Surgery Center in Portsmouth

When you need surgery, you can trust the staff at Portsmouth Regional Hospital to deliver compassionate surgical care close to home. We offer the latest medical technologies and a wide range of inpatient and outpatient procedures.

As pioneers in surgical techniques and technology for the Seacoast Region, we're leaders in cardiac surgery, image-guided stereotactic neurosurgery, sentinel node and stereotactic breast biopsy, image-guided endoscopic ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery, middle ear surgery with argon laser, and orthopedic, vascular, thoracic and urologic surgery.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers the following advanced techniques:

  • Laparoscopic surgery for a variety of conditions
  • Anesthetic nerve blocks for postoperative pain management
  • Green light laser technology of benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate
  • Nonsurgical kidney stone removal with shock (sound) wave technology
  • Sponge detection technology to enhance efficiency and patient safety in the operating room

Minimally invasive surgery

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, more than 30 percent of our surgical procedures use laparoscopic, minimally invasive techniques. With endoscopic instruments, our surgeons operate on internal organs through several small openings in the body rather than creating one large incision.

Our minimally invasive surgical techniques make an excellent choice when you need:

  • Appendix removal
  • Gallbladder removal
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Gastric bypass for obesity and weight loss
  • Gastrointestinal procedures
  • Hernia repair
  • Robotic-assisted surgery
  • Spleen or adrenal gland surgery

Brain and neurosurgery

When treating a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or other conditions of the brain and nervous system, you may be offered the option of neurosurgery—procedures involving the brain, head, neck, nervous system and related blood vessel systems. We also offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) to assist patients with motion disorders.

As the only neurosurgery program on the Seacoast, you can trust our team to provide specialized, expert care.

Breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer can be surgically removed with a mastectomy (removal of all breast tissue) or a lumpectomy (removal of part of the breast tissue).

Our fellowship-trained breast surgeon uses an advanced, scar-hiding approach to breast surgery. The incision is made in an area that is not easily seen. As a result, there is little to no visible reminder of the surgery or your cancer. This technique can be performed for a nipple-sparing mastectomy or a lumpectomy.

With early detection services, a variety of treatment options, rehabilitation and cancer support services, our Breast Center ensures the highest level of breast cancer care. If breast surgery is necessary, we focus on alternatives to total mastectomy. We also offer breast reconstruction surgery.

Colorectal surgery

Our colorectal surgery program provides comprehensive services in the Seacoast for preventing, detecting and treating disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. Through our expert team of physicians, surgeons, nurses and clinical staff, we offer the highest level of care for a variety of cancers and conditions.

Gynecological surgery

We offer a full array of gynecological surgery services, including hysterectomy and gynecological oncology surgery, performed by our skilled, board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons, using minimally invasive and other advanced techniques.

Heart and vascular surgery

Our highly skilled heart surgeons perform many cardiovascular surgical procedures, including minimally invasive heart care, heart valve cases and varicose vein care. Our nationally recognized team offers the only heart surgery program in the Seacoast Region, meaning you have access to expert, quality care.

Orthopedic surgery

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, our orthopedic care specialists and surgeons perform a variety of nonsurgical and surgical procedures to get you back to your active lifestyle, including total joint replacements. Our team also offers the latest technology to allow for a shorter recovery and less pain.

Urogynecological surgery

Our specialists in urogynecological surgery offer a variety of treatment options to get you back to the life you love. You benefit from the latest surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including medication and therapy, minimally invasive surgery and complex reconstructive procedures or revisions. We work with you to determine the best treatment options for your needs.

Lung surgery

Our pulmonary care team has extensive experience with advanced technology to treat conditions of the lungs, thymus gland, mediastinum (area of the chest cavity separating the lungs), esophagus and nerves in the sympathetic nervous system.

Oral surgery

Your oral health directly impacts your overall health. Chronic oral infections can lead to serious health conditions, like cardiac disease and respiratory infections. Individuals who experience oral pain or other problems associated with the mouth and jaw are often referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We provide advanced oral care and surgical services, including:

  • Disease management, including soft and hard tissues
  • Surgical reconstruction of inadequate bone structures
  • Dental implants
  • Preparation for dentures
  • Facial pain diagnosis and treatment
  • Oral cancer diagnosis and treatment
  • Corrective jaw surgery for conditions such as cleft lip or palate
  • Sleep apnea diagnosis and surgical treatment, in conjunction with Portsmouth Regional Hospital's Sleep Diagnostic Center
  • Treatment for head and neck injuries

Cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery

As you consider plastic surgery, take advantage of our board-certified surgeons who offer comprehensive services, including a full range of cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgical treatment options. Our plastic surgeons perform:

  • Abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck")
  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast reconstruction
  • Cheek implants
  • Chin augmentation
  • Ear surgery
  • Eyelid surgery
  • Facelift
  • Forehead lift
  • Hand surgery
  • Liposuction
  • Nose surgery
  • Prosthesis change
  • Scar revision
  • Tissue expansion

Reconstructive surgical procedures may be covered by major insurers and health management organizations (HMOs). Payment for cosmetic procedures not covered by your insurance plan is due before the day of surgery unless other arrangements have been made.

