Services
At the Surgery Center at Tanasbourne, our surgeons specialize in many types of outpatient surgical procedures, including general surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, plastic surgery, GI, pain management, spine and ear, nose and throat. These procedures are less complex in nature, and usually our patients can return home within a few hours of surgery.
We serve all types of patients, from children and senior citizens. Our patients’ family members also benefit from the comfort and convenience of our facility. It’s our pleasure to serve you.
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Colonoscopy
If you’re having a colonoscopy procedure, please download our .
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a direct visual inspection of the entire length of your large intestine (colon). The exam is performed after cleansing the colon and is done while you are sedated to ensure your comfort. Since colonoscopies are visual inspections, the accuracy is directly related to the quality of the bowel cleansing. That’s why it’s critically important to read and follow all preparation instructions carefully.
Why do I need a colonoscopy?
Colon cancer is a significant health problem in the United States, and it is the leading cause of cancer in non-smokers. Most people agree that colon cancer usually starts as a small, benign growth called a polyp which can turn into cancer slowly over time. Colonoscopies are performed on healthy individuals to find and remove these polyps. Removing polyps can greatly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. There are other forms of colon cancer screening available; however, colonoscopy is considered the gold standard. Screening usually begins at age 50, although it may begin sooner if you have certain risk factors.
What are the risks?
As with most medical procedure, there are infrequent risks associated with colonoscopy. These include, but are not limited to, risks of bleeding, perforation and sedation problems. In the case of colonoscopy, the benefits far outweigh the risks. This is why it is recommended that everyone undergo colorectal cancer screening. You will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you understand these risks, and that you choose to proceed with the colonoscopy. A copy of this consent form is included in your packet for your review prior to your arrival for your procedure.
What can I expect to happen on the day of my exam?
When you arrive at Surgery Center at Tanasbourne, you will check in at the front desk. Please bring your completed paperwork that has been enclosed in this packet, picture ID and your insurance card (if applicable). Once registration is complete, you will be escorted to the pre-op area where our staff will review your medical history and start an intravenous line. Once everything is ready, the physician will meet with you to discuss your exam further, review the risks and benefits, and to answer any remaining questions.
Our goal is to make sure you are as relaxed, comfortable and prepared for your procedure as possible to allow for a complete and thorough evaluation of your colon. If you have any additional questions about your colonoscopy, please contact our the Surgery Center at Tanasbourne at 503-216-9500.
If you’re having a colonoscopy procedure, please download our .
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What is Anesthesia?
Anesthesia is the loss of sensation and/or consciousness created by the administration of medications by a doctor specially trained in this process. While under the influence of anesthesia, a patient’s vital functions are constantly monitored and adjusted with medication as needed. Ambulatory (or outpatient) anesthesia is tailored to meet the needs of ambulatory surgery so you can go home soon after your operation. Short-acting anesthetic drugs and specialized anesthetic techniques, as well as care specifically focused on the needs of the ambulatory patient, are used to make your experience safe and pleasant. In general, if you are in reasonably good health, you are a candidate for ambulatory anesthesia and surgery.
What types of Anesthesia are available?
There are several types of anesthetic techniques available for surgery. As an outpatient, some techniques may allow you to recover more quickly, and with fewer side effects. Your preferences also will be incorporated in the selection of the best anesthetic plan for your procedure. There are four anesthetic options:
- General Anesthesia: This anesthetic choice produces unconsciousness so that you will not feel, see or hear anything during the surgical procedure. The anesthetic medications are given to you through an intravenous line, and may also be inhaled.
- Regional Anesthesia: This technique produces numbness with the injection of local anesthesia around nerves in a region of the body corresponding to the surgical procedure. Epidural or spinal blocks anesthetize the abdomen and both lower extremities. Other nerve blocks may be done with the nerves in the arms or legs to anesthetize individual extremities. With regional anesthesia, IV medications can be given that will make you comfortable, drowsy and blur your memory.
- Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC): With this approach, you receive pain medications and sedatives through the IV line from your anesthesiologist. The surgeon will inject local anesthesia into the skin, which will provide numbness during and after the procedure. While you are sedated, your anesthesiologist will monitor your vital body functions.
- Local Anesthesia: The surgeon will inject local anesthetic to provide numbness at the surgical site. An anesthesiologist is not present during these procedures.
Preparing for Anesthesia
Your surgeon or their nurse will give you a list of instructions before surgery. In addition, before your surgery, a nurse and your anesthesiologist from Surgery Center at Tanasbourne will contact you to perform a brief interview and answer any questions you may have.
As a general rule, you should not eat or drink anything for eight (8) hours before your surgery. This includes gum, candy, coffee, tea or water. Under some circumstances, your anesthesiologist may give you permission to have clear liquids up to four (4) hours before your anesthesia. Also, it is important to discuss your daily medications and supplements with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Do not stop your daily medications unless your surgeon or anesthesiologist recommends it.
Your anesthesiologist will call you the night before your surgery to consult with you about these instructions, so it is very helpful to have a current phone number available, and a list of your medications and allergies you can refer to, if necessary. If you smoke, please do your best to refrain from smoking prior to surgery.
Who Administers Anesthesia?
Our anesthesia physicians are all Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology. They belong to Oregon Anesthesiology Group, whose members are required to maintain strict and continuously monitored standards of practice. Your anesthesiologist will stay with you for the entire procedure, constantly monitoring every important function of your body and individually modifying your anesthesia to ensure maximum safety and comfort.
Recovering from Anesthesia
After surgery you will be taken to a post anesthesia care unit (PACU), often called the recovery room. In the PACU, nurses will observe and assist in your immediate recovery. Your vital signs and bandages will be checked, and pain will be monitored and medicated. If you had a local anesthetic, you usually do not have to go to the PACU and may be able to go home shortly after your procedure.
Either way, some effects of anesthesia may persist for many hours after your surgery. You may have some numbness or reduced sensation in the part of your body that was anesthetized with local or regional anesthesia. You may also have some sedation as the residual effects of your anesthetic wears off, or from your pain medicine.
What are the side effects?
The amount of discomfort you experience will depend on a number of factors, especially the type of surgery. Your doctors and nurses can relieve pain after your surgery with medications given by mouth, injection or by numbing the area around the incision. Your discomfort should be tolerable, but do not expect to be totally pain-free. Nausea or vomiting may be related to anesthesia, the type of surgical procedure or postoperative pain medications.
Although much less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques, these side effects continue to occur for some patients. Medications to minimize postoperative pain and nausea may be given by your anesthesiologist before, during and after your surgical procedure.
When will I be able to go home?
Most patients are ready to go home between one and four hours after surgery. This depends on the type of surgery and anesthesia, pain control, side effects and individual variation from patient to patient.
Be prepared to go home and finish your recovery there. You will receive both verbal and written instructions to follow. You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to escort you home. It is strongly suggested that you have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery. You will not be allowed to leave alone or drive yourself home if you received an anesthetic.
In general, for 24 hours after your anesthesia:
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages, or use nonprescription medications
- Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery
- Do not make important decisions.
Patients sometimes experience drowsiness and minor after-effects following ambulatory surgery and anesthesia, including muscle aches, sore throat and occasional dizziness or headaches. Nausea also may be present, but vomiting is less common. These side effects usually decline rapidly in the hours following surgery, but it may take several days before they are gone completely. The majority of patients do not feel up to their typical activities the next day, usually due to general tiredness or surgical discomfort. Plan to take it easy for a few days until you feel back to normal. Know that a period of recovery at home is common and to be expected.
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