Your surgical experience

Before your surgery:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure as instructed by your physician.
• Food in the stomach can cause serious complications and your surgery could be canceled or postponed. If your child is the patient, please be careful to enforce this.
• If you (or your child) are taking medication, such as for high blood pressure or diabetes, call the center for more information before the day of your surgery.
• Call your physician if you develop a cold, fever or a respiratory problem before your surgery.
• For women, if there is any possibility you are pregnant, please notify your physician.
• For your safety, a responsible adult must be present during your surgery and be able to drive you home.
• If you become ill or take any new medications prior to your surgery, please notify your doctor immediately.

Day of surgery:

• We are not responsible for jewelry, money or valuables, so please leave them at home.
• Please bring a photo id, insurance card(s), any deductibles or co-pays due.
• Bathe or shower the morning of your surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
• Wear loose, casual clothing and low-heeled shoes. Tight fitting pants are particularly uncomfortable after certain surgeries.
• Arrive at the time the surgery center has instructed. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures.
• Please note that if you are late your surgery could be delayed or rescheduled.
• Bring a list of current medications and dosages.
• Limit the number of people who accompany you. To maximize the comfort for all visitors, we suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one (1) person. However, we do welcome both parents of a pediatric patient.
• Do not smoke immediately before or after receiving an anesthetic. Smoking may interfere with the anesthetic and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period. Also avoid further smoking according to the instructions given to you by your surgeon.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take recreational drugs prior to surgery.
• Talk to your doctor if you take Coumadin, Motrin, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Insulin, diabetic medications, Vitamin E or other blood thinners.
• If you’re taking medication for breathing, seizures, heart disease or blood pressure, take them the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. If you use inhalers, bring them with you.
• Stop taking herbal medications and diet drugs at least two weeks prior to surgery.
• Do not wear contact lenses; do wear your glasses.

Recovery:

After your procedure you will be moved to our fully equipped recovery area. Here your nurses, anesthesiologist and/or physician will monitor your condition until you are ready to go home. Although the time varies, most patients are discharged one to two hours after surgery.

You may experience some drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea, depending on the type of anesthesia you received. Our staff will provide you with ordered medication to help you achieve optimal comfort. Your pain will be managed based on the following assessment scale:

0 No Pain

1-2 Mild Pain

3-4 Moderate Pain

5-6 Severe Pain

7-8 Very Severe Pain

9-10 Worst Pain Possible

Your companion may rejoin you once you are stable in the recovery room. Here you will be given beverages and crackers, as appropriate. Your physician will provide specific written instructions for care at home during your recovery. Your nurse will review these instructions with you and your companion. You will receive a written copy to refer to while recovering at home. Your physician’s after-hours phone number will be provided to you in the event you have questions upon returning home.

After Surgery:

• Your physician will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest and medication. In the event of any difficulty, call your physician or his/her answering service.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia or pain medication.
• Plan to have someone at home with you for the day.