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  Phone : 610.375.0500

All Posts in Category: General surgery

Picture of Dr. Robert Howard, Dr. Joseph Levan and Dr. Thomas Beetel of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

The Three Best Questions to Ask Your General Surgeon Before Surgery

Taking An Active Role in Planning For General Surgery

As consumers, it’s very much second nature for us to gather and sort through masses of information on countless products and services, choosing the one we think will work best.   When taking on the role of patient, however, sometimes there is a hesitancy to ask questions about concerns that could have a major impact on our health. If you can relate to the feeling of “I should’ve asked”, Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists would like to offer three of the best questions to ask your surgeon prior to general surgery.

Discussing General Surgery’s Surgical Methods

First, of course, is asking about the type of surgery and surgical method that will be utilized. Used to treat many conditions within the abdomen, including the colon and hiatal hernias, minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery uses keyhole-sized incisions to access and address areas of concern. As we shared in a previous post, What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?, the advantage of minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery is a much quicker recovery period when compared to traditional open surgery with its large incision and lengthy recovery.

Become Familiar with Your Hospital

The second question to ask your general surgeon prior to surgery is equally important. Just as you select a surgeon based on comfort level and expertise, it’s best to become familiar with the surgical hospital where your surgeon will perform your procedure. Typically, surgeons are affiliated with specific surgical hospitals, so when you choose your surgeon, you are in effect also choosing the surgical hospital where your procedure will occur. Ask your surgeon what advantages the surgical hospital offers, compared to others in the area, so you have confidence in where your surgery will occur. In our practice, surgeons Dr. Thomas Beetel, Dr. Robert Howard, and Dr. Joseph Levan perform minimally invasive endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic procedures at Surgical Institute of Reading, including laparoscopic treatment of incisional and inguinal hernias, reflux, as well as conditions of the colon and gallbladder.   Our practice is also affiliated with and performs procedures at Penn State Health St. Joseph and Reading Health, respectively.

For Your Health’s Sake, Ask Away!

Lastly, ask questions about what you can expect during your recovery period after surgery. How long will you stay in the hospital after surgery? Will you need to be driven home by a friend or family member after surgery? Will someone need to assist you with your personal care during recovery? How soon will you be able resume regular activities, including returning to work? Knowing the answer to these and other questions prior to surgery can make all the difference in having a positive surgical experience and outcome.

To Your Best Health,

Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists
2758 Century Boulevard, Suite 1
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610.375.0500

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Dr. Beetel

Dr. Thomas Beetel on WEEU’s “Health Talk” call-in show this Wednesday February 3rd from 6pm to 7pm

Have questions about common general surgical issues?  Here’s a great opportunity to speak directly with our own Dr. Thomas Beetel this Wednesday, February 3rd during WEEU’s “Health Talk” live call-in program from 6pm to 7pm.  Presented by the Berks County Medical Society, the show will feature Dr. Beetel taking your calls about common general surgery issues and problems.  To call in during the show, call WEEU at (610) 374-8800 or (800) 323-8800.

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