Surgical Critical Care

These specialists are typically consulted in-hospital when a patient experiences:

• Major trauma or accidents requiring emergency surgery
• Complications during or after an operation
• Unstable vital signs or organ failure after surgery
• The need for prolonged ICU management following complex procedures

You may also meet with a surgical critical care provider before surgery if you're considered high-risk.

Q1: What does a surgical critical care specialist do?
A1: These are highly trained surgeons who provide intensive care to patients after major surgery, trauma, or during life-threatening complications. They often work in ICUs and emergency departments.

Q2: Do I need a referral to see a surgical critical care doctor?
A2: Typically, these specialists are consulted during a hospital stay—especially after trauma or a high-risk operation. However, follow-ups can occur at outpatient clinics like BASS if needed.

Q3: How is surgical critical care different from regular surgery?
A3: While general surgeons focus on the procedure itself, surgical critical care specialists manage the immediate post-op period in the ICU—monitoring organs, responding to emergencies, and managing complex recovery needs.