General surgeons in New Mexico
At Lovelace, we understand that surgery can be intimidating. That’s why our compassionate surgeons are here to guide you through every step of the process. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments, utilizing advanced techniques for optimal outcomes. From general surgery procedures to complex interventions, our skilled surgery team is dedicated to your well-being. Discover the highest standard of surgical care available in Albuquerque and Roswell – where innovation meets compassion.
Our surgical services
Lovelace offers a wide variety of general surgery procedures using state-of-the-art technology to ensure our patient’s surgical needs are covered. Our highly skilled team of general surgeons in Albuquerque and Roswell remains on the leading edge of technology and procedures, providing care for a wide range of illnesses and conditions.
Our general surgery clinic provides surgical treatments for the following conditions:
- Abscesses
- Cholecystitis
- Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
- Colon cancer and colon polyps
- Cysts
- Diverticulitis/diverticulosis
- Dysphagia
- Fissures
- Fistulas (enterocutaneous, gastrocutaneous, and colocutaneous)
- Gallstones and gallbladder dysfunction
- GERD/acid reflux
- Hemorrhoids
- Hernia (hiatal or paraesophageal)
- Lipoma
- Pancreatitis
- Rectal abscess
- Small bowel obstruction (SBO)
- Spleen
- Stoma/ostomy
We understand surgery can seem scary, but our surgeons will sit down and talk with you about your procedure, answering any questions you may have and supporting you throughout your recovery. Our experienced staff will help make sure you are prepared the day of your surgery and let you know what to expect during your recovery. Our goal is to get you back to optimal health as soon as possible.
Minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive surgery combines your surgeon’s understanding of anatomy with advanced technology to treat a multitude of conditions using small incisions and the assistance of imaging. It is important to understand that the decision to receive minimally invasive surgery is individualized to the patient and the patient’s symptoms. Please discuss with your physician whether minimally invasive surgery is right for you.
Minimally invasive surgery employs the latest in surgical and robotics technologies to perform routine and complex surgery – taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand. This technology allows major surgical procedures to be performed through very small incisions. Benefits can include less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal daily activities, reduced rates of infection, and the potential for better clinical outcomes.
Similarly, robot-assisted (robotic) surgery allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, control, and flexibility. Robotic surgery offers patients facing surgery many potential benefits over traditional open surgery. As with minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery generally provides less pain and scarring, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.
Emergency general surgery
At Lovelace Medical Group Emergency General Surgery, we prioritize swift, expert care for emergency conditions. Our dedicated emergency physicians and streamlined admission process ensure timely interventions in our emergency room (ER). We provide acute surgical procedures for patients needing urgent surgical treatments. We also provide lifesaving care for conditions like stroke and heart attack. Your well-being is our top priority, and we stand ready to address a wide range of critical conditions with precision and compassion.
Our experienced emergency team specializes in treating a variety of emergency medical conditions, including:
- Appendicitis (uncomplicated, complicated, perforated)
- Breast abscess
- Broken bones, burns and lacerations
- Colorectal cancer
- Diverticulitis (perforated, abscess, colovesicular fistula)
- Enteric or colonic fistula
- Gallbladder disease (cholecystitis, biliary colic, choledocholithiasis, biliary pancreatitis)
- Gastric cancer
- Gastric outlet obstruction
- Head trauma and head injuries
- Incarcerated/strangulated hernia
- Intraabdominal abscess
- Intra abdominal sepsis
- Ischemic colitis
- Large bowel (colon) obstruction or perforation
- Major bodily injuries
- Mesenteric ischemia
- Necrotizing soft tissue infection
- Paraesophageal (hiatal) hernia
- Peptic ulcer disease (gastric perforation, duodenal perforation)
- Peritonitis and abscess
- Portal vein thrombosis/Mesenteric vein thrombosis
- Retroperitoneal infection and abscess
- Small bowel (intestinal) obstruction or perforation
Our dedicated team at Lovelace Medical Group Emergency General Surgery is committed to delivering immediate, high-quality care when you need it most. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. For appointments and inquiries, please call 505-727-2727.
Information for your surgery
Preparing for surgery
We want every stay at our Lovelace hospitals to be as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our health care team is dedicated to anticipating and exceeding the needs of patients and families but you may find the following information helpful in preparing you for your upcoming surgery. Please review this information and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your physician or during your pre-op assessment call.
The Pre-Op Assessment Clinic Nurse will interview you for surgery in-person or over the phone. Please have your medication list and medical/surgical history handy. This interview will take 15-20 minutes. If you have not received a call within two days of your surgery, please call the Pre-Op Assessment Clinic at 505-727-7222.
