Preoperative Instructions
You may receive a phone call from a member of the nursing staff at the Center before surgery. Before surgery, you should follow these important safety rules. If not followed, your operation may have to be delayed or canceled.
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- Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless your doctor or anesthesiologist instructs otherwise. This includes food, liquids, water, candy, gum, and chewing tobacco; also do not smoke after midnight the night before surgery. Not following these instructions can cause serious complications or result in cancelation of your surgical procedure.
- No alcohol 24 hours before or after your surgical procedure.
- Do NOT take Insulin the day of surgery. If you are taking blood thinner medication (such as Coumadin, aspirin, Plavix, NSAIDS-Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), check with your doctor to see if you should stop taking it.
- You may take your normal heart, blood pressure, breathing & seizure medicine the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.
- Do not bring jewelry or other valuables.
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Preparation for Surgery
Your doctor will discuss your operation with you. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you may be taking and ask whether or not you should take them on the day of surgery.
Certain herbs and over-the-counter medications may need to be discontinued prior to surgery because they may interact with anesthesia. Please give your doctor a complete list of all medications.
If you are having anesthesia that requires sedation, you MUST make arrangements for someone to drive you home following surgery, and we strongly recommend having someone stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery. Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent(s) or legal guardian.
If you are scheduled for Pre-Admission testing, bring the Patient Health History Form along with your completed list of medications, doses, allergies, and surgeries.
Surgery for Children
Children are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or blanket with them.
Parents are required to stay with the child while in the preoperative and postoperative areas.
It will be necessary for parents to remain in the building while surgery is in progress. Parents of small children should bring childcare items (such as diapers, bottles, cups, and extra underclothes).
Following Your Procedure
You will be given specific instructions from your doctor regarding your care upon discharge. For your comfort and safety, we remind you of the following:
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- If you have had a procedure that includes anesthesia, we recommend having someone stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery
- It is natural to experience some discomfort in the area of the operation. You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness depending on the type of anesthesia you receive, or the amount of pain medication you are taking at home
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours following any procedure that included anesthesia.
- Follow your physician’s instructions regarding diet, rest, activity, and daily medication regime.
- It is very important to remember – you must have someone to drive you home after any procedure that includes anesthesia.
- Taxi/bus transportation is allowed only for patients having local anesthesia or if the patient is accompanied by an escort.
- The day after surgery, a member of the Surgery Center staff will call you to check on how you are doing. If your surgery is on a Friday, you will be contacted on Monday.
- Free parking is available campus-wide with easy access and handicapped parking just north of the Same Day Surgery entrance.
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