What To Expect

Pre-Admission Visit

So that all is ready when you arrive for surgery, it may be necessary for you to visit the hospital before admission. For some patients, the pre-admission nurse may conduct your pre-admission interview over the phone.

On the day of your pre-admission visit, please report to the Outpatient Registration area on the main floor at your scheduled appointment time.

To keep your pre-admission visit as brief as possible, please follow these instructions:

  • Bring your insurance cards and any necessary referrals.
  • Bring photo identification.
  • Bring a list of current medications.
  • Bring the diagnostic checklist (lab slip) if testing has not been done yet.
  • Dress casually and comfortably. You may need to have any of the following:
    • Laboratory tests
    • Chest x-ray
    • Electrocardiogram (EKG)

During your pre-admission visit, you will be interviewed by one of our pre-admission nurses and our anesthesiologists. Please be prepared to ask any questions and listen to instructions that will be given to you.

The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll be for your procedure.

What Not To Do Before Your Procedure

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. The day of your surgery, you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. If you eat or drink after midnight, your surgery may be canceled.
  • You may be instructed by the nurse to take some medications prior to surgery.
  • Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your surgery.
  • Do not wear makeup, hairpins, nail polish, jewelry, or any body piercings to the hospital. Wigs, toupees, dentures, glasses, and contact lenses may be worn to the hospital, but must be removed prior to your surgery.
  • Do not bring children; they tend to become tired and restless.
  • Do not bring a purse, money, or other valuables with you.

What To Do Before Your Procedure

  • Notify your surgeon if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, fever, or any other illness prior to your surgery.
  • Bathe or shower the night before and day of your surgery with antibacterial soap. Wear casual and comfortable clothing. We will provide you with a hospital gown, robe, and slippers.
  • Bring a list of the medications you are taking.
  • You must arrange for an adult to drive you home. Your procedure may be canceled if you have not arranged this.
  • Children can bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or security blanket for added reassurance. Special formulas may also be brought in for use during the recovery period.

The Day Before Your Procedure

The afternoon before your procedure, a registered nurse will call and inform you of the arrival time and approximate procedure time.

The nurse will also review instructions and answer any questions you may have.

The Day of Your Procedure

When you come in for your procedure, park your car in front of the main entrance of the hospital. Enter through the front entrance of the hospital and take the green elevators to the SameDay Surgery Department on the third floor.

Remember to bring your insurance cards and photo identification with you.

Waiting Area
Family and friends may wait in the SameDay Surgery waiting area on the third floor. Since space is limited, we ask that only two people come with you.

Pre-Operative Area
One to two hours before surgery, you will be escorted to the pre-operative area. Two adults may stay with you in the pre-operative area.

A registered nurse will take your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature and will complete any special preparations ordered by your doctor.

You will be visited by your anesthesiologist. An IV (a catheter that goes into a vein to give you fluids during surgery) will be inserted by a nurse. Your surgeon will visit you before surgery. An Operating Room nurse and a nurse anesthetist will be with you in the Operating Room. They will stay with you during your procedure and will take you to the recovery room or back to the SameDay Surgery Department, depending on the type and amount of medications you have received.

After Your Procedure

Some patients go to the recovery room after their surgery. In the recovery room, you will be closely monitored by a recovery room nurse; therefore, visitation is limited, and only under special circumstances visitation may be allowed. (Parents are permitted to visit with children.) You will be encouraged to breathe deeply and cough. How long you stay in the recovery room depends on your condition and the type of surgery you have had.

It is normal to feel drowsy after your surgery. It is normal to have some pain after surgery. Medication is available to help reduce your pain. When you are fully awake and your anesthesiologist feels you are ready, you will be taken to the SameDay Surgery Department, where you will meet whoever is with you.

Discharge Procedures

You will be given instructions for your home care. Once you return home, relax and take it easy.

Because the effects of your anesthesia or medications will not have completely worn off, we strongly suggest the following:

  • Someone should stay at home with you the first 24 hours. If you have children or dependent elderly people living with you, make arrangements for someone else to take care of them for the day.
  • Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. Be especially careful climbing stairs or using sharp utensils.
  • Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
  • Do not make any important personal or legal decisions for 24 hours.
  • Start with liquids and soft foods and, if tolerated, resume previous diet.
  • If a child is having surgery, two adults should go home with the child. One can drive the car and the other can comfort the child. One person should not attempt to drive and care for the child at the same time.

Take it easy! Rest and relaxation are important to regain your strength.

If you have any concerns about your medical condition after you arrive home (fever, chills, severe nausea or vomiting, bleeding, or severe pain), please call your doctor. If you cannot reach your doctor, please come to the Emergency Room.

If you have any questions, please call us at 724-430-5791.