Advanced surgical treatment
We want you to benefit from our innovative surgical services.
At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, our skilled surgeons offer high-quality care and a compassionate approach. We also use the latest medical technologies and a wide range of inpatient and outpatient procedures.
Text updates during surgery
Your family can receive updates during your procedure via text message. This service is designed to support your family and help them receive information as quickly as possible.
Your family can receive updates during your procedure via text message. This service is designed to support your family and help them receive information as quickly as possible.
Our surgical services
Our surgical care teams strive to meet your needs before, during and after surgery. We want you to feel prepared beforehand and recover as well as possible afterwards.
Our surgical methods
As pioneers in surgical technology, we offer a range of advanced techniques, including:
- Anesthetic nerve blocks for postoperative pain management
- Green light laser technology of benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate
- Laparoscopic surgery for a variety of conditions
- Nonsurgical kidney stone removal with shock (sound) wave technology
- Robot-assisted surgery
- Sponge detection technology to enhance efficiency and patient safety in the operating room
Minimally invasive surgery
Whenever possible, we choose laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgical techniques, as well as robotic procedures. Our surgeons operate on internal organs through several small openings in the body rather than creating large incisions. Minimally invasive procedures offer several potential benefits, including a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and minimized scarring.
Surgical specialties we offer
Our experienced surgeons and surgical nurses offer a wide variety of procedures in various specialties, including heart surgery, general surgery and pediatric surgery. Many specialties include minimally invasive methods.
Brain and neurosurgery
As the only neurosurgery program on the Seacoast, you can trust our team to provide specialized, expert care. Neurosurgical procedures involve the brain, head, neck, nervous system and related blood vessel systems. They are used to treat conditions such as stroke, aneurysms and traumatic injuries. We also offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) for motion disorders.
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 surgeons use 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, we are able to provide the highest possible 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 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.
Cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery
If you're considering plastic surgery, our board-certified surgeons 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.
General surgery
Our general surgeons specialize in treating conditions of major organs, along with the bones and tissues of the torso. We offer various procedures, many of which are minimally invasive. Some of the general surgeries we offer include:
- Appendix removal
- Gallbladder removal
- Gastrointestinal procedures
- Hernia repair
- Spleen or adrenal gland surgery
Gynecological surgery
We offer a full array of gynecological surgery services, including hysterectomy and gynecological oncology surgery. Our skilled, board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons use minimally invasive methods and advanced techniques whenever possible.
Urogynecological surgery
Our specialists in urogynecological surgery offer a variety of treatment options to get you back to the life you love. This specialty addresses issues of the female pelvic floor, such as incontinence and pelvic prolapse. You may 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.
Heart and vascular surgery
We perform many cardiovascular surgical procedures, including angiography, balloon valvoplasty and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Our nationally recognized team offers the only heart surgery program in the region, giving you access to high-quality care.
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. If you experience oral pain or problems associated with the mouth and jaw, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We provide advanced oral care and surgical services, including:
- Corrective jaw surgery for conditions such as cleft lip or palate
- Dental implants
- Disease management, including soft and hard tissues
- Facial pain diagnosis and treatment
- Oral cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Preparation for dentures
- Sleep apnea diagnosis and surgical treatment in conjunction with our sleep clinic
- Surgical reconstruction of inadequate bone structures
- Treatment for head and neck injuries
Orthopedic surgery
The specialists and surgeons in our orthopedics program perform a variety of nonsurgical and surgical procedures to get you back to your active lifestyle, including total joint replacements. We also offer the latest technology to allow for a shorter recovery and less pain.
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 aimed at a healthy outcome and the fastest possible 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, your safety and comfort come first. You may benefit from:
- 24/7 epidural availability when you are in labor
- Anesthesia support for a variety of procedures, including cardiac catheterization, radiology and endoscopy
- Pain management options
- Special accommodations for pediatric surgery
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), or ultrasound imaging of the heart, during surgery
If you have questions, you can visit with one of our anesthesiologists before your procedure.
Preparing for surgery
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
For scheduled procedures, call our preoperative nurse at (603) 433-4837 at least three weeks before your procedure. For immediate procedures, call as soon as possible. We are available Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 3:30pm. 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 preadmission visit
Once the date of your surgery has been set, you'll be contacted for a preadmission interview and diagnostic testing. This gives us vital information as we prepare for your procedure. Please bring your:
- Any advance directives regarding your healthcare
- Insurance card
- List of medications and dosages, including supplements, herbal preparations and vitamins
- Personal identification
- Summary of drug allergies
During your preadmission visit, we start by gathering your medical and surgical history. Next, we conduct a nursing assessment and discuss any concerns you may have about your care. You can ask an anesthesia provider to assess your situation. We will also administer any preadmission tests, such as X-rays and lab tests. Finally, we will discuss the time and place to arrive on the day of your surgery.
We offer you the option to 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 Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm.
How to prepare for your surgery
Follow these general guidelines to prepare for your surgery 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 furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide
- 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, also known as the Short Stay Unit. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
For scheduled procedures, call our preoperative nurse at (603) 433-4837 at least three weeks before your procedure. For immediate procedures, call as soon as possible. We are available Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 3:30pm. 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.
Once the date of your surgery has been set, you'll be contacted for a preadmission interview and diagnostic testing. This gives us vital information as we prepare for your procedure. Please bring your:
- Any advance directives regarding your healthcare
- Insurance card
- List of medications and dosages, including supplements, herbal preparations and vitamins
- Personal identification
- Summary of drug allergies
During your preadmission visit, we start by gathering your medical and surgical history. Next, we conduct a nursing assessment and discuss any concerns you may have about your care. You can ask an anesthesia provider to assess your situation. We will also administer any preadmission tests, such as X-rays and lab tests. Finally, we will discuss the time and place to arrive on the day of your surgery.
We offer you the option to 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 Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm.
Follow these general guidelines to prepare for your surgery 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 furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide
- 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.
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, also known as the Short Stay Unit. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.