About Your Surgery

Please be sure to tell your doctor about any existing medical conditions and any medication that you are currently taking.

You will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff 1 to 2 days before your surgery to obtain a basic health history and to review your preoperative instructions.

You will also receive a phone call from a member of our business office staff to verify your demographics and discuss your copayment, coinsurance or deductible if necessary.

Make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery. They can remain at the Center or leave a phone number to be called at pickup time. Taxi transportation is allowed only for those patients having local anesthesia or if accompanied by a responsible adult.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless your doctor or anesthesiologist instructs otherwise. This includes coffee, foods, liquids, water, candy, gum, and breath mints.

Do not smoke or use any tobacco products after midnight the night before your surgery.

Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before and after your surgery.

You may brush your teeth or rinse your mouth the day of surgery, provided nothing is swallowed.

Medications

• If you take St. John's Wart or any Diet medications, please tell the surgeon.
• If you take insulin or any other routine medication, your doctor or anesthesiologist will tell you how to take the medications for the day of the surgery.
• If you take a blood thinner (such as Coumadin, aspirin, etc.), please tell the surgeon.
• The Pre-Operative nurse will inform you of which medications you should take the morning of surgery.

Failure to follow these instructions can cause serious complication and possibly cancelation in your surgery.

If you have traveled to Africa within 21 days of your procedure or have been exposed to someone who has traveled to Africa within 21 days, please let facility know immediately.

All jewelry and piercings must be removed prior to surgery; therefore, it is best to leave all jewelry and other valuables at home or with a family member.

Bring your driver's license or identification card, and health insurance cards or forms with you. Depending on your insurance, you may also be asked to bring your copay, coinsurance, or deductible.

Wear loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Avoid garments that pull over your head. Sleeves and legs should be loose enough to fit over bandages if necessary.

If you normally wear contact lenses, we prefer you wear glasses on day of surgery.

Dentures may be removed before surgery.

Shower or bathe before coming in for surgery, but do not shave surgical area.

If you have crutches, leave them in your car because you will be taken out in a wheelchair unless you need instructions on how to use them.

A parent or guardian is required to stay with a minor having surgery until the patient is discharged.

In most cases, depending on your procedure, you will be ready to leave the Center 1-2 hours following completion of your surgery.

Have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Take it easy until your physician says you can return to your normal routine.

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 from the amount of pain medication you are taking at home.

Follow your physician's instructions regarding diet, rest, and medication.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, power tools, or make legal decisions at least 24 hours after surgery.

Contact your physician if you feel you are having problems after discharge. If you cannot reach your doctor but feel your concerns warrant a doctor's attention, call 911 or go to the emergency room.