Bariatric Times July/August 2007

Bariatric Center Spotlight Bariatric Times • July/August 2007 join our online support group prior to surgery. One week prior to surgery, all patients complete preoperative testing at the hospital and, if a date has not been selected, meet with their surgeon to set a surgery date. On the day of surgery, patients report to the preoperative holding area and initial surgery preparations are performed; at this time, the program director meets with the patient and their family to review the surgery plan and answer any other questions. Prior to surgery, the surgeon and OR bariatric team also meet with the patient to discuss the surgery and address any questions. The patient is then taken into surgery. All patients recover in our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) unit following surgery; time spent in the PACU is typically one hour following surgery. Depending on the surgical procedure performed, the patient will be taken to either the bariatric floor or Surgical Intensive Care (SICU) from PACU. Patients typically stay in the hospital anywhere from 23 hours to 48 hours depending on their surgery type and their individual recovery needs. University General's bariatric designated rooms are all private and we welcome a family member to stay with the patient during their hospital stay. After surgery, patients are seen daily by the surgeon and program director. Prior to discharge, the patient will also be seen by the program dietitian. One to three days after discharge, the patient is contacted by the bariatric program director to check the status of the patient. Following discharge from the hospital, patient follow-up occurs at the surgeon's office at one week and at one, three, six, and nine months and then annually thereafter. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGIES, EQUIPMENT, DEVICES, AND PRODUCTS INTRODUCED AT YOUR FACILITY THAT HAVE BEEN REALLY BENEFICIAL TO YOUR PRACTICE? During the construction phase of University General Hospital the latest technology and modern medical equipment designed to meet exacting standards of today's rapidly changing health care environment were incorporated. All medications are dispensed through the Pyxis® system. This enables real-time verification of patient allergies and medication interactions thereby reducing the risk of medication error. All patient IV pumps (Alaris®) are fully integrated into the hospitals communication system, which enables instant notification to the nurse in the event of a pump alarm. The Alaris® System supports the Guardrails® software protection. The Guardrails® Suite can help reduce harmful IV medication errors and improve the overall quality of patient care. SPO2 respiratory modules continuously monitor narcotic patient controlled analgesia (PCA) administration, and intercede administration of narcotics if a patient’s respiratory rate drops below acceptable limits. Our state-of-the-art operating rooms utilize the Stryker® i-Suites. This system enables remote access to operating rooms for conference calls and room to room visualization. Stryker's high definition video equipment and monitors provide never-before-possible detail and Bariatric floor staff left to right: Paula Rowe–RN (Bariatric Unit); Catherine Huery–PCA (Bariatric Unit); Roshonda Washington–Manager (Bariatric Unit); Brenda Palma-Fernandez–House Supervisor; Charmaine Olsen–RN; Molly Stephen–RN (ICU) http://www.waffle.com http://www.waffle.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Bariatric Times July/August 2007

Cover Editorial Message Table of Contents Editorial Board Letter to the Editor Malpractice Preventative Maintenance: Record Protocols and Happy Lawyers Resolution of Fibromyalgia Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass University General Hospital Bariatric Program at University General Hospital Journal Watch Category List Trade Name Index Company Index Products and Services

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