If you, or someone you love, has ever suffered from back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Chronic back pain is not something that is here one day and gone the next. It is a constant setback that takes a physical, emotional, and mental toll on a person, significantly hindering daily activities such as work and enjoying time with family.
While surgery is often not the first choice, when it comes to chronic back pain, it’s sometimes the only thing that will result in a permanent fix. Traditional spine surgery used to mean long recoveries with hospital stays and body casts, but thanks to advancements in medical technology, that’s not the case.
Here at St. Cloud Surgical Center, we have a team of surgeons who have pioneered minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). This procedure offers effective relief with fewer drawbacks than traditional open surgeries and exists to help you return to a pain-free life!
UNDERSTANDING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY (MISS)
Minimally invasive spine surgery is becoming a top choice for spine surgery because it involves performing spinal procedures through small incisions, utilizing specialized instruments and imaging techniques. This approach contrasts with traditional open surgery, which requires larger incisions and can result in more significant muscle and tissue disruption.
Minimally invasive spine surgery boasts many benefits, including:
Faster Recovery Times
Better Cosmetic Results
Less Blood Loss
Reduced Risk of Infection
Reduced Risk of Postoperative Pain
Less Time for Rehab
To learn more about the benefits and technological advancements made in the last 30 years regarding minimally invasive spine surgery, refer to this video from our very own Dr. Joel Shobe.
BECOMING A CANDIDATE FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY (MISS)
While minimally invasive spine surgery offers numerous benefits, it’s not the right fit for all patients suffering from back pain. Ideal candidates typically have conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or certain deformities that haven’t responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist at St. Cloud Surgical Center will determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Common conditions of MISS candidates include:
Herniated Discs
Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Scoliosis
Spinal Instability
Spinal Tumors
Whatever the reason for your pain, our highly skilled surgeons will find the cause and provide the best course of action. If surgery becomes your best option, the expertise and ongoing training of surgeons at our center will provide you with the most advanced surgical care available today.
WHAT TO EXPECT: FROM SURGERY PREP TO RECOVERY
If you’re considering minimally invasive spine surgery, knowing what to expect at each stage can bring peace of mind. While any surgery can feel intimidating, the process is designed with your comfort and recovery in mind. From preparation to recovery, here’s how the experience typically unfolds:
Preoperative Preparation: Prior to surgery, your surgeon and care team will discuss the plan and surgery process. Our team will also provide many touchpoints, such as checklists, emails, and phone calls, to assure you that your safety is our top priority!
During the Surgery: Under anesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions and uses specialized instruments to access the spine. Real-time imaging guides the procedure, ensuring precision.
Postoperative Care: After the surgery, you’ll be monitored as you wake from anesthesia. Your care team will provide pain management strategies to implement, and you’ll receive instructions for at-home care and a plan for rehabilitation.
Everyone’s experience and pace will be different when it comes to recovery. The process is highly dependent on the individual and the specific procedure performed. When it comes to minimally invasive spine surgeries, this is what most patients can expect:
Early Mobilization:Patients are encouraged to walk and engage in light activities soon after surgery to promote healing.
Physical Therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program may be recommended to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with your surgeon to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
Living with chronic back pain doesn’t have to be your reality. Minimally invasive spine surgery offers a path to relief with fewer risks and a quicker recovery. If you’re considering this option, consult with the experts at St. Cloud Surgical Center to determine the best course of action for your spinal health.
Our top-rated ambulatory surgery center values a patient-centric approach focusing on your comfort, safety, and swift return to daily life. When patients choose St. Cloud Surgical Center for their care, they can rest easy knowing our team of experienced spine specialists is dedicated to successful outcomes and personalized care.
For those experiencing sudden vision changes or distortions, the expertise of a specialized eye surgeon can make all the difference. Over 20 years ago, Dr. Dale Reynolds opened Central Minnesota Retina Specialists, a private practice clinic specializing in retina care. Earlier this year, Dr. Reynolds and his partner, Dr. Gullapalli, partnered with St. Cloud Surgical Center to better serve our community. Together, the duo performs life-changing procedures that help prevent vision loss and restore sight for those in need.
A Passion for Sight-Saving Surgery
For Dr. Reynolds, a profession in medicine, more specifically retina care, was a calling. Having grown up with a blind grandparent, he understands firsthand the profound impact that vision loss can have on a person’s life. This personal connection fuels his commitment to offering high-quality, specialized retina care to his patients.
