Our Facilities

Laparoscopic Surgery Suite

To better serve patients, OSF Saint James - John W. Albrecht Medical Center has created a surgical suite specially equipped and designed for laparoscopic procedures. This creates the best possible operating environment for surgeons, staff and, most importantly, for laparoscopic surgery patients.

With the laparoscopic method of surgery, incisions are smaller, the patient's length of stay is reduced, infection rates are typically lower, and many surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis, rather than as an inpatient. Sometimes referred to as "minimally invasive surgery," laparoscopic surgery means the insertion of a lighted scope attached to a video camera into one incision, while a video monitor serves as a guide while the surgeon inserts surgical instruments into the other small incisions. Gallbladder removal, hernia repair and appendix removal are three of the procedures commonly performed laparoscopically at OSF Saint James.

Although laparoscopic surgery has been performed at OSF Saint James for many years, the new dedicated surgery suite contains several advanced features, which further enhance the positive benefits of this form of surgery.

Access to vivid, highly detailed digital medical images is possible within the suite through the medical center's Picture Archive Communication System (PACS).

Hemodynamic monitoring within the suite enables the nurse to immediately evaluate the patient's response to drugs, and mechanical support and to evaluate the effectiveness of the patient's cardiovascular function.

Images can be printed from the sterile field and enlarged for better visualization. New imaging technology allows the surgeon to scan over the pelvis before surgery. High definition monitors offer superior clarity, resolution and color, a Xenon light source for optimal visualization, built-in safety checks, and convenient access for the surgeon and staff.

To learn more about the benefits of laparoscopic surgery - or to find out if it may be right for you - ask our physicians for more information.

Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU)

The Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU) is the part of the OSF Saint James where you will go for surgery. The surgical suites and recovery room are adjacent to ACU.

If you need an operation, you may require an evaluation through the Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU). You may need to see an anesthesiologist or anesthetist to decide which form of anesthesia is best for you. Also, tests may be performed (blood, urine, X-rays, EKG) to provide important information prior to an operation.

An ACU nurse will tell you what time you must be at the hospital for surgery. While the date of your operation is usually determined at the surgical evaluation, the time of surgery will be set by someone from ACU. You should ask the ACU nurse whether you should bring any medications on the day of surgery.