By Ansley Franco
In January, the Surgical Institute of Alabama (SIA) celebrated its five-year anniversary, having completed over 31,000 procedures since the doors opened. Over 23 specialists use the center for surgeries in orthopedics, urology, spine, general, and colorectal, along with pain management and neurosurgery.
Swaid N. Swaid, MD oversaw the construction of the 40,000 square foot, two-story Vestavia Medical Plaza, which houses SIA, at a cost of about $21 million with the goal of providing the most optimized outpatient healthcare possible.
With medical clinics located on the second floor, SIA expanded its first floor footprint with the completion of two new operating rooms bring the total to six ORs, along with two procedure rooms, while expanding the SIA space from 15,000 square feet to 17,400.
“There additions are a significant investment in the health of our patients,” Swaid said.
The facilities aim to elevate patient care for total joint replacement and spine surgeries by showcasing the institute’s commitment to innovation, precision and comfort.
“At the core of the new operating rooms is an array of technology designed to enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes,” said Halle Cloud, Director of Business Operations at SIA. “High-definition visualization systems and robotic-assisted tools enable surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with more accuracy. For patients, this means smaller incisions, less postoperative pain and faster recovery times. Beyond its impact on individual patients, the expansion will benefit the wider community by eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.”
The new operating rooms increase the institute’s capacity to serve more patients. SIA anticipates performing approximately 1,500 additional surgeries annually. This can reduce patient wait times and improve access to advanced surgical procedures close to home.
Input from leading surgeons played a critical role in selecting technologies that not only enhance patient outcomes, but also integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. “The new technology will achieve a smoother recovery experience for patients, characterized by enhanced comfort levels and a significantly reduced risk of complications,” Swaid said. “These advancements position SIA as a leader in the outpatient surgery center sector, capable of performing increasingly complex procedures with safety and efficiency. The facility also serves as a training hub, equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to adopt new surgical techniques.”
]Infection prevention is another hallmark of the new design. The advanced airflow systems reduce airborne infections to antimicrobial surfaces and dedicated sterilization areas were added with the intention of creating a safer environment for patients.
The operating rooms are also designed with patient comfort in mind. They incorporate features such as advanced temperature control, calming aesthetics and comfortable positioning systems to minimize anxiety and physical discomfort. “High patient satisfaction fuels our optimism and validates our facility’s performance. Many patients express that they have never experienced such a positive healthcare encounter,” Swaid said.
Alabama State Senator J.T. Waggoner said, “No surgery center in the nation rivals the advanced technology or patient care offered through SIA. We are incredibly fortunate to have this valuable resource within our community.”
Cloud said the expansion aligns with the institute’s long-term vision of staying at the forefront of surgical innovation.
Looking ahead, Swaid sees the potential for even greater advancements in surgical technology. “The future holds the promise of expanding the scope of complex procedures safely performed in the Ambulatory Surgery setting,” he said. “SIA is investing in transformative changes to maintain our position as a leader in surgical care.”
“We’re combining state-of-the-art technology with patient-centered design and a commitment to innovation,” Cloud said. “SIA is ensuring that its community has access to the best possible surgical care today and in the future.”
