Your Visit

Day of Surgery

Instructions

It is normal to feel anxious before surgery. Keep in mind that our surgical teams are experts who have performed surgical procedures many times. Feel free to ask any questions, and take comfort in knowing that your safe, successful operation is our highest priority. We care about your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

If at any time, you have a concern, please make the nurse aware of your concerns.

Follow your day-of-surgery preparation instructions described below carefully:

Avoid Complications

• Do not drink or eat anything after midnight, as instructed. Your surgery will be canceled if you do not follow these instructions.
• Take your medications with a small sip of water if your doctor has instructed you to do so.
• Inform your nurse about the medications you have taken.

Valuables, Clothing, and Personal Hygiene

• Bathe or shower the morning of the surgery.
• Remove all make-up, nail polish, contact lenses, jewelry, and body piercings
• DO NOT wear lotions, hair sprays, hair gels, deodorant, or perfume.
• Wear loose-fitting, casual clothing and shoes.
• Bring any denture containers and cleaning tablets.
• Leave valuables at home, including personal computers, jewelry, watches, cell phones, money, etc.
• Prior to surgery, a bag will be provided for personal items such as clothing, dentures and glasses.
• You will be provided a hospital gown prior to surgery as well.

Arrival at the Surgery Center

• Arrival times are scheduled approximately 90 minutes prior to surgery. You will be contacted by a Surgery Center nurse the day before to your surgery with the time you should arrive.
• Remember to bring your health insurance card, photo identification and a method of payment if you have a copay.
• A receptionist will greet you upon your arrival to review demographic information, obtain signatures on appropriate forms and collect a co-payment, if applicable.
• Please arrive on time.

Check In

• You will be moved to the pre-op holding area after the receptionist registers you.
• A nurse and an anesthesiologist will meet with you before your procedure to explain what will happen, what kind of anesthesia is best for you and give you another opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
• A nurse will review your medical history and your vital signs will be recorded.
• Pre and post-operative instructions will be reviewed.
• A hospital gown will be provided, and you will get an I.D. bracelet to wear until you go home.
  Remove any glasses, contact lenses, dentures or hearing aids.
• You may receive some sedation medication to reduce your anxiety and make you sleepy.
  An intravenous line (IV) will be inserted in your arm or hand vein to provide you with fluids and medications during surgery.
• A family member or friend may stay with you during this time until you are ready to be moved to the operating room.

Anesthesia Care

Anesthesia is a medication that keeps patients comfortable during a procedure and is administered by a highly trained specialist, either an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist.

Types of anesthesia

General Anesthesia

Patients are totally asleep and unaware of their surroundings. It can be administered by an intravenous injection through a thin tube in the arm or inhaled as an anesthetic gas.

Regional Anesthesia

Numbs certain areas of the body so that pain is not felt. Additional medications to relax the patient may also be given.

Monitored Sedation

Keeps patients relaxed and comfortable. Patients may remain awake and aware throughout the surgery or may be drowsy or in a light sleep.

Local Anesthesia

Affects only the area involved in the procedure. It may be used in combination with sedation.

Your Surgery

Surgery takes place in an operating room (OR) where a brightly lit, temperature-controlled and sterile environment provides the safest place for your procedure. Your OR team is led by an expert surgeon and includes nurses, surgical assistants and technologists, anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists.

What to Expect

• Nurses will transport you to the OR and help you transfer to an OR bed.
• The OR team will help you find a comfortable resting position. Please inform the OR nurses if you have back problems or difficulty lying on your back, so we can take special care in positioning you for your surgery.
• The OR temperature is kept low to keep equipment at optimal performance, ensure a sterile environment and for the comfort of the surgical team. You may have a warm blanket if you need it.
• A cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor blood pressure.
• Pneumatic compression stockings will be placed around the lower leg to keep the blood flowing in your legs and discourages venous thrombosis.
• Pads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.
• A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood.
• Family members are not allowed in the operating room for safety and sterility reasons.

Your Family

Our waiting room offers you and your loved ones a calm, comfortable, family-oriented environment during your stay. For your family’s convenience, a vending machine has been placed in the waiting room. The main reception area is sensitive to the anxiety experienced by waiting patients and family members.

We want you and your family to be as relaxed as possible during the often stressful waiting period before and after surgery. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions if you feel the need.