Day of Surgery Preparation

Pre-operatively

After the paperwork is completed, you will be escorted to a changing area/interview room. A nurse will interview and do a nursing assessment and answer any questions you have. You will be asked to remove most of you clothing and any jewelry and change into a hospital gown. You may be asked to remove your contact lenses, partial dentures or bridge work. You will be given the opportunity to use the restroom before surgery. A urine pregnancy test may be required of all female patients of child bearing age (menarche to menopause) including patients currently on birth control and patients with a history of tubal ligation.

An intravenous line will be started. Your surgeon will speak with you in the pre-op. area and confirm the operative site with you. This is a good opportunity to ask any last minute questions of your surgeon. An anesthesiologist will interview you and plan your care with you. The nurse who will be in the operating room with you will also speak with you before going to the O.R. You may or may not be given some intravenous sedation to relax you in the pre-operative area. Once in the operating room you will be monitored constantly throughout the operation.

Post-Operatively

Discharge from the recovery room is at the discretion of the surgeon in conjunction with the anesthesiologist. Before leaving you will receive verbal as well as corresponding written instructions. Included in this information will be general instructions regarding diet, medications, bathing, activity restrictions, as well as those instructions specific to your procedure.

A member of the nursing staff will telephone you the next business day to follow your progress and to assist you and your family with whatever questions that may arise. An emergency contact number for your doctor should be given to you in the event care is needed before the nurse’s follow up telephone call.

Home readiness rather than street readiness is the goal of ambulatory surgery. This means that you are ready for discharge to home for further recuperation. You must have a ride home from the facility.

A responsible adult friend or family member MUST drive you home. A competent adult should remain with your after surgery. You may NOT be discharged to a taxi, limo, or medical van. You should not resume normal recreational or professional activities immediately. Follow your physician’s instructions.

Can I bring an iPod with headphones?

Yes, you may bring your iPod to listen to while you wait in the pre-operative area

Pain Management Patient

What if I am a Pain Management patient having an epidural injection not a surgical patient?

Patients that are coming to the surgery center for a pain management procedure such as back or neck pain, will be required to check in 1 hour prior to your procedure. Patients scheduled before 1:00 pm, must have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, regardless of the type of anesthetic you will be receiving.

If your procedure is scheduled aft 1:00 p.m. a light breakfast is okay as long as it is eaten prior to 7:00 a.m. You will need to stop taking your aspirin, anti-inflammatory, or blood thinners, 7 days prior to your procedure, unless your physicians tells you otherwise.

All patients will be required to change into a gown and remove all clothing from the waist up, as well as belts. It is best if you leave any jewelry at home. All patients will be receiving an intravenous line. You will need a ride home. Patients receiving only a local anesthesia, with NO sedation, may be allowed to drive themselves home, but must provide a name and number on admission of someone who can pick them up if necessary.

Operating Room (O.R.)

Why is it cold in the operating room?

Temperatures are kept low in the surgical suites to reduce bacterial growth. You will be kept warm with warm blankets.

Why am I not supposed to wear any jewelry?

Please do not wear any jewelry. Due to the equipment being utilized, jewelry can be a potential risk to patients during surgery.

Who will take care of me during surgery?

Along with your surgeon and anesthesiologist, there will also be a circulating RN, surgical technician, and o.r. assistant taking care of you in the operating room.

How long will my procedure take?

The average surgical time is between 30 and 60 minutes; however some surgery can take as long a 4 hours. Times vary based on procedure type and complexity. Occasionally procedures can take longer than scheduled.

Miscellaneous Questions

Does my ride need to wait?

Your ride is welcome to wait in our waiting room; however no one needs to wait the entire time. Although, if the patient is a minor, a custodial parent must remain in the facility the entire time. We will be happy to take a contact phone number and the nurse will call your ride ½ hour before your estimated discharge time. Remember you can NOT go home in a cab, limo, or medical transport van.

Is there a waiting room or someplace to get coffee?

While we do not have coffee here, there is a coffee shop across the street. In consideration of our patients who have not had anything to eat or drink, we do not allow food or uncovered drinks in our lobby. Should your ride bring something to eat while they wait, we ask that they simply step outside the building to one of the benches and enjoy refreshments there.

How can I obtain a copy of my medical records?

The Medical Records department is open Monday through Thursday until 1:00 p.m. Requests can be made in writing, by fax, or by phone. A Medical Release Form needs to be completed by the patient and there is a $15 fee due prior to records being mailed.