What To Expect

Before Surgery

Pre-Admission Phone Call and Nurse Assessment

You will receive a phone call from a nurse one week prior to your scheduled procedure to gather information in advance of your surgery. The nurse will ask health history questions and review instructions with you for your upcoming surgery. Please have a current list of all your medications and dosages available for this phone call, as well as any over the counter medications, herbals or vitamins.

Medications

During the Pre-Admission phone call, the nurse will inform you of medications to take the morning of your surgery. Patient taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, naproxen, etc.), herbals or weight loss medications will be reviewed during Pre-Admission phone call. If you take Coumadin or other blood-thinning medications, instructions will be given during Pre-Admission phone call.

Pre-Admission Testing

Your surgeon or anesthetist may want you to have clearance from your primary care physician or specialist before your surgery. Specific testing, including lab tests, may be needed prior to your surgery. Please complete all testing at least one week before your scheduled procedure so we have complete information on the day you arrive for surgery.

Surgical Arrival Time

A staff member will contact you one week before your surgery to confirm your arrival time.

Advance Directive

If you have an Advance Directive, bring a copy and share the document with the staff at the surgery center. Please notify the front desk staff of this document.

The Day of Surgery

You will be receiving sedation for your surgery. You will be required to have someone accompany you the day of the procedure. They will need to check in with you and remain at the surgery center until you are discharged.

Do Not

Eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before surgery. (This includes water, food, gum, candy, antacids of any type, alcohol or tobacco products). Failure to follow these instructions could lead to cancellation or postponement of your surgery.

Teeth may be brushed, but DO NOT swallow water.

Please leave all valuables at home (wallets, purses, money, ALL JEWELRY – including wedding bands, engagement rings and all body jewelry or piercings).

Please DO NOT wear make-up, eyeliner, mascara, false eyelashes, or foundation the day of surgery.

You may want to bring a pillow for your comfort during the ride home.

Additional Items to Bring

• Current insurance card(s) and driver’s license.
• Copy of Advance Directives (if available).

After Surgery

The surgical nursing staff will review your discharge instructions with you during your stay. You will also receive a copy of these instructions to take home.

For the public’s safety as well as your own, The Surgery Center requires you to have someone drive you home after surgery unless your surgeon or the nursing staff have informed you otherwise. Some procedures, anesthesia and medications may impair your ability to drive safely for a period of time following surgery. If you do not have a ride as instructed, your procedure will be cancelled.

Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after surgery or if you are taking prescription pain medication.

You will receive sedation or general anesthesia and will need to rest at home for 12-24 hours and avoid strenuous activities (driving a motorized vehicle, operating machinery, participating in sports) or activities that require mental alertness and/ or coordination. A responsible adult is to remain with you for 12-24 hours after you leave the center.