His expertise lies in treating complex retinal conditions, including:
Retinal detachment – A serious condition where the retina pulls away from its normal position, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Macular holes – A small break in the macula, the central part of the retina, that causes blurred or distorted vision.
Epiretinal membranes – Scar tissue that forms on the surface of the retina, often due to aging, leading to vision distortion.
Dr. Reynolds likens his role to that of an endodontist in the field of dentistry—handling complex cases that require specialized techniques and expertise.
Why Retina Surgery Matters
While only a small fraction (roughly 1 in 300 people) of the population may require retina surgery, the impact of these procedures is immense. Retina issues can stem from aging, degenerative changes, or diabetes, often presenting as vision distortions or sudden loss of sight. Without timely intervention, these conditions can lead to permanent blindness.
For diabetic patients, in particular, retina issues are a growing concern. Poor vascular health can lead to bleeding and other complications that require advanced surgical intervention. As diabetes becomes more prevalent, the need for specialized retina care continues to grow.
Beyond diabetes, age-related retinal issues are becoming more common as life expectancy increases. Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and vitreomacular traction are leading causes of vision impairment, making specialized care more important than ever.
For many, the thought of eye surgery can be daunting. Dr. Reynolds places a strong emphasis on patient education, ensuring that individuals understand their condition, the surgical process, and the expected outcomes. By alleviating fears and setting clear expectations, he helps patients feel more comfortable and confident about their treatment.
“Patients come in worried and in a high-stakes situation with potential vision loss. It’s important that we have an excellent center where we can get our surgeries done right here in Central Minnesota,” Dr. Reynolds explains.
He takes time to explain each step of the procedure, potential risks, and the recovery process. By doing so, he empowers patients to make informed decisions about their eye health.
Advancements in Retina Care
The field of retina surgery has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in imaging and surgical techniques leading to better patient outcomes. Innovations such as high-resolution imaging allow for earlier and more precise diagnosis, while minimally invasive surgical methods improve recovery times and reduce complications.
Some of the most notable advancements include:
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed images of the retina, allowing for earlier detection of retinal diseases.
Micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS): A technique that enables retina surgeons to perform procedures with minimal tissue disruption, reducing recovery time.
Laser therapies: Advanced laser technology allows for precise treatment of retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy, preventing further damage.
Dr. Reynolds stays at the forefront of these advancements, continuously updating his knowledge and incorporating the latest techniques into his practice. His dedication ensures that patients in Central Minnesota have access to cutting-edge retina care without needing to travel long distances.
As technology continues to evolve, the future of retina surgery holds even more promise. Dr. Reynolds remains optimistic about the future and is dedicated to ensuring that his patients benefit from these breakthroughs as they become available.
Making a Difference in Central Minnesota
With a deep passion for his work, Dr. Reynolds finds fulfillment in restoring vision and preventing blindness for his patients. His commitment to excellence and compassionate approach make him a vital asset to St. Cloud Surgical Center and the broader community.
“For me, it’s a calling,” he says. “The success that I have is in making that happen for a lot of patients in the area.”
Beyond surgery, Dr. Reynolds and his team work to increase awareness of retinal diseases and the importance of early detection. Through community outreach and education, they aim to reduce preventable vision loss in the region.
By bringing specialized retina care closer to home, Dr. Reynolds and his team are changing lives one patient at a time. His work ensures that individuals who might otherwise face blindness have the opportunity to regain their vision and improve their quality of life.
For those experiencing vision problems, early intervention is key. If you notice sudden changes in your sight, consulting a specialist like Dr. Reynolds can make all the difference in preserving your vision for years to come.
For questions about Retina Surgery and other offerings at St. Cloud Surgical Center, contact us directly.
At St. Cloud Surgical Center, our pre and post-anesthesia nurses are the backbone of patient care, ensuring comfort, safety, and expert guidance throughout every surgical journey. As we celebrate Perianesthesia Nurse Awareness Week, we take a moment to recognize their dedication, skill, and the impact they make every day.
To give you a closer look at the heart of outpatient care, we sat down with two of our incredible nurses to hear their stories, insights, and what makes their work so rewarding. From the fast-paced nature of their role to the deep connections they build with patients, here’s what they had to say.
