Advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedures that address a range of diseases and disorders – from laparoscopic repair of hernias to removal of solid tumors – are performed in specially equipped surgical suites.

Seton Medical Center has an advanced da Vinci surgical robot that is used by specially trained surgeons for many types of complex and delicate cardiovascular, urological and gynecologic disorders.

Minimally invasive surgery offers:

smaller incisions
• minimal scarring
• less pain
• shorter hospital stays
• less risk of wound infections
• less blood less
• faster recovery
• Visit the Physician Search for board-certified surgeons at Seton Medical Center.

You can play an important role in the helping to ensure your safety during surgery by following these key steps.

Understanding the Consent Form. You should review the information in the Consent Form carefully before signing it. If you are unsure about any of the information, ask your nurse or doctor.
• Know what’s being done. You should know the name of the surgery you are having and the place on your body that is being operated on (this will be marked on your body by the surgeon).
• Confirming the information. Along with confirming your identity, your surgical nurse will confirm the site of the operation and the name of the procedure.

Before your surgery begins, members of your surgical team will take these important steps to help ensure your safety:

Communication among the team. Before the surgery begins, your nurse will reiterate once again with the surgery team information about the site of your operation, the name of the procedure you are having, and any allergies you have.
• Team takes a time out. The surgery team will take a time out before the surgery starts to discuss your case and any specific considerations as well as to conduct a final check to ensure all the equipment and supplies they need are readily available.

Some additional, general steps to help ensure your safety:

Ask if you have questions.Feel comfortable with your caregivers to ask questions or express concerns.
• Keep all caregivers informed..Make sure that all your caregivers have your important health information, such as a complete list of the medications you are taking.

Early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms (which are repaired in the Surgery Department at Seton Medical Center) is just one of the areas of focus of a year-long, multi-media campaign that Seton Medical Center launched in October 2012 to promote early detection and disease prevention.

These themes are the focus of the first-ever, 44-page, full-color Seton Health & Wellness Guide and the newly revamped Seton website.

Click here for more information about early detection and prevention of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Check back often for more news about Surgical Services at Seton Medical Center
• Other latest news from Seton Medical Center

You can ask the questions on your mind, and we’ll secure answers from surgeons on our medical staff.

Click here to learn about what makes Christine tick and here for a short YouTube video featuring Christine and her Seton colleagues who are passionate about early detection and prevention of life-threatening illness.

Atherosclerosis (build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries)
• Smoking
• Overweight/obesity
• Family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms, heart disease or other diseases of the arteries
• Having certain other diseases, such as tuberculosis

Deep penetrating pain in the back or the side of the abdomen
• Steady gnawing pain in the abdomen that lasts for hours or days at a time
• Coldness, numbness or tingling in the feet (due to blocked blood flow of the legs)

Sudden, severe pain in the lower abdomen and back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Clammy, sweaty skin
• Lightheadedness
• Rapid heart rate when standing

Internal bleeding from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can result in shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition that compromises blood flow to the organs.

Quit smoking
• Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
• Control high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Partake in regular physical activity

These Health Screening Guidelines [ link to pdf, which will be provided ] outline recommended screenings.
• These Physical Activity Guidelines [ link to pdf, which will be provided ] outline recommended activity guidelines for everyone – for Children & Adolescents (Ages 6-17), Adults (Ages 18-64) and Older Adults (64 and over).

IMPORTANT: This information is provided as a community service. It is not intended as medical advice. Contact your personal physician about your individual health care needs and for advice about starting a new exercise program.

• Farmers markets
• Crystal Springs Regional Trail
• Walking tours of San Francisco
• Community pools
• Local recreation departments
• Seniors centers
• Public libraries