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The ABCs of Same-Day Surgery

Surgical advancements and high-deductible health insurance plans influence patients to choose outpatient surgical centers like St. Cloud Surgical Center now more than ever. 

St. Cloud Surgical Center is continually voted among the top ambulatory surgery centers in the nation. In 2023, we were voted the top ASC in Minnesota. With a long history of performing same-day surgeries for patients in Central Minnesota and beyond, we have garnered a reputation for success. With many options available to patients, deciding where to receive your surgery can be hard, especially if same-day surgery is a new concept to you. 

This blog will cover the simple ABCs of same-day surgery to help you determine if we are the right fit and calm any nerves you might have.

A is for Ambulatory 

The definition of ambulatory means “the ability to walk,” and that is exactly what you will do…right out our doors post-surgery. Now, you may require some help at home and physical therapy afterward, but you will not be admitted for a hospital stay, saving you time and money. If this sounds appealing, now might be the time to research the specialties who operate in our facility. 

Our goal at St. Cloud Surgical Center is to have every patient leave our facility with a smile and hope for a strong, healthy future all in one day.

B is for Being Prepared

It is essential to be prepared for your surgery, especially if same-day surgery is new to you. Every surgery poses a potential risk. Preparing ahead of time can help you achieve the best results. Follow the tips below, and you will be on your way to a safe, successful same-day surgery.

  1. Be confident in your surgeon and the plan ahead. Research and ask questions. Nothing is off the table. 
  2. Be in good health. This may mean quitting bad habits before surgery. Your care team will help you.
  3. Be up to date on day-of instructions. We will give you plenty of information, which will sometimes be overwhelming. If you need help understanding something about your surgery, please ask. 

C is for Common Practice

With nearly two-thirds of today’s surgeries performed at facilities like St. Cloud Surgical Center, same-day surgery is a common practice in the United States and worldwide. It is normal to be worried about all that is to come with surgery but trust that you are in good hands. If you are nervous, maybe words from our past patients can help. 

“I am still in awe about the care I received. Everyone at St. Cloud Surgical Center is thorough, friendly, and caring.” – Tom S. / Joint Patient

“The entire staff was very well organized, prepared, and genuinely concerned for the well-being of my daughter. I was also extremely impressed when I received an unsolicited follow-up call from a recovery nurse to check in on how she was doing. We feel fortunate to have such a top-notch facility in our community.” – Daryl S. / Father of Orthopedic Patient 

“What I can do with this knee now is phenomenal. I couldn’t be happier with my surgery. Thank you, Dr. Green and St. Cloud Surgical Center.” – Mary R. / Joint Patient

To learn more about the differences and similarities between Ambulatory Surgery Centers and traditional hospitals, read our blog. 

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Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for Knee and Hip with Dr. Andrew Mulder

Mako SmartRobotics™ is a smart solution for joint pain, where surgeons see more, and you keep more.

Not only is Dr. Andy Mulder a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery, he’s also an excellent conversationalist. We recently sat down with Dr. Mulder to talk about all things Mako SmartRobotics™ and how the technology is helping the patients at St. Cloud Surgical Center get back to living a healthy lifestyle at any age! 

For Dr. Mulder, being an orthopedic surgeon incorporates the best of both worlds that medicine offers: the relationship side with patient care and the physical side with surgery. When choosing a specialty in orthopedics, hip and knee was an obvious answer. Both allow for fairly immediate change. You come in with a worn-out joint and leave with a shiny new one. Dr. Mulder stated that hip and knee replacements aren’t slowing down! It’s estimated that by 2030, orthopedic surgeons will complete over one million knee replacements and half a million hip replacements yearly.

The number one culprit of joint pain: ARTHRITIS 

While other factors can contribute to the wear down in our joints, it is widely accepted that the most common cause for joint replacement is arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, and post-traumatic arthritis are the most common forms of this disease. When you have exhausted all other conservative treatment options and continue to experience significant pain, stiffness, or problems with the function of your joint, surgery will most likely be the next step. 

The goal of a total joint replacement is to relieve pain and make it possible to perform daily activities again. At the St. Cloud Surgical Center, we use Mako SmartRobotics™ for total hip and total or partial knee replacements. While the world of robotics is still relatively new and can be intimidating for patients, Dr. Mulder likes to remind patients it’s just a tool. In the world of orthopedic surgery, there are many tools – hammers, screws, and now robots! 

How Does Mako Robotic Surgery Work? 

Mako SmartRobotics™ uses a 3D CT-based planning software allowing your surgeon to learn more about your anatomy and create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. That’s right; this is a custom surgery plan! During surgery, your doctor will be guided by Mako’s AccuStop™ technology only to complete the pre-determined plan. Ultimately, your surgeon will cut less with Mako by completing the procedure precisely as planned. When using this technology, you can expect your surgery to be highly efficient, safer, and accurate. Early studies even show that recovery may be quicker with Mako!

St. Cloud Surgical Center is a special place to have your joint surgery. Not only have we been named the number one surgery center in Minnesota, we have a combination of culture and reputation that is a cut above the rest; just ask Dr. Mulder. In his words, “The technology and training of surgeons can be found elsewhere, but what sets us apart is the ability to do world-class joint replacements in an outpatient setting at high volume.”

In short, we offer an efficient, cost-effective joint replacement in an outpatient setting that doesn’t exist anywhere else. Learn more about Mako and Dr. Mulder in the video below. 

For more information on Dr. Andrew Mulder and his current practice, visit St. Cloud Orthopedics. 

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