SCSC: Hi, Monica and Steph; thank you for taking the time to sit with us today. We look forward to talking more about what you do here, as your role is crucial to our success.
Monica & Steph: Thank you for having us. We’re honored to sit down with you today.
SCSC: How long have you both been with the center?
Monica: I have worked at the St. Cloud Surgical Center for the past ten years in the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) department, where I help prepare patients for surgery and care for them after their procedures.
Steph: I also work in the PACU alongside Monica. I’ve been here since 2022 after making the transition from an inpatient setting.
SCSC: Are you glad you made the change?
Steph: Absolutely. There are so many things that I appreciate about being at the surgical center, but really, the people here make it special, and all the satisfaction results can back that up. We collaborate and work like a true team every day. The culture here is like nothing I have experienced in my nursing career.
Monica: I couldn’t agree more. There are many things I like about working here, but certainly, one of them is just the people I get to work with. Whether it’s other nurses, staff, or our surgeons, we all work well together and enjoy being here, making it a nice place to work.
Steph: I like what you said about everyone working together well. While we all have a role, we’re willing to pitch in when needed. Every team member comes to work with the idea of giving excellent care and working together while doing so.
SCSC: So, you wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the center as a place to work?
Monica:Again, I’ve been here for 10 years. I wouldn’t be if I didn’t enjoy it, and the people that I get to work with and the patients we get to work with here. You really feel like you’re a member of a really large extended family when you work here.
Steph: Exactly. The culture here is beyond comparison. I’ve had jobs in healthcare and all have been great because I love what I do, but at the end of the day, the culture here is something that you don’t really get until you’re here. I remember when I interviewed at the Surgical Center, I had so many people say what a family we are. And I’ve heard that at other places. But truly, here, you’re cared about in ways that go beyond the walls of work.
Monica: Well said, Steph. I would just like to add that even though the center gets bigger and we add more and more surgeons, we still have been able to keep that feeling of community, our staff that really translates to great care for our patients.
SCSC: We really do have an excellent team! And teamwork is one of our core values, as well as clinical quality, integrity, service excellence, accountability, continuous improvement, and inclusion. Could you both share how you see our core values come to life here?
Monica: I know we’ve touched on this already, but our teamwork here is unmatched. Recently, we had a pretty significant outage with our computer system, which really curtailed the day. This is healthcare, though, and things can’t just stop. We all came together and did what we had to do to keep things running smoothly for the day.
SCSC: Sounds stressful!
Monica: It really was, but because we can work so well together, we could put our patients first and kept surgeries running smoothly and safely.
Steph: That was a crazy day, but as Monica said, we are a team and came together to keep our patients safe. This is the perfect example of how our core values are on display every day, and even though the day could have been a bust, we continued to operate within our standards of care.
SCSC: So, service excellence was still on display this day?
Steph: Absolutely. No matter the circumstances, we are committed to service excellence from the time a patient enters the door to the time they leave. We need to give our patients the most positive experience. No matter their age or procedure, surgery is a hard and scary thing to go through. They should feel welcome and safe here.
SCSC: On that note, when people ask you about having a procedure here, what do you tell them?
Steph: When people ask me about having a procedure at the surgical center, I think the truest testament is that I have had my own family members come here, including my children. I know that when my loved ones are here, they’re going to get the best care. From the nursing staff to the physicians and MDAs, everybody here does an excellent jo,b and they care so much. It’s hard not to bring your loved ones here when you know what they get.
Monica: The same goes for me. In fact, I have even had surgeries here. My mom had her knee replacement here as well. So, if it’s good enough for my own family, I certainly recommend it to others.
Steph:What people need to know is that from the time that you walk through our doors, you’re in the best of hands. I have full faith in everybody that we have here. Everybody’s role is important, and we value our patients to a degree that it’s not even tangible. We value the patients that walk in the door and it is our utmost priority to give them the best experience and to give them the best care.
SCSC: Wow, thank you ladies. These are incredible insights that I think prospective patients and employees will appreciate hearing. I want to end this by saying thank you to both of you and your teams for all that you do at the center. We wouldn’t be able to deliver the highest level of care without the work you do.
The dedication and experiences of our perianesthesia nurses at St. Cloud Surgical Center are at the core of exceptional patient care. Through their stories, it’s clear that they believe in the mission of our center and are proud to share it with others. Not only are they exceptional teammates, they make a lasting impression on every patient they serve.