Your pre-op checklist:
- Ask questions or address any special needs
- Confirm procedure, side/site
- Discuss labs/EKG/chest x-ray (if ordered)
- Discuss post-op pain management
- Discuss what medications to take day of surgery
- Discuss what time to arrive day of surgery
- Discuss when to stop eating/drinking before surgery
- For inpatient procedures pack a small suitcase with a bathrobe, basic toiletries, and reading material
- Review anesthesia/sleep apnea history
- Review medical/surgical history
- Review medications/supplements you take now
Please give us a phone number where you can be reached on the day of surgery. This will allow us to reach you should your surgery time be changed at the last minute.
If you are given a prescription by your surgeon, please have it filled before your surgery.
The night before your surgery, shower or bathe (reduces normal bacteria on your skin) and brush your teeth. Follow any special bathing instructions your doctor provided. Please also follow instructions for when to stop eating and drinking.
Day of surgery
Before you come to the hospital:
- Shower or bathe
- Brush your teeth
- Wear clean, loose, comfortable clothing
- Remove all body jewelry/facial piercings and leave at home
- Do not wear makeup or lotion
- Wear glasses – do not wear contacts (or bring your contacts case and solution)
What to bring:
- Any paperwork from your surgeon
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Copy of Living Will or Medical POA
- Brace, sling or crutches (if applicable)
- Someone over age 18 to drive you home
- Co-payment (if applicable)
- Sleep apnea patients should bring their CPAP machine. Please empty water prior to arrival.
Eating and drinking:
- Do not drink alcohol or take street drugs for at least 24 hours before your surgery
- No smoking or tobacco-use the day of surgery
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery
- Take only medications as instructed
- Your surgeon or nurse will instruct you as to any special diets before surgery
Arriving for surgery
Enter at the main entrance check-in at the registration desk to complete your registration packet. If necessary, deductibles or copayments will be collected at this time. After registration, you will be directed to the surgical area.
During pre-op:
- Go through the patient verification process
- Take tests for allergies, vital signs, labs (if indicated), blood glucose (if diabetic), urine pregnancy test (if female of child bearing age), and possible drug screen
- Change into a hospital gown, review medications and medical/surgical history, and review or sign surgical consent
- Have your IV started with any medications your surgeon ordered (small children generally do not get IV in Pre Op area)
- Visit with your surgeon to answer any last minute questions and get your operative site marked (if your surgery involves laterality)
- Visit with the anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia, answer questions and sign consent
- Visit with your operating room nurse to review patient ID, procedure, allergies, etc
- Your surgical site may require preparation
We welcome and encourage visitors, however, we may need to limit how many are with you at one time, or ask visitors to take turns. Parents of children having surgery will remain with them before and after surgery. You must remain in the building at all times during your child’s surgery.
Small children cannot be left unattended in the surgical waiting area at any time. They are not allowed in the recovery area as a visitor.
After your surgery
Our patient care unit has been designed to provide the best care with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. Our hospitals have the capacity to accommodate critical care, intermediate care and general medical/surgical patients.
Outpatient surgery patients:
- Your surgeon may speak with your family in the waiting room or call them on the phone
- You will be taken to the recovery room until you awaken, then one family member will be allowed to be with you (usually one hour after arrival)
- Parents of children having surgery will be able to be in the recovery room
- The nurse will evaluate you, give you pain medications and discharge you home or to your room
- You should expect some pain after surgery, but we will make every effort to safely minimize your pain and keep you comfortable
- We use a pain scale 0-10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being severe pain
- You will be given written discharge instructions when going home
- An adult (over age 18) must drive you home
- We recommend that a responsible adult be with you at home for the first 24 hours after outpatient surgery
- We may call 24-48 hours after your surgery to see how you are doing
Inpatient surgery patients:
- Your surgeon may speak with your family in the waiting room or call them on the phone
- You will be taken to the recovery room until you awaken, then one family member will be allowed to be with you (usually one hour after arrival)
- Parents of children having surgery will be able to be in the recovery room
- The nurse will evaluate you, give you pain medications and discharge you home or to your room
- You should expect some pain after surgery, but we will make every effort to safely minimize your pain and keep you comfortable
- We use a pain scale 0-10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being severe pain
- For your safety and well-being, please allow us to assist you when getting out of bed
- Meal times for inpatients are 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
- You will be given written discharge instructions when going home
- An adult (over age 18) must drive you home
- We may call 24-48 hours after your surgery to see how you are doing