Surgical Services: 828-835-7575
General Surgery: 828-837-7708
Hospital Switchboard: 828-837-6161
Orthopaedics: 828-837-9181
Urology: 828-835-3900
Erlanger offers comprehensive surgical services. With robotic-assisted surgery now available at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, our surgeons continue to provide excellent care for patients with additional minimally invasive procedures available. If your surgeon determines laparoscopic or robotic surgery is right for you, this could mean smaller incisions, less blood loss, lower risk of infection, faster recoveries, and improved clinical outcomes.
Every procedure from routine to complex is approached with a commitment to involving patients in their treatment plan and presenting options leading toward positive outcomes.
General Surgical Services
- Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy
- Biopsy
- Skin lesion removal
- Gallbladder removal
- Hernia repair
- Port placement and removal
- Breast lesion removal
- Thyroidectomy (Partial and Complete Removal)
Surgery Specializations
- General Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Orthopaedics
- Podiatry
- Ophthalmology
- ENT/Plastic Surgery
- Vascular
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive approach that allows surgeons to operate with enhanced precision through small incisions. Surgeons control the robotic system at all times using high-definition and 3D visualization to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy.
Robotic Surgery Specializations
- Gallbladder removal
- Abdominal hernia repair
- Colectomy
- Appendix removal
The Erlanger Surgical Robotics Team offers one of the largest and most advanced robotic surgery programs in the Southeast, combining leading-edge technology with highly experienced surgeons to deliver minimally invasive care across multiple specialties.
- Less pain and blood loss
- Less scarring
- Fewer complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster return to normal activities
- Greater precision
- Greater visualization, dexterity for the surgeon
Why Choose Erlanger for Robotic Surgery?
- Largest robotic surgery fleet in the region
- Over 2,500 robotic-assisted procedures annually
- Top 5% nationally for robotic surgery volume (DaVinci)
- Newest-generation robotic technology, the da Vinci 5 System
- Academic medical center expertise
Meet Our Providers
Patient Resources
Please view the pre-surgery shower instructions.
Pre-Surgery Shower InstructionsView the map of Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.
Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital Map (opens a PDF)Erlanger offers comprehensive list of surgical services.
Erlanger's Surgical ServicesFrequently Asked Questions About Your Procedure at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital
Yes. Patients may have one family member accompany them in the preoperative patient area. Once your nurse confirms you are ready for your procedure, additional family members or friends may be allowed to visit briefly, depending on timing and patient flow.
No. To protect patient privacy and maintain a safe clinical environment, family members and visitors cannot accompany patients beyond the pre-operative area. Your family should take your personal belongings and wait in the Waiting Room.
If you need to reschedule your surgery or procedure, please contact your physician office as soon as possible. If your physician's office has not been notified before the day of your procedure, call Surgical Services at 828-835-7575 for assistance.
Most patients remain in the preoperative are until their physician is ready to proceed. Patients arrive to Same Day Care approximately 2 hours before their scheduled procedure.
Every procedure is different. For an estimated procedure length, please speak with your nurse or a Customer Service Representative in Surgical Services. Please note that all procedure times are estimates and may vary.
Your family will receive an update approximately 1 to 2 hours after you are transported to the procedure room. For procedures lasting longer than one hour, nursing staff will provide periodic updates every 1 to 2 hours.
If family members have not received an update within that timeframe, they should check with the Customer Service Representative in the waiting room.
After your procedure is complete:
- Your physician will speak with your family about the outcome of the procedure.
- You will be taken to the Recovery Room.
- A recovery nurse will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and comfort level.
- Medications may be administered as ordered by your physician.
- An anesthesia provider will evaluate you before discharge from recovery.
Most patients remain in the Recovery Room for approximately 1 to 2 hours, although recovery times vary based on the procedure and individual needs.
From the Recovery Room you will return to Same Day Care or to an assigned room within the hospital, your family will be able to join you once proceeding to this phase of care.
Before your procedure, you will be taken to a patient room. Your clinical team will:
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and temperature
- Review your medical history and any recent health changes
- Draw blood if necessary
- Start an IV
You will be asked to remove personal belongings, including clothing, jewelry, dentures, contact lenses, and other removable items.
Physicians visit patients in Surgical Services. During this phase of care, you may also meet:
- Your Pre-Op nurse
- Your operating room nurse
- Your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Patients should check in at the Main Entrance Patient Registration Desk upon arrival. A Customer Service Representative will be available to assist you with registration and answer any questions before your procedure.
If you need to make a co-pay or other payment, a registration clerk is available in the Surgical Services Waiting Room. Please notify the Customer Service Representative when you arrive so we can assist you promptly.
Arriving early allows our care team to complete all necessary pre-procedure preparations and ensure your experience runs smoothly. During this time, you will meet with members of your healthcare team, complete any required assessments, and prepare for your procedure. Our goal is to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality care before, during, and after your treatment.
Thank You for Choosing Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital
Thank you for trusting Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital with your healthcare needs. Our team is committed to providing exceptional patient care and a positive experience for you and your family. If you need assistance at any time during your visit, please ask a member of our staff. We wish you a safe procedure and a speedy recovery.