Surgical Services

Innovative techniques, close to home

Surgery isn't something you necessary plan for. But, when you need it, it's reassuring to know that the skilled surgeons of Marshall Health are close to home. Every day, Marshall Health provides surgical care for patients in need of both common and complex surgeries. 

Our team is here to help answer your questions as you prepare for your surgery, provide quality perioperative care and help guide you through the recovery process.

Inpatient & outpatient surgery

Marshall Health surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures in a partner hospital, surgery center or outpatient clinic based on the type and complexity of the surgery.   

Cabell Huntington Hospital is our primary teaching hospital and a level II trauma center. Therefore, most of our general and specialty surgeries occur here, including neurosurgery, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopaedics and pediatric surgery, as well as emergency surgeries for traumatic injuries. Our cardiac surgeons perform heart surgeries at the region's leading heart care center, the St. Mary's Regional Heart Institute. 

Surgical eye care is available at our inpatient laser suite at Marshall Eye Surgeons or at the Cabell Huntington Hospital Surgery Center, where a number of other outpatient procedures are performed by Marshall Health surgeons. In-office surgical suites for oral & maxillofacial surgery is also available at Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery. 

Surgical services

General surgery services available at Marshall Health include abdominal, gastrointestinal and breast surgeries. Common procedures include: breast biopsy, colon surgery, hemorrhoid surgery, hernia repair, lung surgery and vascular surgeries and well as surgery on cancerous growths on the soft tissues of the body.  

Minimally-invasive surgery, including:

Preparing for Surgery

As with any type of surgery, there are certain preparations that need to take place. Determining what preparations are necessary will depend on what type of surgery you have and the type of anesthesia that will be given. The following are considerations for you to discuss with your doctor or surgeon before your procedure:

  • Ask the surgeon to explain the benefits, risks, and expectations of the procedure.

  • Discuss what type of anesthesia will be given and what recovery time is expected.

  • Tell your doctor of any medicines (over-the-counter or prescription) you are currently taking, as well as any prior procedures, history of chronic illnesses, or allergies you may have.

  • Stop drinking and eating for the recommended time period before and after surgery.

  • Stop smoking as instructed.

  • Follow any specific preoperative bathing, shaving, or cleaning instructions.

  • Discuss any postoperative instructions that need to be followed (for example, changing dressings, post-op medicines, follow-up appointments). Purchase any needed supplies or fill your prescriptions ahead of time.

  • Don't wear makeup the day of surgery, including nail polish.

  • Don't wear eye contacts the day of surgery.

  • Leave valuables and jewelry at home.

  • Advise the medical staff of dentures or other prosthetic devices you may be wearing.

  • Arrange all insurance coverage before surgery, as many insurance carriers don't cover many types of plastic surgery procedures (particularly cosmetic procedures).

  • Arrange a ride home after your procedure.