How can I prepare for my surgery?

The Center's pre-assessment nurse will be contacting you by telephone if you have not been scheduled for a pre-op visit. This contact is made to take a short medical history and answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming surgical procedure.

Your surgeon's office will schedule for a pre-assessment visit with the anesthesiologist prior to the day of surgery. Minor lab work may be performed. A nurse will then have you sign a Consent to Surgery form, acknowledging your understanding of the procedure and permission for your doctor to perform the scheduled procedure. If the patient is a minor, the consent form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. A nurse will obtain and/or verify a health history including height and weight.

CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS WILL HELP INSURE YOUR COMFORT AND REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF COMPLICATIONS. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL CAUSE YOUR SURGERY TO BE POSTPONED OR CANCELLED.

• No water products or food after midnight of the day prior to surgery.
  You should have a light supper and fluids are allowed until midnight. We suggest that you do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages for 48 hours prior to surgery. If a clear liquid diet is specified, this includes black coffee, tea, apple juice, pulp free orange juice. Milk is not a clear liquid.
• Arrange for an adult to drive your home.
  In the case of your children having surgery, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home.
• We recommend that general anesthetic and IV sedation patients arrange to have a responsible adult stay with you for the first night following surgery.
  If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your doctor and anesthesia personnel. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to the developing fetus.
  If you experience any health changes between your visit to your doctor and the day of your procedure, notify your doctor. Please report even minor changes such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold.
• The night before surgery:
    - Refrain from smoking unless advised otherwise by anesthesiologist
    - Bathe or shower
• The day of surgery:
    - Wear comfortable loose clothing appropriate to the procedure being performed.
    - Nail polish, makeup, jewelry or valuables should not be worn the day of surgery. Possible exceptions should be specifically discussed with the pre-op nurse or anesthesiologist.
  

FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS, feel free to bring a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket for added reassurance. Children may be brought in wearing pajamas. The child's favorite video may also be helpful during recovery.

Please bring an empty bottle or tippy cup if your child does not drink from a cup. Please remember, pediatric patients are to have at least one parent or guardian in the facility throughout the surgical period. However, we do welcome both parents to stay.

You should arrive at your scheduled time to allow time for admitting. You will change into a surgical gown. Temperature, pulse and blood pressure will also be obtained. Anesthesia personnel will consult with you in the pre-op surgical waiting area.

Please arrange for an interpreter to accompany you if you do not speak English.