Surgery

The highly trained surgeons at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital treat operate from seven operating room suites, equipped with the latest surgical technology, as well as minimally invasive techniques. Surgical specialties include:

• Colorectal
• ENT (Otolaryngology)
• General Surgery
• Gynecology/Oncology
• Hand/Upper Extremity
• Neurological
• Oncology
• Oral/Maxillofacial
• Orthopedic
• Pediatric
• Plastic
• Thoracic
• Urogynecology
• Urology
• Vascular

The surgical staff works with our Anesthesia Department, where each physician is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Outpatient Surgery (Day Surgery)

For patients who are undergoing shorter, less invasive surgeries, we expect that you will go home after your surgery and short recovery are completed. After you are registered and prepped for surgery, you will meet your anesthesiologist and operating room nurse who will accompany you to the operating room. Following your surgery, if indicated, you will be observed for a period of time in an area known as the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) formally known as the Recovery Room. You will be continually monitored as the anesthetic wears off. Following an evaluation, day surgery patients will be returned to the Day Surgery Unit to be discharged.

Inpatient Surgeries

When overnight or extended stay is needed, you will be taken to your room from the recovery area or the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Your family/friend can wait in the surgical waiting room where the surgeon will usually meet with them at the end of the procedure. Once a room assignment has been made, your family and friends can meet you there. Ask questions when you have them and give feedback that will aid in your recovery and discharge home.