Before Your Surgery
An informed patient is a prepared patient. Please keep the following in mind regarding your surgery, but always speak to your physician/surgeon or nurse for specific instructions.
- You will be required to complete pre-admission lab work and paperwork.
- You will need to bring identification like a drivers license and insurance card(s).
- Follow the instructions your doctor will give you regarding what you can and cannot eat and drink including medications.
- If you are taking medications you will need to bring them with you the day of your surgery.
- Bring loose fitting or comfortable clothes with you for after your surgery. If you wear glasses or dentures, be aware that they will be removed before surgery.
- Also, leave valuables such as jewelry at home. Do not wear makeup or hair accessories. If you do arrive with any of these items, they will be removed.
- If your procedure requires you to stay overnight, bring a bag of personal items including clothes and hygiene products.
- You should have another adult accompany you to the hospital who can stay during the procedure and take you home when you are discharged.
- If at any time you become ill or develop new health problems, contact your physician or surgeon immediately.
On the Day of Your Surgery
Upon arrival, you will check in at the registration desk. If you are pre-registered, you will be taken to the pre-operative area. If you have not registered, you will do so at this time and then be taken to the pre-operative area. Here, you will be evaluated by a nurse, given an ID bracelet, and change into a gown. You will then be taken to pre-operative holding. Friends and family will have to go to the waiting area at this time. Once in pre-operative holding, you will meet your anesthesiologist and physician/surgeon and have an IV started. You will be then taken to the operating room where the procedure will begin.
After Your Surgery
If your procedure did not require sedation, you will be permitted to dress and leave. If you were sedated during your procedure, you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit where you will be monitored as you begin to come out of sedation. Once you are awake, you will be taken to post-operative holding. Your family and friends can join you at this time. If you are staying overnight, you will be taken to a room. When you are discharged, the nurse will give you instructions including wound care, diet, medication use, and other pertinent information. The nurse will also make sure someone will take you home as sedated patients are not allowed to drive themselves.