But that’s the issue. It’s often caught too late because of the lack of routine screenings and general awareness among the population.

So this month, we wear BLUE to bring awareness to the dangers of prostate cancer and the benefits of prevention and early diagnosis.

But Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is more than just wearing blue, it involves getting off the couch and getting yourself checked (or insisting your partner get checked out). Prostate cancer IS TREATABLE IF CAUGHT EARLY.

So what does a prostate cancer screening involve?

There are two accepted forms of Prostate Cancer Screenings: The PSA Test and a DRE.

The DRE (The Digital Rectal Exam) is the procedure that most people are familiar with. The procedure is straightforward. A nurse or doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the patient’s rectum and feels for lumps on the prostate and gauges whether the prostate is enlarged or not. From a physical examination, your doctor will be able to determine whether further testing is necessary.

The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Test measures the level of prostate antigens — produced by the prostate — in the blood. There is a correlation between high levels of PSA in the blood stream and prostate cancer. A PSA test is not enough on its own to determine if the patient has prostate cancer, but your doctor can take elevated PSA levels into account along with other factors to determine if further testing is necessary.

The only surefire way to determine the presence of prostate cancer is a biopsy, but because a biopsy is an inherently painful process, most physicians will perform one or both of the above tests before ordering a biopsy.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

So, this month, wear your blue to promote prostate cancer awareness and get yourself checked.

Ready to schedule your screening?

Call Outpatient Services East at 205-838-3888 to schedule a consultation.

We are happy to help in any way we can.

The post September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Wear Your Blue! appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

When possible to have your procedure done as an outpatient you eliminate inpatient hospital admission. More and more procedures are now being performed as outpatient surgery. One of the benefits of this is the doctor’s time can be used more efficiently. Often the amount of medication prescribed may be reduced.

In the past, outpatient surgery was suited best for healthy people undergoing minor or intermediate procedures (limited urologic, ophthalmologic, or ear, nose, and throat procedures and procedures involving the extremities, etc.). Now people with more complex medical problems are able to use outpatient surgery. Your doctor will know if the surgery you are needing can be done at Outpatient Services East. If he/she does not know for sure ask that they check for you.

At least half of elective surgeries done in the United States are now able to be done as outpatient surgeries. Some health experts think this will increase within the coming years.

You may be wondering why so many surgeries can be done at outpatient facilities. Well, surgical instruments have improved, less invasive techniques have been found, health care professionals are now using the team approach. If your family doctor feels you need surgery he/she may send you to an internist. Then a surgeon will evaluate you before the operation.

You most likely will not meet your anesthesiologist before the day of your surgery. But this person will have a part in preparing you for any surgery that requires you be put to sleep. At Outpatient Services East you can be assured an anesthesiologist will review all your medical information and discuss with you and your family what procedure will be used for you. As with any of the other doctors you see he/she will be happy to answer any questions you have. Do not fail to tell him/her of any concerns you have when you talk to him/her.

Patients with prior medical conditions (heart attacks or strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc.) will need to discuss these conditions with their doctor before the day of their surgery.

When you visit the doctor and your surgeon be sure you have copies of medical records and any lab tests you have had, inform him/her of medical problems and past surgical procedures you have had. Include any problems that occurred during prior surgical procedures or after them. Bring a complete list of medication you are taking. Include prescription and over the counter medications. Do not forget to list vitamins, herbs, and supplements. (the doctor will want to know the dosages of each)  The medical staff will need to know of any medications  or products you are allergic too.

It is normal is you have fears and anxiety concerning your surgery and anesthesia. Do not be embarrassed to inform the medical staff about your concerns. Talking to them will allow them to put your mind at ease.

It is the goal of the staff at Outpatient Service East that your time at the facility will be as easy for you and your family as possible.

Call us if you have questions at 205-338-3888.

The post Why You Should Use Outpatient Surgery? appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

Let’s look at a few of them:

1. Meniscectomy knee surgery can be used when part of the knee cartilage (meniscus) is damaged. The damage can cause pain, swelling and issues with movement. The most common form of a Meniscectomy is arthroscopy. In arthroscopic surgery, small incisions are made around the knee for the insertion of a small camera and various instruments that are needed to safely remove the damaged meniscus.
2. Meniscus Repair may be needed when there is damage to the meniscus. Often it is possible to repair the cartilage instead of removing it completely. Meniscus repair is more beneficial to the patient than complete removal because it reduces the risk of developing arthritis later on in life.
3. Meniscus Transplant. A meniscus transplant is another type of knee surgery for a damaged meniscus that also uses arthroscopy. For this particular type of knee surgery, a damaged meniscus is replaced with cartilage from a donor. Just like meniscus repair, this procedure is beneficial to the patient because it reduces the risk of knee pain and arthritis in the future.
4. Plica (fold or septum within anterior knee) Surgery is required when tissue on the knee is injured. This type injury is called “plica syndrome” and may be treated with surgical or nonsurgical methods. The primary goal for treating plica syndrome is to reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery is required.
5. Lateral Release is a type of knee surgery used to relieve pain in the kneecap caused if the kneecap is being abnormally pulled to the outer area of its groove.
6. Tendon Repair may be needed if the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon rupture. If either of these tendons rupture it causes issues with leg flexibility and movement.
7. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Reconstructive Surgery is one of the most common injuries seen among  athletes.  The ACL is vital to the knee and stability. However, some people who can function without it. ACL reconstruction requires a graft selection, meaning the patient would need to select replacement tissue from their own body or a donor. For ACL reconstructive surgery, the patellar tendon and hamstring tendon are the most commonly used.
8. Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (partial knee replacement) may be an option for the patient who is diagnosed with osteoarthritis limited to one area of the knee.
9. Full Knee Replacement is required for patients suffering with severe arthritis in the full knee. Your physician will know if you require a full knee replacement.

These 9 types of knee surgeries are only some of the surgeries that can be performed to correct problems with the knee. If you are have any type of pain, swelling, etc. with one or both of your knees you should have your doctor look at them. If together the decision is made that surgery is needed ask him/her to refer you to a surgeon at Outpatient Services East. If the procedure you need can be done as an outpatient you will find no better place to go for the care you need and deserve.

Phone:  205-838-3888

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The need for tubes occurs when bacteria travels from the nasal cavity into the ear when the patient has a cold or some other respiratory ailment. The bacteria stimulates inflammation and may cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum. The buildup of fluid can be very painful.

Ear infections may go away on their own but often antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. If the patient has recurring ear infections and fluid buildup, or if they go for months and the infection will not heal other problems may occur. For example the infection that does not heal may lead to hearing loss. Behavioral issues, or delays in a child’s speech development.

So exactly what does the insertion of ear tubes intell and how does it help? Once it is determined that the patient needs tubes in their ears an ear, nose, and throat doctor (Otolaryngologist) places tiny tubes in the eardrum. These tubes are usually plastic. The tubes allow air to enter the ear, equalizing the pressure between the inner ear and the outside world. The pressure is caused by the fluid buildup that may happen when you have an ear infection. The pressure can cause pain. The pain eases if the accumulation of liquid in the middle ear is prevented. The tubes also allows pus and mucus from the ear infection to drain out of the ear. If drops are used to treat the infection the tubes make it easier for the drops to travel directly into the ear. Because the tubes make it easier to use antibiotic drops the need for oral antibiotic treatment may not be needed. With some children this alone makes the procedure worthwhile.

If it is necessary for a person to have tubes placed in their ears he/she will be asleep and breathing on their own. A surgical team will monitor the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen during the entire time the procedure is taking place.

The actual surgery takes around 10 to 15 minutes. The surgeon performs the following steps:

• makes an incision; The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eardrum with a small scalpel or laser. If left alone, this incision would close and heal within a few days.
• removes fluid; Using a tiny vacuum, the surgeon suctions out any excess fluids from the middle ear, cleaning out the area. This is called aspiration of the middle ear. Your doctor will determine if this step is necessary.
• inserts the tube; To allow air to enter your ear and to drain the fluid, the surgeon inserts the tiny tube into the hole made by the incision. The surgeon may place short-term tubes, which are smaller and remain in the ear for 6 to 12 months before falling out on their own, or long-term tubes, which are larger and typically stay in place for a longer period.

If your family member needs this procedure it can be done at Outpatient Services East. Please call them for more information 205-838-3888

The post How are your ears? appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

If your snoring is severe enough to wake a you from sleep, it just may affect your ability to function during the daytime. Snoring is also a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing for brief periods of time while sleeping, usually more than 10 seconds. The lack of oxygen stops blood flow to the brain and heart, and it can lead to mood disorders, depression and left sided heart failure if untreated.

A visit to your otolaryngologist (ENT) can help in determining the cause of your snoring. The doctor will be able to rule out any blockages caused by enlarged tonsils or other structures. If these structures are enlarged, they may have to be surgically removed. If the structures appear to be normal in size and are not suspected to be the cause of your snoring, you may need to lose weight. A sleep study (polysomnogram) is used to diagnose sleep apnea.

