Milwaukee Surgical Specialists Franklin Wisconsin

What are your office hours?

Our office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

How can I reach you in case of an emergency after office hours?

Please call 262 821 7374. Our answering service will take your call.

What information will I need to provide when I make the first appointment?

• Name, address, phone number, date of birth, social security number
• Filled out forms (see “Patient Forms” tab under “Before Your Visit”)
• Referring physician
• Diagnosis (reason for visit)
• Insurance information (company, policy number, group number if applicable)
• Previous studies (if applicable) – You may be asked to forward and/or bring copies of results of the films.

Will this be covered by my insurance?

Outpatient consultations as well as some diagnostic tests are often covered, however you will need to verify with your insurance company that our physician’s are in network with your plan.

How soon can my surgery be scheduled?

Scheduling surgery may take one to two weeks. Many factors play a role in scheduling, starting with obtaining authorization (pre-certification) from your insurance company, pre-operative tests, possibly, in some cases, caridiology clearance, operating room availability, etc… We know you may be anxious about surgery and waiting for the date is not easy. Our staff will notify you as soon as possible with your surgery date and instructions.

Where will my surgery be done?

Our physicians do surgery at St Lukes Medical Center; The Surgery Center, Franklin; Wheaton Franciscan St Francis Hospital; Wheaton Franciscan Franklin Hospital; and Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital. Your insurance may specify which hospital the surgery should take place, in which case your choices may be limited. If your insurance allows you to go to any of these facilities please let us know your preference.

What will I be able to do after surgery?

The first few days you will be feeling tired and you can expect to have some level of pain. Make sure you have your prescription for pain medication before you leave the hospital or if you provide us with your pharmacy’s phone number the prescription may be called in ahead of time. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. You will generally need to take the pain medication more regularly for the first few days postoperatively. Walking is good for you and should be done each day to increase your strength and help your bowels return to regular function. You could experience gas pain and you may notice that having a bowel movement is more difficult. Bowel function generally slows down following surgery due to inactivity and pain medication. But as you increase your activity level and decrease your pain medication, you will gradually return to your normal bowel function. You can encourage bowel movements and reduce constipation by eating a diet which includes grain cereals, raw fruits and vegetables and plenty of liquids. If you were on a special diet before surgery, you should resume the diet your doctor recommends for you.

What will my recovery be like after Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopy is generally considered an outpatient procedure. You should avoid activities that require concentration for at least two days following surgery. You can usually return to work and resume moderate activities sooner than if you had open abdominal surgery. Some patients develop temporary shoulder pain after laparoscopy, it usually resolves in a few hours. This pain is the result of irritation of the diaphragm. You may need from one to three weeks of recovery time before returning to heavy activities or exercise and for complete recovery.

Will I have swelling or discoloration after a hernia repair?

You may have swelling or discoloration in the incision which may go into the groin and genital area several days after surgery. This should resolve within 7 to 21 days. There are no restrictions as to sexual activity as long as no discomfort occurs. Look for other details in the “Care after Operation” tab under “Patient Education.”

How do I know if my incision is healing normally?

It is normal for your incision to look a little swollen and discolored. Notify our office if you have excessive pain in the area, redness with swelling that is increasing, red streaks, bleeding, drainage that appears pus-like in the incision area, or fever above 100 degrees. These are signs of infection and you will need to be evaluated by the doctor. Look for other details in the “Care after Operation” tab under “Patient Education.”