Pediatric surgery

We offer both inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures for children using the most advanced technologies. Our pediatric surgeons provide your child with personalized care in a family-friendly environment—all focused on a healthy outcome and speedy recovery for your child.

Anesthesia services

Depending on the type of surgery you will have, we may use general, spinal and epidural anesthesia or ultrasound-guided regional nerve blocks for specific areas of the body.

During any type of procedure at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, your safety and comfort come first. You benefit from:

  • 24/7 epidural availability for maternity patients
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), or ultrasound imaging of the heart, during surgery
  • Pain management options
  • Anesthesia support for a variety of procedures, including cardiac catheterization, radiology and endoscopy
  • Special accommodations for pediatric surgery

If you have questions, you can visit with one of our anesthesiologists before your procedure.

Preparing for surgery

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, our goal is to provide you with the best possible care before, during and after your surgery. You play an important role in making sure your admission, surgery and recovery go smoothly.

Call to start your admission process

At least three weeks before your procedure—or as soon as you're scheduled, if it's an immediate procedure—call our preoperative nurse at (603) 433-4837, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to confirm the details. If you get our voicemail system, leave a message with your name and birth date, the date of your procedure and the best time to return your call.

Your pre-admission visit

Once the date of your surgery has been set, you'll be contacted for a pre-admission interview and diagnostic testing. This gives us vital information as we prepare for your procedure.

Bring your personal identification, insurance card, list of medications (including supplements, herbal preparations and vitamins) and dosages, a summary of your drug allergies and any advance directives regarding your healthcare.

During your pre-admission visit, we:

  • Gather your medical and surgical history
  • Conduct a nursing assessment and discuss any concerns you may have about your care
  • May ask an anesthesia provider to assess your situation
  • Conduct any pre-admission tests, such as X-rays and lab tests
  • Talk about the time and place to arrive on the day of your surgery

We offer you the option to pre-register online for surgery. You must complete the online process, including insurance options, as soon as possible or at least 72 hours before your procedure appointment.

For questions about online registration, or if you don't have access to a computer, call us at (603) 433-5223, Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4pm.

How to prepare for your surgery

Follow these general guidelines to prepare for your surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital unless you're directed otherwise:

  • Stop eating and drinking at midnight the night before your surgery. This includes chewing gum, throat lozenges, milk or milk products, orange juice, beer or other alcoholic beverages. You may brush your teeth on the morning of your procedure, but don't swallow water.
  • Take your prescribed heart, blood pressure, asthma, thyroid, seizure or pain medications, as discussed with your physician, with just enough water to swallow them.
  • If you regularly use inhalers, continue to use them at home, and bring them with you to the hospital.
  • Patients with diabetes should not take insulin, oral hypoglycemic or any other diabetic medication on the day of surgery. Call (603) 433-4033 for additional instructions.
  • Don't take any diuretics (fluid pills), such as Lasix®, HCTZ or others.
  • Talk to your doctor if you're on blood thinners.
  • Don't smoke after midnight.
  • Bathe or shower before your procedure.
  • Don't apply makeup or lotions.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and remove all jewelry and body piercings.
  • Leave valuables, jewelry, credit cards, money, checkbooks, wallet or your purse at home.
  • Bring containers for eyeglasses, dentures or hearing aids, and place these items in their containers before entering the operating room.
  • Pack a small bag with what you need for an overnight stay, including pajamas, slippers and toiletries. You may want to leave these items in the car until you've been assigned an inpatient room number.
  • Parents of children having surgery may be in the operating room until your child falls asleep and may bring a stuffed toy or security blanket for your child to hold following the procedure.
  • If you experience a change in your health—such as a cold, cough or fever—within 24 hours of your scheduled surgery, contact your physician or surgeon and immediately, and notify our anesthesia department at (603) 433-4048.

Make plans for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

Day of surgery check-in

On the day of surgery, enter through the main lobby and check in at the registration desk. Follow signs to the Same Day Care Unit/Short Stay Unit. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.