As we celebrate Perianesthesia Nurses Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to these incredible professionals. Their commitment to service excellence, teamwork, and patient well-being is what makes St. Cloud Surgical Center a trusted place for surgical care.
To all the perianesthesia nurses here at our center, thank you for your hard work, your heart, and the difference you make.
If someone approached you on the street and asked you what the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women is, would you know?
The answer: colorectal cancer.
Thanks to advancements in healthcare, colon cancer is now one of the most preventable cancers through proper screening, early detection, and removal of growths.
At St. Cloud Surgical Center, we’re committed to making this vital screening as accessible and stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer colonoscopies to patients aged 45 and older without requiring a referral. We aim to make an uncomfortable process less intimidating by removing this extra step.
Michael Dorle, MD has provided this service at our center for over 25 years, and starting in 2025, we’re enhancing our colonoscopy program with the return of Dr. Manuel Moran further expanding the expertise and care we provide.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GET A COLONOSCOPY
A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive, safe procedure used to evaluate the colon for cancer and other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. This procedure plays an important role in colorectal cancer prevention.
In 2021, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force began recommending men and women should get a colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 45. This adjustment from the previous recommendation of age 50 reflects a rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults.
However, each individual should weigh their risk factors when determining the age and frequency at which they receive a colonoscopy.
Average Risk: You should have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45. If no polyps are found, the next screening can typically wait another 10 years.
Increased Risk: Individuals with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer may require more frequent screenings based on their doctor’s recommendations.
Bowel Conditions: If you experience ongoing symptoms of bowel irritation or inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your doctor may suggest more frequent colonoscopies, sometimes multiple times a year.
Polyps: If polyps were discovered during a previous colonoscopy, a follow-up procedure may be needed to remove additional growths and monitor for recurrence.
Dr. Manual Moran, a leading colon and rectal surgeon, began conducting colonoscopies at our center years ago. We are excited to welcome him back in 2025!
PREPARING FOR AN UPCOMING COLONOSCOPY
If you’re feeling apprehensive about an upcoming colonoscopy, know you’re not alone. With this procedure, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild. However, much of what you hear about colonoscopies is not fact-based. Our mission is to make our patients feel comfortable every step of the way. Rest assured, you’re in good hands with the Gastroenterologists at
St. Cloud Surgical Center!
And if you’re still nervous, let’s address some common misconceptions.
MYTH #1 – It’s Going To Hurt
This is one of the biggest misconceptions! You’ll be sedated throughout the procedure and won’t feel a thing. Most patients don’t even remember it afterward.
MYTH #2 – I Don’t Need A Colonoscopy Until I Have Cancer Symptoms
Not just a myth, this is a dangerously false claim. Most pre-cancers are found in people who don’t have pain or symptoms. Regular screenings can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by more than 50%.
MYTH #3 – Getting A Colonoscopy Is Humiliating
As a patient at St. Cloud Surgical Center, we prioritize privacy and dignity. Our team will ensure you have a respectful and comfortable experience from start to finish.
While a colonoscopy isn’t a walk in the park, it could save your life. If you are 45 years of age or older, you can schedule your screening colonoscopy at our center without a referral.
How to Schedule Your Colonoscopy at SCSC
St Cloud Surgical Center makes Colon Cancer Screening easy. By scheduling your colonoscopy screening with us, you’re assured a timely and comfortable experience and exceptional medical care.
Step 1: Confirm you meet the age or risk criteria for screening.
Step 2: Verify insurance coverage and understand any potential costs.
Step 3: Contact SCSC directly at 320-229-3201 to set up an appointment.
Step 4: Follow the preparation guidelines provided by the center before your procedure.
When you’re ready, you can schedule your colonoscopy appointment here.
Taking charge of your health is one of the most empowering decisions you can make. If you’ve been putting off your first colonoscopy, make 2025 the year you take control. A colonoscopy is not just a screening, it’s a proactive step toward the healthiest you.
Call our experienced and comforting staff at St. Cloud Surgical Center today to schedule your appointment. Your future self will thank you.
Some of the links on this page will take you away from
this site to another website, which may be a non-WCAG compliant website. SCA may not control the
content or links of non-SCA websites.
