forward
  • Hip Fracture Education Book
  • Patient Handout: After your hip fracture
• Ostomy Surgery
  • Coloplast Information & Education
  • Living with Your Ostomy (english)
• Total Hip Replacement: Patient Education Guide
• Total Joint Replacement Surgery: Patient Education & Information Video
• Total Knee Replacement: Patient Education Guide
• Total Shoulder Replacement: Patient Education Guide
• Opioid Medication: Pain Medication & Information for Patients & Families