We understand that preparing for surgery may cause you some concern or anxiety.  Our goal is to make your experience a positive one and to provide you with the best care possible. 

Important Reminders as you prepare for surgery
Failure to follow instruction may cause your surgery to be rescheduled.

BEFORE SURGERY
Make sure you insurance carrier has approved your admission for surgery.  If you are not sure, call your insurance company or check with your physician’s office.

Do not eat or drink anything (this includes water, chewing gum and hard candy) after midnight the evening before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol for 24 hours prior to surgery.

If you develop a cold, sore throat, fever, flu, rash or skin condition near the site of surgery or any other illness prior to surgery, call your physician.

If you are taking aspirin, ibuprofen, Coumadin or vitamins/herbs, contact your physician to see when or if you should stop taking them.

Take your heart and blood pressure medication as usual with a small sip of water. Take insulin as instructed by your primary physician.

DAY OF SURGERY – BEFORE SURGERY
Leave all valuables including jewelry, money, credit cards, checkbooks, etc. at home.

Do not wear any cosmetics to the surgery center (e.g. lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, nail polish).

If you wear contact lenses, be sure to bring the storage case and all care and use items with you.

Do not take any medications the day of your surgery, unless instructed by your physician (exceptions often are heart, blood pressure, seizer or breathing mediations). If using an inhaler, please bring it with you.

Please shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of surgery.

You may brush your teeth, but be careful not to swallow any water or toothpaste.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

UPON YOUR ARRIVAL
(Out of deference to your privacy, we offer walled cubicles for preoperative care and recovery.)

When the nurse takes you to be admitted, one to two family members may stay with you until you leave for the operating room. While you are in surgery, your family may wait in the waiting room and your doctor will speak with them after the surgery is complete.

Your anesthesia provider will see you before you enter the operating room.

You will be given a gown and robe to wear. Your belongings will be place in a small bag and put under your cart.

Your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be checked and you will be asked to empty your bladder.  An IV will be started by your nurse or anesthesiologist.

When it’s time for your surgery, you will be taken to the operating room. EKG patches will be placed on your chest and a blood pressure cuff on your arm.  A clip put on your finger will measure your oxygen level. Your anesthesia provider will give you medication through your IV that will make you drowsy or allow you to drift off to sleep.

AFTER SURGERY
After resting for a while, you will be given fluids to drink and your family will be able to see you.  If needed, pain medications will be given.  Before going home, you will be given both oral and written discharge instructions.  Your coordination, judgment and ability to react may be impaired for a time after surgery.  You should not drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours unless otherwise permitted by your physician.

When you are ready to go home, you will be discharged to the care of a responsible adult.

Remember to follow all your doctor’s instructions when you return home and keep any appointment with your physician. An outpatient surgery nurse will call you the day after your surgery to see how you are doing.  If you have questions, please call you physician.