When your physician recommends a surgical procedure, the last thing you want is weeks of uncertainty, complicated hospital stays, and endless scheduling delays. At Boulder City Hospital, our outpatient surgery program is built around you, providing expert surgical care so you can return home the same day, recover in familiar surroundings, and get back to your life faster.
As a trusted community hospital serving Boulder City and Henderson, BCH offers a full range of same-day surgical services through our General Surgery program, backed by board-certified surgeons and a dedicated perioperative team.
Surgical Procedures We Offer
Our surgical team performs a broad spectrum of outpatient procedures across multiple specialties. All procedures are performed in our fully equipped, accredited surgical suites.
General Surgery
- Hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical)
- Appendectomy
- Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
- Soft tissue biopsies and mass removals
- Port placement and removal
Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal
- Arthroscopic knee and shoulder procedures
- Carpal tunnel release
- Trigger finger release
- Joint injections and aspirations
Endoscopic Procedures
- Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy workup support
Note: Procedure availability is subject to surgeon specialty and patient eligibility. Your care team will confirm which procedures are appropriate based on your diagnosis and health history.
Our Surgeons
Boulder City Hospital partners with experienced, board-certified surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce recovery time and post-operative discomfort. Our surgical team works closely with your referring physician to ensure continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.
Preparing for Your Outpatient Surgery
Proper preparation helps ensure a safe procedure and a smooth same-day discharge. Your care coordinator will provide personalized pre-operative instructions, but here is what most patients can expect:
7–14 Days Before Surgery
- Attend your pre-operative appointment and complete required lab work or imaging
- Review your current medications with your surgeon — some may need to be paused
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours
- Fill prescriptions for post-operative pain management in advance
The Night Before
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (unless instructed otherwise)
- Shower with antiseptic soap if provided
- Remove nail polish, jewelry, and piercings
- Confirm your arrival time with the surgical team
Day of Surgery
- Arrive 60–90 minutes before your scheduled procedure time
- Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any consent forms
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Leave valuables at home
If you have concerns about what to expect, our Primary Care team is available to answer questions and coordinate with your surgeon before your procedure date.
Recovery from outpatient surgery varies by procedure and individual patient. Most patients are discharged within one to three hours after their surgery is complete, once they are awake, stable, and meeting discharge criteria.
Before You Leave
- A nurse will review your discharge instructions in detail
- You will receive prescriptions for pain management and any antibiotics if needed
- You will be given a follow-up appointment date with your surgeon
At Home — First 24–48 Hours
- Rest and limit activity as directed
- Keep your incision site clean and dry unless instructed otherwise
- Watch for signs of infection: increased redness, warmth, swelling, or fever above 101°F
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions while on pain medication
If your procedure involves physical recovery, BCH offers comprehensive Rehabilitation Services to help restore strength and mobility on your timeline.
Insurance & Pre-Authorization
Boulder City Hospital accepts most major insurance plans. Surgical procedures typically require pre-authorization from your insurance provider before the procedure can be scheduled. Our financial counselors work with you and your insurer to verify benefits and confirm coverage ahead of time.
- Pre-authorization is initiated by your surgeon’s office or BCH’s patient services team
- You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) outlining your estimated cost responsibility
- Self-pay and financial assistance options are available — contact our billing department to learn more
- Questions about coverage? Call BCH Patient Services before your procedure date
We encourage patients to contact their insurance provider directly to confirm that Boulder City Hospital is in-network and to understand any deductible or co-pay requirements that may apply.
Meet our Board Certified Surgeons
Michael Hewitt, MD
Dr. Hewitt specializes in orthopedics and sports medicine. He graduated from Tufts University with a Doctor of Medicine degree, earned his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of California, Irvine.
Dr. Hewitt completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center and an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at Southern California Orthopedic Institute.
Dr. Hewitt has advanced training in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery of the shoulder and knee.
David Jenkins, DO
Dr. Jenkins is a general surgeon and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, having graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Same-Day Discharge: How It Works
Outpatient surgery at BCH is designed for patients who are healthy enough to safely recover at home following their procedure. Here is a typical day:
Check-In | Arrive 60–90 minutes early. Nursing staff completes intake, IV placement, and pre-op prep. |
Surgery | Your surgeon performs the procedure in our fully equipped surgical suite. Duration varies by procedure. |
Recovery | You recover in our monitored post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Staff monitor vitals until you are ready for discharge. |
Discharge | Once stable, you receive discharge instructions and go home with your designated driver — typically the same day. |
In the rare event that an overnight stay becomes medically necessary, BCH’s inpatient team is equipped to provide continuity of care. You can also reach our Emergency Services team 24/7 if post-surgical concerns arise after discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Outpatient surgery includes a wide range of procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay. At BCH, this includes general surgeries such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removal, orthopedic procedures like carpal tunnel release and arthroscopy, and endoscopic services including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. Your surgeon will confirm whether your specific procedure qualifies for same-day discharge.
Candidacy depends on your procedure type, overall health, and anesthesia requirements. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will conduct a pre-operative evaluation to determine whether outpatient surgery is appropriate for you. Most healthy adults undergoing low-to-moderate risk procedures are good candidates.
Not all outpatient procedures require general anesthesia. Some are performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or regional nerve blocks. Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history and recommend the safest and most appropriate anesthesia plan for your specific procedure.
If you experience severe pain, signs of infection, difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms after discharge, call our surgical team immediately or go to our Emergency Services department. Do not wait for your follow-up appointment if something feels wrong.
BCH accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. We strongly recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to scheduling to verify in-network status and obtain pre-authorization. Our patient services team can also assist with benefit verification and answer billing questions before your procedure date.
Schedule Your Outpatient Surgery Consultation
Boulder City Hospital is proud to serve as Southern Nevada’s trusted community surgical resource — delivering expert, same-day surgical care without the complexity of a large hospital system. Whether you have been referred by your physician or are researching your options, our team is here to guide you through every step.
Contact Boulder City Hospital today to schedule a surgical consultation, or ask your Primary Care provider to submit a referral. Our coordinators will handle the rest.