Surgery Center

The Surgery Center (located on the south end of the Walla Walla Clinic campus) opened its doors in February 2000. Since then, we have performed more than 40,000 surgeries for outpatient surgical and procedural needs.

We offer an experienced team and modern operating suites at lower out-of-pocket cost for most patients compared to a typical hospital stay.

A caring and qualified staff, an excellent physician group and state-of-the-art equipment allow us to perform many different surgical procedures in a safe, convenient atmosphere. Knee arthroscopy, sinus surgery, tonsillectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, hernia repair and colonoscopy are just a few of the procedures that can be done at the Surgery Center.

Is it possible that your surgical or procedural experience could ever be pleasant? Our patients think so.

Services

General surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Hernias of all types
Gallbladder
Breast
Stomach
Colon
Small bowel
Appendix
Vasectomy
Hemorrhoids
Colonoscopies and upper endoscopies
Skin cancers and "lumps and bumps"
Port placement

55 W. Tietan St Building E Suite B
Walla Walla, WA 99362

For seven days preceding your surgery, do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications or ibuprofen products (for example, Ibuprofen, Anacin, Alka-Seltzer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Dristan, Sine-Off, Midol, Nuprin, Aleve, Thera-Flu, Advil). You may take Tylenol.
The day and evening before your surgical procedure, eat and take your prescribed medications as you normally would, unless your physician directs otherwise. Use discretion, however when drinking alcoholic beverages 24 hours before surgery.
Do not eat solid foods or drink anything for eight hours before your scheduled surgery (unless specified differently by your surgeon). You may have a sip of water when taking medication on the day of surgery if you have been instructed to do so. You will be asked about this when you arrive and your procedure may by postponed or rescheduled if these instructions have not been followed.
If you are on cardiac, blood pressure, seizure, breathing and/or diuretic (water pills) medication, you may take your medication(s) the morning of surgery with a sip of water. If you are on insulin, your anesthesiologist or surgeon will give you instructions about diet and insulin dosage. If you have any questions, please call your physician's office. Bring all medications you are currently taking to the Surgery Center in their original containers.
Do not bring cash, jewelry or other valuables. However, we may need a copy of your insurance card or you may need to make a co-payment. You also may receive a prescription for pain or an antibiotic. Plan ahead where you will have this prescription filled and bring your prescription card if applicable.
Hand or foot surgery patients need to remove any nail polish and jewelry on the operative side. If you are using crutches, please bring them.
Wear loose-fitting, casual clothing that may be easily worn over bulky bandages and splints.
Do not wear make-up, especially mascara.
If you wear glasses or contacts, please bring a case for their safekeeping. If you wear contacts, you may want to also bring your glasses.
A family member or friend is welcome to accompany you. However, due to limited space, please bring only one visitor.

Please check in one hour before your surgery with Surgery Center Reception, which will prepare your admission papers.

Your punctuality is important as the surgical team has planned this block of time for you. Although every effort is made to stay on schedule, circumstances occasionally arise that may require changes in your surgery time.

Should this happen, please make adjustments with your escort. If you cannot keep your appointment, call your physician as soon as possible.

Recovery time varies, depending on the procedure and the individual patient. For your safety, do not plan to drive. Please make arrangements with a responsible adult to drive you home or accompany you in a cab after your surgery. Ask your escort to remain reasonably free of other commitments so they will be available to take you home when you are ready for discharge.

In your best interest, we recommend that your escort remain in the Surgery Center for the duration of your stay with us. We strongly recommend that patients who have received a general anesthetic have an adult with them for 24 hours after surgery.

You will receive instructions and be given a written copy of your postoperative home care. If you receive a sedative or anesthetic, you will be instructed not to operate machinery, sign important papers or drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.

You will receive a follow-up call from the Surgery Center the day after your procedure. If you have any questions or problems before or after your follow-up, please call your physician.