Please call the Surgical Institute at noon the day before your surgery to find out your arrival time. Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight, the night before your surgery. This includes water, hard candies, gum or prescription medications, unless ordered by your doctor. Should you need to take medication, a small sip of water is advised. Any change in your health, including a scratchy throat, cold or fever, please notify your doctor and the Surgical Institute as soon as possible.

 

Be sure to have an adult ready to take you home the day of your surgery. If you are using public transportation, an adult should accompany you. If you received sedation or general anesthesia, your reflexes and mental ability may be impaired even though you may feel normal. 

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Day of Your Surgery

Plan to arrive early for your scheduled procedure to handle paperwork and preparation for the surgery. Call the day before to find out your arrival time. 

 

Things to remember:

• Bring a list of your current medications and drug allergies.

• Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

• Nail polish, makeup and contact lenses should not be worn on the day of surgery.

• If you normally use equipment for support such as a walker, cane or crutches, please bring it with you.

• If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you.

• Be sure to bring your driver’s license or other identification, as well as your insurance card.

 

For pediatric patients:

• Bring a stuffed animal, pacifier or security blanket for added reassurance.

• If your child does not drink from a cup, please bring an empty bottle or sippy cup.

• Pediatric patients must have at least one parent/guardian in the facility at all times.

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After Your Surgery

Upon completion of your surgery, you will rest in the Surgical Institute’s recovery room while your anesthesiologist, along with trained nurses, monitors your condition. Light nourishment may be available at this time. 

 

When it is determined that it is safe for you to go home, a nurse will go over your at home recovery process and any prescriptions left by your surgeon.

 

At home recovery

• The most important thing to remember is rest.

• Call your surgeon if you notice unusual symptoms or changes in your condition including excessive bleeding or signs of infection, redness, swelling, drainage from the wound, fever of 100.6 degrees or higher, difficulty breathing, excessive pain or nausea, vomiting or inability to urinate.

• Do not take medications other than what is prescribed by your doctor.

• Do not consume alcoholic beverages, drive, operate machinery or make important personal or business decisions for 24 hours.

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Important Things to Know

It is important that you take note of the following prior to your surgery. Any further questions or concerns should be considered with your doctor.

• Notify our staff if you are taking herbs or over-the-counter medications

• Medications for heart conditions, diabetes, seizures, breathing difficulty or blood pressure should be taken the morning of surgery unless otherwise directed.

• Notify your doctor if you suspect or know that you are pregnant.

• Patients with a menstrual cycle will need to supply a urine sample the morning of surgery.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. This includes water, hard candy, gum or medications.

• Nail polish, makeup and contact lenses should not be worn on the day of surgery.

• If you normally use equipment for support such as a walker, cane or crutches, please bring it with you.

• If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you.

• Bring a list of your current medications and drug allergies.

• Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.

• Notify your doctor and the Surgical Institute as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your condition before and after your procedure.