Preparing for Surgery

• Your physical exam and all testing must be completed within 30 days of your surgery. The hospital requires that we have the results 72 hours prior to your surgery. If you see a cardiologist or a pulmonologist you may be asked to see your specialist.
• If you are taking aspirin products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen) or medications to prevent blood clots (Coumadin, Plavix, Eliquis, Xaralto, etc.) you will need to discuss with your provider when to safely stop these medications.
• If you develop a cold, cough, fever or change in your condition in the days prior to your surgery, please inform your surgeon.
• If you need to cancel your surgical procedure for any reason, inform your surgeon as soon as possible.
• We encourage you to have someone with you after your surgery. You will need to rest and allow yourself time to recover.
• Patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who should remain at the hospital during the surgery.

You will receive a call from a member of the patient contact team and a call from a preoperative nurse.

The patient contact team will complete a pre-registration phone call. Please be prepared to provide insurance information. During this call you will receive information about your co-payment, deductible, and estimated out-of-pocket expenses.

A pre-operative nurse will call you up to two days prior to surgery. This nurse will review your overall health status and may advise you on medications to take the morning of surgery. Please have an up to date medication/allergy list ready for this call.

Expect to receive detailed instructions regarding hospital arrival time, fasting prior to surgery, parking, and other directions. You will receive instructions on where to report the day of your surgery.

The arrival time on the day of surgery is determined by the type of surgery you are having, with the earliest being 5:15 a.m. and the latest 12:30 p.m. Your arrival time will be given to you by the pre-operative call nurse.

• In some occasions, and within 24 hours of surgery, we may provide you with a new arrival time. The optimal running of the operating room requires a certain degree of flexibility in the coordination of our surgical procedures.

Before you leave home, please remember to:

• Shower the morning of surgery with an anti-bacterial soap.
• Remove all jewelry and body piercing, even those not in the area of the operation, as equipment used to control bleeding may cause burns if your body has any metal touching the skin.
• Do not wear makeup especially around the eye area.
• Wear casual clothing that can be easily removed and shoes with low heels.
• Please leave unnecessary belongings at home. If you are staying overnight and pack a bag or suitcase, please leave it in the car until you are in your room after surgery.
• If you wish, bring a book or hand work.
• Report to the area that was given to you by the pre-operative nurse.

You will be escorted to a private room where your nurse will prepare you for surgery. Your caregiver may stay with you during this time. This preparation includes placing a bracelet on your wrist with your identification. Each clinician you encounter will check your identity and confirm the information. This is part of our safety checklist to ensure accuracy. An anesthesia provider will review your anesthesia care plan. You will also see your surgeon prior to entering the operating room. The surgeon will write his/her initials on the part of your body to be operated upon. Once you are escorted into the Operating Room, your caregiver will proceed to our surgical waiting room.

The surgical waiting room has an electronic monitoring board that updates which phase of care you are in. We will provide a booklet to instruct your caregiver on how to read it. There are data ports for portable computers, coffee and tea as well as a private room for the surgeon to speak to your caregiver after the operation is complete.

Your surgeon will call your caregiver to discuss the procedure.

You will be cared for in the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) by a team of specialized nurses. Your vital signs and comfort will be monitored.

In general, visitors are restricted. Parents of small children will be escorted to the PACU to be with their child.

Upon Recovery

• If you are being discharged, we will review your instructions with you and your caregiver.
• If you are staying in the hospital, you will be transferred to your room.

• You must have transportation and a responsible adult to accompany you home. Failure to do so may result in cancellation.
• You may NOT take a taxi/Uber/medical cab unless an adult friend or family member is with you to ensure your safety.
• Please bring the phone number of your driver if he/she is not waiting at the hospital.

DO NOT:

• Drive a car or operate machinery.
• Drink alcoholic beverage or use illicit drugs.
• Make important decisions or sign legal documents.

DO:

• Be sure you are able to follow the postoperative care instructions.
• Plan to relax and avoid strenuous activity.
• Eat light meals and stay hydrated.
• If there are any problems, call your surgeon.
• Write down any questions or problems you may have for the nurse during the post-op phone call.