Preparing for Surgery

The following instructions will help ensure your comfort and help you to be better informed.

  • DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING (including water) after midnight the day of the surgery unless otherwise instructed by your physician or anesthesiologist. Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications and your surgery is likely to be postponed if you forget.
  • DISCUSS WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN or anesthesiologist which medications, if any, are to be taken on the morning of surgery.
  • UPON ARRIVAL TO THE SPECIALTY SURGERY CENTER, do not urinate until speaking with the admitting nurse; a urine sample may be required.
  • BATHE OR SHOWER and brush your teeth - taking care not to swallow any water) the morning of surgery.
  • PLEASE LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME. We also suggest that you wear casual, loose clothing, especially with procedures involving the extremities.
  • ARRANGE FOR AN ADULT TO DRIVE YOU HOME and stay with you for the first night following your surgery. A member of our staff will be happy to contact the person you designate when you are ready to leave.
  • IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY HEALTH CHANGES between your most recent visit to your surgeon and the day of surgery, notify your surgeon. Please report even minor changes, such as elevated temperature, cough, or cold.
  • REFRAIN FROM SMOKING after midnight of the day of your surgery.
  • PATIENT SHOULD PREREGISTER TWO (2) DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY. This will enable us to obtain prior authorization, verify benefits and make financial arrangements. Please bring drivers license and insurance cards the day of surgery if you have not preregistered. If you cannot preregister we welcome you to call so that we may take down information over the telephone - anyone in the business office should be able to assist you.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery you should arrive at the center approximately one hour before surgery to allow time for admitting and pre-operative preparation. You will also be asked to sign a Consent to Surgery form, which acknowledges your permission for the physicians to care for you. If the patient is a minor, this form must be signed by a parent and/or guardian and we ask that they stay at the Center during the patient's stay with us.

Your surgeon performs the procedure, assisted by our registered nurses, trained technicians, and monitored by an anesthesiologist. After surgery, you'll be ready for our fully equipped recovery room where you will be attended by your anesthesiologist and recovery room registered nurse until you are ready to go home -- usually an hour or two following surgery.

While problems rarely occur, our Center is fully equipped with all the required staff and equipment to care for a patient who has had an unexpected outcome. Our staff is also trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) as well as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to call and talk to one of our staff members.