Board-certified surgeons in southern New Hampshire

Parkland Medical Center takes pride in providing expert surgical services. Our surgeons are equipped to perform advanced inpatient and outpatient procedures across numerous specialties. Additionally, we're the only hospital in New Hampshire affiliated with Lahey Hospital & Medical Center's urology and oncology programs in Burlington, Massachusetts.

For more information about our surgical services, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (877) 642-2362.

We use minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, for most operations at Parkland. We also use the latest therapies and screening techniques to identify and treat conditions requiring surgery.

Oral surgery

Our oral surgeons help patients with a range of diseases and injuries affecting the mouth, teeth, jaw and face.

We provide advanced oral care and surgical services, including:

  • Surgical reconstruction of inadequate bone structures
  • Corrective jaw surgery for conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate
  • Surgical treatment of sleep apnea, in collaboration with our Center for Sleep Diagnostics
  • Surgical treatment for head and neck injuries

Gastrointestinal surgery

We perform gastrointestinal surgery to treat a range of conditions, including colorectal cancer, affecting the digestive tract.

Gynecologic surgery

Gynecologic surgery is one of many treatment options available through our women’s care program. Surgery is often recommended as a treatment for gynecologic cancers.

Urologic surgery

Our urologists are skilled at performing advanced urologic surgery for complex and minor urinary system disorders and diseases.

Cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery

Plastic surgery refers to any surgery that reshapes or repairs body structures. Our cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive procedures include:

  • Breast reconstruction
  • Ear surgery
  • Facial repair
  • Nose surgery
  • Prosthesis change
  • Scar revision
  • Tissue expansion

Ear, nose and throat surgery

Through our ear, nose and throat program, we can provide long-term relief for sinus infections (when the nasal cavities become infected, swollen and inflamed).

Orthopedic surgery

Orthopedic surgery refers to a range of operations performed on the bones and joints. Our orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons collaborate to perform advanced spine surgery for a number of back and neck conditions.

Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is an option for obese patients who haven't had success losing weight using nonsurgical methods, such as diet and exercise. Gastric bypass is one of the most common types of bariatric surgery.

Vascular surgery

Vascular surgery is an option for treating conditions affecting the veins and arteries, such as aneurysms and compression disorders.

Anesthesia services

Our board-certified anesthesiologists and certified nurse anesthetists offer multiple options to ensure your comfort and care during any surgery or treatment requiring anesthesia.

The services we provide include:

  • General anesthesia: Anesthesiologists use general anesthesia to keep you asleep throughout a major surgical procedure.
  • Regional anesthesia: We often use regional anesthesia, injected into the spine to numb a portion of your body, for surgery on the abdomen, arms or legs.
  • Monitored anesthesia: Anesthesiologists use monitored anesthesia for short, less invasive procedures.

Preparing for surgery

We provide the best possible care before, during and after surgery. You play an important role in making sure your admission, surgery and recovery go smoothly.

Your pre-admission interview

After scheduling surgery, we'll provide instructions, an appointment for your pre-admission interview and any diagnostic testing that may be needed. Your surgeon will work with you to schedule either a hospital-based or telephone interview.

You’ll need personal identification, your insurance card, a complete list of your medication names and dosages, a summary of your drug allergies and any advance directives regarding your healthcare. During your pre-admission interview, we’ll:

  • Gather your medical and surgical history, including your medication history
  • Conduct a nursing assessment and discuss any concerns you have about your care
  • Introduce you to anesthesia personnel and discuss your anesthesia options (for hospital-based interviews)
  • Conduct any pre-admission tests, such as lab tests (for hospital-based interviews)
  • Set a time and place to arrive on your day of surgery
If you need to reschedule your pre-admission interview, call our surgical scheduling staff at (603) 421-2161.

Before surgery

Follow these general guidelines, unless your primary care physician or surgeon directs you otherwise, to prep for your surgery:

  • Stop eating and drinking at midnight the night before your surgery. You can brush your teeth on the morning of your procedure, but don’t swallow water.
  • Don’t smoke after midnight.
  • Don’t apply makeup or lotions.
  • Bathe or shower before your procedure.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Remove all jewelry, body piercings and nail polish.
  • Leave valuables, including your wallet or purse, at home.
  • Bring containers for eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids. Place these items in their containers before entering the operating room.
  • Bring your insurance cards and your advance directive document, if you have one.
  • Pack a small bag with what you’ll need for an overnight stay. This should include pajamas, slippers and toiletries.
  • Make plans for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

Your physician will provide additional directions on preparing for your surgery. If you experience a change in your health—such as a cold, cough, fever or infection—within 24 hours of your scheduled surgery, contact your physician or surgeon immediately and notify our Ambulatory Care Unit at (603) 421-2120,as your surgery may need to be postponed.

Guidelines for medications

  • Take prescribed heart, blood pressure, asthma, thyroid, seizure and pain medications with just enough water to swallow them.
  • Continue to use inhalers at home. Bring them with you to the hospital.
  • If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor and/or nurse during your pre-admission screening about taking insulin, oral hypoglycemics or any diabetic medication on the day of surgery.
  • Don’t take any diuretics (fluid pills).
  • Talk to your doctor if you’re on blood thinners.

The day of surgery

Arrive at Parkland on the day of surgery, and enter through the outpatient registration entrance. In the surgical waiting room, you’ll find a phone with instructions to contact the surgical department to check in. Complete the necessary forms, and then visit with your anesthesiologist if you have any questions.

After surgery

After your surgical procedure, your physician will recap the procedure with your designated caregivers. You'll then go to a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where technicians will monitor your vital signs. You’ll receive intravenous therapy to replace fluids and administer medications.

As anesthesia wears off, you may experience:

  • Sounds that seem louder than normal
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Chills

These are normal responses, but tell your nurse how you’re affected. Your nurse can provide medication if you’re feeling any pain.

Returning home following surgery

Your physician or nurse will determine when it’s appropriate for you to return home. Depending on your status, your physician or nurse may move you to our Ambulatory Care Unit or a postoperative inpatient room. When you’re discharged, you’ll receive:

  • Written instructions about caring for yourself at home
  • Contact information for who to call with questions about your recovery
  • A time and date for your follow-up appointment