Sometimes if you roll over the snoring will stop. This is because your airway is in a position that does not allow optimal air flow. When you roll over the airway repositions and is more conductive to air flow. While this is a relief at the time it is not a permanent solution. Rolling over to stop snoring does not need to be substituted for medical care.

Sleep apnea is common but it is also involves serious dangers. It is something that needs to be taken care of if you are told you suffer from it. The sizes of some enlarged  tonsils and adenoids, can be reduced with steroid medications or antibiotics if there is an active infection. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work, and sometimes the side effects outweigh the benefits of these medications. The only guaranteed way to completely clear enlarged structures is with surgery. CPAP machines are often used to treat sleep apnea. A CPAP – Continuous Positive Air Pressure – is a fitted mask that delivers a constant flow of pressurized air that helps to maintain an open airway.For people who don’t have enlarged structures or sleep apnea losing weight is the best way to stop snoring. Do not take sedatives or consume alcohol before bed.

If you read the reports on this website, you will understand that snoring can be a problem in children as well as adults. The main cause for snoring in children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. If your child snores, it would be wise to take them to an ENT specialist to rule out these problems. Untreated sleep apnea in children can cause mood disturbances, depression, learning deficits, ADHD, bedwetting and developmental delays.

If your doctor tells you you need and type of treatment requiring surgery to correct your snoring it will be a wise choice for you to chose Outpatient Services East. You will receive the best of care for the entire staff there. Check them out. You will not be disappointed.

Phone: 205-838-3888

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Speak Up: Right ID, Right Care

When you’re in the hospital, nurses are supposed to use “patient identifiers.” This ensures the right patient gets the right kind of care, in the right place, and at the right time. This may include asking your name, birthday, and maybe even your phone number – or, checking your wristband.

Hospitals are busy places. There may be other patients who look like you or have similar names. Make sure you are being identified correctly. If you are concerned, always Speak UP!

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Speak Up: Help Prevent Errors in Your Care

See the first in a series of new animated Speak Up™ videos that encourage patients to speak up and be active participants in their health care. Like the other Speak Up materials, the videos are free and can be used by accredited organizations and other interested stakeholders that want to promote the Speak Up message.

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Everyone has a role in making health care safe.  That includes doctors, health care executives, nurses and many health care technicians.  Health care organizations all across the country are working to make health care safe.  As a patient, you can make your care safer by being an active, involved and informed member of your health care team.

 

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Speak Up: Help Prevent Medical Test Mistakes

Medical tests and laboratory tests are important aids for doctors. However, sometimes the wrong test is ordered. Or the test results can be misunderstood.

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So exactly what is a vasectomy? Good question. You may know the outcome of the vasectomy but not what the procedure involves.This is a surgical procedure for male sterilization. The procedure involves the male vas deferens being severed and tied or sealed in a manner to prevent sperm from entering into the seminal stream (ejaculate) and thereby preventing fertilization. A vasectomy can be performed in a facility such as Outpatient Services East. Hospitalization is not normally required because the procedure is not complicated. The incisions are small and the necessary equipment routine.

Your surgeon knows there are several methods that can be used to complete a vasectomy procedure. With each method he/she will seal at least one side of each vas deferens. To, hopefully, reduce anxiety and increase comfort for the patient an anesthesia is used. Men who have an aversion to needles can consider a “no-needle” application of anesthesia. Some feel that the “no-scalpel” or “open-ended” techniques help to accelerate recovery times and increases the chance of healthy recovery.

The vasectomy is considered to be a simple surgery. Of course when you are the person having the surgery no procedure is felt by you as simple. Most of the time a vasectomy takes less than thirty minutes to complete. You will stay at the facility for a short recovery. The recovery time is also usually less than an hour. The patient can then go home but will need to rest. As with any procedure where anesthesia is used the patient must have someone with him to drive him home. As this procedure is minimally invasive, many vasectomy patients are able to resume their typical sexual behavior within a week with little or no discomfort. Your surgeon will discuss with you when you can return to work and resume other activities. As we keep stating, a vasectomy is a simple procedure. But it is considered surgery and you want to be sure you take care of yourself in order to reduce the chances of any complications.

You and your spouse need to understand that this procedure is considered a permanent method of contraception and is not easily reversed. We suggest you have a medical staff member counsel and advise both you and your wife. You need to discuss how the long-term outcome of a vasectomy might affect you both emotionally and physically. Young men are not often encouraged to have a vasectomy. This is because their chances for biological parenthood are thereby more or less permanently reduced to almost zero.
To discuss your interest in having a vasectomy call Outpatient Services East. Phone: 205-838-3888.

The post Vasectomy appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.