Surgery

Ochsner surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques and can handle the most complex cases.

Surgical procedures performed at our facilities include:

• Abdominal surgery
• Bariatric surgery
• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Colon and rectal surgery
• Endocrine surgery
• Esophageal surgery
• Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Fetal surgery for spina bifida
• Gall bladder removal and hernia repair
• Gynecologic robotic surgery
• Heart transplants
• Hip replacement surgery
• Joint replacement
• Kidney and kidney-pancreas transplants
• Knee replacement surgery
• Liver surgery
• Liver transplants
• Lung transplant
• Male voiding dysfunction and reconstruction surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic trauma surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Refractive and laser surgery
• Retina and vitreous surgery
• Skull base surgery
• Stomach and bowel surgery
• Surgical breast reconstruction
• Thoracic surgery
• Vascular and endovascular surgery

U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly awarded Ochsner high marks for its surgical specialties.

In 2022, Ochsner ranked in the country’s top 10% of programs for gastroenterology surgery, neurosurgery and lung surgery.

Ochsner was also named “High Performing” for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, colon cancer surgery, hip replacement, knee replacement, lung cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, transcatheter aortic valve replacement and uterine cancer surgery.

The pediatric surgical department at Ochsner Hospital for Children was also recognized for its heart surgery and gastroenterology surgery programs.

Additionally, Healthgrades has named Ochsner one of America’s “50 Best Hospitals” for vascular surgery and one of America’s “100 Best Hospitals” for joint replacement and prostate surgery.

After completing a brief questionnaire to assess a patient's needs, prehabilitation interventions will be tailored based on the assessment. Interventions such as the following have evidence-based research showing improved surgical outcomes.

• Physical therapy: Increase strength, balance and endurance
• Mental health: Review coping mechanisms and stress-reduction strategies
• Blood sugar: Controlling blood sugar before, during and after surgery will help you heal better
• Tools to help your caregiver learn how to manage confusion should it occur
• Nutrition support: Optimize your weight and increase overall protein intake
• Smoking cessation: Reduce complications associated with tobacco use

1. Initial consultation: Our program starts with a thorough consultation and assessment by our team of specialists. We'll evaluate your current health, lifestyle and any specific goals you have.
2. Tailored plan creation: Based on your assessment, we create a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs, targeting areas like strength, flexibility, posture and joint mobility.
3. Ongoing support: We offer continuous support throughout your prehabilitation journey, including check-ins, educational tools and virtual or in-person guidance.
4. Reassessment and adjustments: Regular follow-up sessions ensure that your progress is on track and any necessary adjustments to your plan are made for optimal results.

In general, there are four classifications, or categories of surgery. Each may impact how quickly your surgery is scheduled or performed. The categories are:

• Emergency or immediate surgery. This type of surgery is performed as quickly as possible, when every second matters to save a life, limb or organ. An emergency surgery might be performed after a heart attack, stroke or traumatic brain injury.
• Urgent surgery. This kind of surgery is performed within hours, or possibly days, of the onset of problems. Urgent surgery might be performed after you break a bone or have an abdominal injury.
• Expedited or non-urgent surgery. This surgery may happen within days or weeks after your doctor recommends surgery. This type of surgery includes cancer surgery and surgical procedures for orthopedic injuries.
• Elective surgery. These surgeries may be planned months in advance. Some may be medically necessary, such as gallbladder removal or joint replacement, while other procedures may be purely elective, such as cosmetic plastic surgery.

The length of the program depends on your needs; however, the program is generally 4 to 6 weeks.

Insurance coverage may vary depending on your policy and location. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider for more details.