Advanced surgical care in Middle Tennessee
If you’ve been told you need surgical care, talk with one of our experienced surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas about minimally invasive surgery options and advanced surgical treatments. Your surgeon starts by listening to understand you and how you are feeling. You’ll feel better knowing you made the right choice, as your surgeon and care team will discuss your concerns and answer all your questions – big and small. Then, we’ll work with you to create a customized surgical care plan that’s right for you.
When choosing a surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas, know that your surgeon is part of a national network of experienced specialists, sharing best practices and advanced surgical techniques. Your care team is highly trained in the latest minimally invasive surgery techniques using image-guided and robotic -assisted technology. Working together, we deliver comprehensive care and treatment for all your recovery and pain management needs.
At Ascension Saint Thomas, we offer:
- Bariatric surgery
- Breast surgery
- Colonoscopy or gastrointestinal procedures
- Gallbladder surgery
- General surgery
- Hernia repair surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Vascular surgery
Benefits of choosing Ascension Saint Thomas for surgical care
Your surgeon works with you and your doctor as one care team and stays connected throughout your care and recovery. Choosing Ascension Saint Thomas for your surgical care means:
- Highly experienced surgeons perform the latest surgical techniques in well-equipped surgery suites.
- Minimally invasive technology, including image-guided, endoscopic, laser, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, are available on-site.
- Your care is coordinated from pre-operative testing and consultations to recovery.
- If you need additional imaging, lab testing, pharmacy or specialists, we’ll help connect the dots for your care.
- Connection to personalized wound healing services, and rehabilitation and physical therapy after surgery, if needed.
Helping to make your surgery as comfortable as possible
At Ascension Saint Thomas, general surgeons focus on more than removing a blockage or tumor, repairing an injury or reconstructing how your abdominal organs work. No matter what you need, we’re here for you – from preparing you for surgery to recovery and follow-up care.
Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West achieved a Surgical Review Corporation accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery in 2022. This accreditation recognizes hospitals and care teams for their commitment to excellence in safety, high-quality surgical care and optimal patient outcomes.
Get a second opinion on your surgical care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Saint Thomas. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are deciding on a surgical treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our surgical specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Refer a patient to a surgeon
Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please view our provider registry.
Frequently asked questions about surgery
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How do I know if it’s the right time to have surgery?
Talk to your surgeon about whether surgery is right for you. Here are three questions to consider asking your doctor:
- How might surgery help ease my pain or get rid of it?
- How might this procedure help improve how my body works and change daily life afterward?
- How might this surgical treatment help keep my condition from getting worse?
At Ascension Saint Thomas, you’ll have an entire team dedicated to your care. Your care team will explain the surgery, tell you if you may need to stay in the hospital overnight, and explain your follow-up care as part of your recovery care plan.
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What is a general surgeon?
General surgeons are highly trained in the repair and reconstruction of wounds, bones, muscles and organs in the body. And they use minimally invasive techniques when possible to remove tumors and diseased tissue, and help shorten your recovery time.
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Where will the surgery be performed?
Surgery is done in our hospitals and free-standing surgery centers. Many procedures are done as outpatient surgery, which means the procedure is a same-day surgery. But some procedures may require you to stay in the hospital.
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Will my doctor communicate with my family while I am in surgery?
At our surgery center, your healthcare representative (the family member or friend you have chosen to receive your healthcare information) is updated by your care team. When your procedure is complete, your surgeon will provide a verbal update on your condition.
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How will my family or caregiver know what to do after surgery?
Talk with your doctor before your surgery about how to better prepare for your return home after surgery. When you are ready to go home after surgery, your care team talks with you and your healthcare representative about the care you will need after surgery. After surgery, a discharge plan with home instructions is provided to you and explained to your healthcare representative. We help you understand your pain management, wound care and dietary needs to help make your recovery as comfortable and safe as possible.