Patient Information & Resources

Your Surgery

Day Before Surgery

NOTE: If you are taking medication for asthma, blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac reasons or blood thinners, please consult your physician about taking these medicines prior to surgery.. this page

  • Do not eat or drink anything (including water), smoke or chew gum after midnight the night before your surgery. To do so might cause unnecessary complications during and after your surgery.
  • You may brush your teeth the morning of your surgery, but do not swallow any water.
  • Do not wear your contact lenses on the day of your surgery. You may wear dentures and eyeglasses until you are prepared by the nurse for surgery.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that can be easily folded and stored.
  • Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
  • Bring your insurance card and drivers license or other government-issued ID on the day of surgery.
  • Children having surgery may bring a special toy, blanket or pacifier. Parents of small children should bring an empty bottle and a clean diaper.
  • Please limit visitors to one or two adults.
  • Make arrangements for someone to drive you home. You will not be allowed to leave the facility alone.
  • Notify your physician prior to your surgery if you are taking any medications including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or herbal supplements. Also, bring with you a complete list of the medications you are taking on the day of your surgery. Inform your physician and pre-operative nurse regarding any treatments or equipment currently being used at home.

Day Of Surgery

  • Unless otherwise specified by your physician, plan to arrive at the hospital one hour before your surgery is scheduled.
  • Be prepared to sign consent forms and complete admission paperwork.
  • A registered nurse will conduct an initial questionnaire and verify the procedure and site to prepare you for surgery.
  • You will be given the opportunity to discuss your anesthesia options prior to your procedure. We encourage you to ask questions or express any concerns you might have at that time.
  • Depending upon the type of anesthesia you receive, you may go to the recovery room after surgery where you will be closely monitored by a registered nurse for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Actual recovery time is different for each individual.
  • You will next be taken to the Step-Down recovery room where 2 guests will join you while you relax in a reclining chair. You will be observed there by the nursing staff prior to going home. We will assess any discomfort you have by asking you to rate your pain.
  • We will ask you to rate your pain on a 0 to 10 basis with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you have experienced. This allows us to appropriately treat your discomfort and assess the effectiveness of any medications you are receiving.
  • If you are scheduled to go home the day of surgery, you will be assessed by an RN prior to discharge to ensure that you have met our requirements for discharge. Please ask any questions or express any concerns at this time so that we can be sure you and your family are well-informed about your post-operative care and are confident leaving our facility. You will be escorted to your car by one of our staff members.

Day After Surgery

  • You will not be permitted to drive after surgery. You must make arrangements for transportation home prior to surgery.
  • Do not drive, operate machines, drink alcoholic beverages, or take medications other than those prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours after your release.
  • It is normal to feel dizzy and sleepy for several hours after your surgery. You are encouraged to have someone home with you for the first 24 hours after your dismissal.
  • Do not sign any important papers of make critical decisions until the effects of anesthesia have worn off.
  • Your physician will give you instructions on your diet after surgery. It is generally recommended that you begin with mild, non-spicy foods and return to your normal diet as tolerated.
  • If you have a dressing, keep it clean and dry. Change dressings as instructed by your physician.
  • Your physician will give you specific instructions for after surgery care. Any questions and concerns following surgery should be addressed by your physician.
  • Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following:
    • Fever over 101℉
    • Nausea with excessive vomiting (three or more times)
    • Pain not relieved by pain medications
    • Inability to urinate

Frequenty Asked Questions

What is Pre-Admission Screening?

Pre-admission screening consists of a telephone interview with one of our pre-surgical nurses to discuss your medical history, current medication and allergies, answer any questions, and provide you with information regarding day of surgery expectations which will aid you in planning and making preparations prior to your procedure.

What time is my surgical procedure scheduled for?

Please contact your surgeon’s office for information regarding procedure start and arrival time.

Why is it important for me to arrive early on the day of surgery?

In order to provide safe and excellent care all patients must arrive early as we use this time to adequately prepare you for your procedure. Arriving early allows for each patient to go through the registration process and then prepared for surgery by our experienced nursing staff and anesthesiologist.

Can I chew gum or have anything to eat or drink prior to surgery?

Please do not chew gum, eat, or drink anything unless otherwise instructed by your anesthesiologist or surgeon.

FROM OUR PATIENTS

“I have never met an entire medical staff that in general was very nice. Genuinely nice. The four nurses that entered my room made me feel like I was their priority. The doctor and his staff had the best bedside manners. From the moment I checked in to the moment I was wheeled out, I was treated with the utmost care.”