Preparing for Surgery

Please talk with your physician about any daily medications you are currently taking, especially for heart, diabetes or blood pressure problems; be sure to mention over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, Bufferin, Nuprin, Advil or Motrin, as well as diet drugs and herbal remedies.

When to notify your physician

If for any reason you cannot keep your surgical appointment, or you suspect you are pregnant or experience any changes in your health such as a cough, fever or cold, contact your physician immediately.

Laboratory Tests

Your surgeon will determine what lab work and EKGs are needed for surgery and will give you specific instructions regarding this matter.  Some testing is available at the Center the day of surgery, should it be ordered.

Transportation

For safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle after surgery. Please arrange for a responsible person to drive you home and remain with you. If the Patient is a child, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home.

Two or Three Days Prior to Surgery

A member of our staff will call you several days prior to your surgery date to complete a preoperative telephone interview, confirm arrival and surgery times and answer any questions you may have.

The Night Before Surgery

• For your safety, please do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight (including water) the night before your surgery, unless instructed by our Center personnel.  This includes hard candy, gum, or prescription medications (unless ordered by your physician). EXCEPTION: Bowel preps for GI Surgery.
• Bathe or shower the night before or morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
• Teeth may be brushed, but DO NOT swallow water.
• Refrain from smoking after midnight on the night before your surgery.

If the Patient is a Child, Please Remember:

• One or both parents (or guardians) must remain at the center while the child is at our facility.
• A parent (or guardian) must sign release permits for surgery if the child is under 18.
• Guardians must bring written proof of guardianship or power of attorney on the day of surgery; without this documentation surgery may be delayed.
• Bring your child's favorite blanket and/or stuffed animal and sippy cup.
• As soon as your child recovers, you may join him/her in our recovery room.

For the Day of Surgery

• Anesthesia services are provided by Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who are highly qualified in all aspects of outpatient anesthesia. You will be evaluated before surgery by a member of the Anesthesia Team and will be able to have any questions answered.  Be sure to talk about medications you are currently taking, even over-the-counter drugs. The appropriate type of anesthesia will be determined by our Anesthesiologist in consultation with your Surgeon.
• Bring your insurance cards with you.
• Arrange for cash or a check to be held by friends or family waiting for you in case a prescription needs to be written and filled at a nearby pharmacy at discharge.
• Arrange for an interpreter to accompany you to the Center if you do not speak English. This person should remain at the Center until you are discharged.
• Arrange for care of your children for 24 hours following surgery, as you could feel drowsy for that period of time.
• Leave your valuables, including jewlery and watches at home. Wear comfortable clothes and slip on shoes. You'll be asked to remove contact lenses, dentures or other prostheses when you change for surgery - please bring your containers.
• Bring your medications with you, including insulin. The anesthesiologist will tell you what to take.
• Please bring with you any forms for your physician (if requested).
• If your child is scheduled for surgery, we encourage you to bring his/her favorite toy for extra comfort.
• Children may be brought in wearing their pajamas.
• Please bring an empty bottle or sippy cup if your child can't drink from a cup. Bring formula as a second choice if juice is not preferred.
• Please leave children not having surgery at home.

At Discharge

For your safety and well being, you must have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery. We cannot permit you to leave unescorted. The medical staff will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition. HOWEVER, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated. These are possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12-24 hours.

Your Recovery at Home

To hasten your recovery, we recommend that you rest comfortably as soon as you get home.  Patients typically feel sleepy most of the day.  You may begin your regular diet and resume normal activities when you and your physician determine you are ready. The day or so after your procedure, a nurse from the Center will call to find out how you are doing. Dizziness and nausea are normal after receiving anesthetic; therefore you should wait 24 hours after returning home before:

• Driving or operating equipment
• Signing important documents
• Making significant decisions
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Taking any medication not prescribed or acknowledged by your surgeon

Recovery

You will be wheeled from the operating room to the recovery room.  There, nurses check your blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate.

Medications for pain or nausea may be administered. Since many patients feel slightly disoriented after surgery, your nurse will first assure you that the surgery is complete and that you are safely in the recovery room. She will then encourage you to wake up, move your arms and legs and offer refreshments such as water or fruit juice. As soon as you are comfortable, your family member or friend may join you.

It is important to communicate with your nurse and let them know if you need pain medication or have special concerns.

Once you feel alert and comfortable, you will be asked to get dressed. Before being escorted to your car, we review your home-care instructions with you and your family and give you a copy for easy reference.  You will also be given any prescriptions for any pain medication recommended by your physician.

While you rest in the recovery room, we will be happy to direct your family member or friend to a pharmacy to fill your prescription, if you desire.