Surgery Day
Clinic Treatments – Some patients may elect to have skin cancer treatment in our clinic including liquid nitrogen and ED&C. These treatments are quick and easy with little downtime needed for recovery.
For patients requiring Mohs surgery, we offer the unique ability for patients to have their cancer removed and the defect reconstructed on the same day by the same physician.
To comply with regulations, we group patients into groups of 2 or 3. Each patient is given their own room where they may stay for the duration of their Mohs procedure. We also have a waiting room with a tv, water, coffee, tea juice and snacks where patients can go while they are waiting. WiFi is available throughout our surgical center.
Mohs Surgery – Mohs surgery can take as little as an hour or two, or as much as a full day, depending on the extent of the cancer. Once all the patients in a group (2 to 3 patients) are cleared of skin cancer, we transition into an ambulatory surgery center for those requiring reconstruction. For simple cases, Dr. Piasecki closes the defect and sends patients home. For those requiring reconstructive surgery, patients may either wait in our waiting room until it is their turn for surgery or they may leave and we'll call them when it's their time.
Reconstructive Surgery - Dr. Piasecki performs reconstructions in our ambulatory surgery center. This operating room was designed personally by Dr. Piasecki for reconstructions following skin cancer. Ambulatory surgery centers typically cost patients 3 times less than hospital operating rooms and infection rates are much lower. As opposed to hospitals where you must check in up to 2 hours prior to a surgery, our check-in process is seamless and requires no additional time. When it's time for reconstructive surgery, patients are taken to our surgical waiting room to go through the treatment plan, sign consents and change into an operating room gown.
Patients may continue taking their usual medications, even on the day of surgery, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Please inform Dr. Piasecki if you are taking any blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin, Plavix, aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E or others, as blood thinners can lead to increased bleeding, swelling and bruising following surgery.
Prior to surgery, patients are instructed to get a good night's rest and can eat regular meals. We provide coffee, tea, juice, water and snacks in our waiting area. There is also a refrigerator and microwave available for personal use. For other food and drink options, patients can visit the cafeteria in St. Anthony’s Hospital that is connected to our surgery center. Books, magazines or a laptop computer can help pass the time during down periods.
It is suggested that you come wearing comfortable clothing and have an extra layer of clothes on hand for added warmth. A button-up or zippered shirt that can be removed without going over the head is preferred.
We will not begin operating without a documented plan for how you will get home and who will care for you following surgery. Your after care and transportation needs will vary depending on the invasiveness of your procedure. Dr. Piasecki will discuss this with you during your consultation. Please know, that he will cancel your procedure if you do not have someone to safely get you home. We consider care following surgery to be a critical component of the surgical process.