Mountain Vista offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures. Our large surgery department includes seven state-of-the-art operating suites, including special rooms for cardiac cases and orthopedic procedures.

Minimally Invasive Procedures
Thanks to breakthroughs in medical technology, many surgical procedures can now be performed through tiny incisions. As a result, patients experience less scarring, faster healing and a quicker return to normal activities.

Some of Mountain Vista’s surgery suites are specifically designed for these procedures. The high-tech equipment includes computerized touch-screen controls for easy control of lighting levels and positioning of cameras and plasma screen monitors. In these operating rooms, most of the equipment is suspended from the ceiling, to keep the operating floor clutter-free for a safer environment and creating more room for the surgery team to work around the patient.

Same Day Surgery
Many operations can be performed on an outpatient basis. These procedures are designed to minimize surgical trauma and the time needed for recovery so you can return to the comforts of home on the same day as surgery.

If you are scheduled for outpatient surgery, please report to the admitting department, located on the first floor of the hospital near the main lobby.
You may park in one of our large, convenient parking areas or use our free valet service between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Please bring your insurance card when you come to the hospital for pre-surgery testing, or call 480-358-6450 to make payment arrangements in advance.

If you are unable to keep your appointment for pre-surgery testing, call 480-358-6441. If you are unable to keep your appointment for surgery, please notify both your physician and Mountain Vista by calling our surgery scheduling department at 480-358-6105 as soon as possible.

Preparing for Outpatient Surgery
These guidelines will help you prepare for outpatient surgery:

• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
• Leave all jewelry, money and other valuables at home or with your family.
• Bring appropriate storage for personal items such as dentures, contact lenses, hearing aids, prostheses, etc.  These items will be labeled and kept in a safe place during your procedure.
• Arrange for someone to pick you up after surgery.  Due to the effects of anesthesia, you will be unable to drive yourself home.
• Although every effort will be made to begin your procedure on time, emergency cases can affect the surgery schedule.  We recommend that you bring a book or magazine to read while you are waiting.

Before Surgery
Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions on preparing for your procedure. You will be told not to eat or drink anything for a specified time prior to surgery and informed about whether you should take any medications. For your safety, it is very important to follow all of these instructions. If you do not follow your pre-op instructions, it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.

Most types of surgery require pre-surgery testing.  If possible, these tests (lab work, X-rays, EKG, etc.) should be completed at least three days before your procedure so your doctor will have time to review the results before your operation.

On the day of surgery, a nurse will record your vital signs and other pertinent health information. You will be asked to sign a surgery consent form and you will be visited by your anesthesiologist and surgeon.

If you are scheduled for an outpatient procedure, a family member or friend can be with you in the pre-surgical area before surgery. When you are taken to the operating room, your loved ones are welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting area where our staff will provide updates on your progress.

After Surgery
After your procedure, you will rest and recover in the surgical recovery area until your medical team determines you are well enough to go home. The length of your stay will depend on the type of surgery scheduled. When it is time to go home, your physician or nurse will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself and who to call if you have problems.

Please arrange to have someone else drive you home, because you will be unable to drive yourself.

Our surgery staff is committed to helping you understand the entire surgical experience.  We encourage you and your family to ask questions. This will help you to feel more comfortable while you are in the hospital and better prepared for recovery once you are home.