What to Know About Surgery During the Pandemic
Don’t let COVID-19 Put a Hold on Your Overall Health
NATCHEZ, Miss. – March 15, 2021 —– The thought of having surgery for a nagging injury or lingering pain can make some patients feel uneasy. But, as many experts have said over the last few months, it is extremely important not to neglect medical needs during the pandemic.
Patients can feel confident seeking care the medical care they need at Merit Health Natchez. Numerous steps have been put in place to keep patients safe during their visits, including:
- Screening all visitors for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms before they are allowed to enter.
- Visitor restrictions reduce the number of people inside to enable social distancing and keep patients and employees safe.
- Facemasks are worn by everyone inside the hospital – patients, employees and physicians.
- Caregivers are using appropriate personal protective equipment and washing hands before and after caring for every patient.
- Cleaning protocols have been enhanced with extra measures and increased frequency, including disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and all patient care areas.
- Furniture in waiting areas arranged to support social distancing.
“Lingering injuries or pain can lead to long-term health issues if not addressed,” said Dr. Geoffrey Flattmann, general surgeon and chief of staff at Merit Health Natchez. “I have seen an increase in patients who are experiencing more significant health issues because they delayed care. Merit Health Natchez has precautions in place to treat all patients who need medical care. I strongly urge people to contact their physician if they have health concerns.”
Pre-surgery COVID-19 testing is required for patients undergoing procedures involving general anesthesia or aerosolizing procedures. Patients are asked to self-quarantine after receiving the test and before arriving at the hospital. Care for surgery patients is delivered in a non-COVID care zone in which all patients have tested negative for COVID and provided by a dedicated group of staff who only work in this area.
“Delaying surgery for any length of time can sustain unnecessary pain and suffering and sometimes lead to more complicated procedures and reduced quality of life,” said Dr. Christopher Martin, general surgeon with Merit Health Medical Group Surgery Clinic. “We know that screening for some cancers such as breast, colon and skin cancer can lead to improved survival through earlier stage detection. Cancer screening can also reduce the amount of treatment that may be needed and, in some cases, actually prevent cancer from growing. It is vitally important that patients who have put off their annual screenings, such as a mammogram and colonoscopy, schedule these screenings as soon as possible with their primary care physician.”
While COVID has put a hold on many things, it shouldn’t be putting a hold on your overall health. Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez, can speak first-hand about having a routine screening performed. “I had my screening colonoscopy last week at Merit Health Natchez,” said Boyd. It’s a great relief to know I’m healthy and don’t have to get rechecked for 10 years. I experienced with pride the safety measures and extra precautions our employees continue to practice to help patients feel at ease and safe during the pandemic.”
Merit Health Natchez offers a range of surgical services– everything from general surgery to treat colorectal cancer, gallbladder and hernias, to minimally invasive surgical options, including robotic-assisted surgery, in specialties of gynecology, orthopedics, and general surgical procedures.
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