The information below is designed to help you prepare for your outpatient surgery:

Before Surgery

Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions to prepare for your procedure. They will tell you not to eat or drink anything for a specified period prior to surgery and they will inform you about any medications you should or should not take. For your safety, it is very important to follow all of these instructions. If you fail to follow your pre-op instructions, it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.

Most types of surgery require pre-surgery testing. If possible, these tests (lab work, X-rays, EKG, etc.) should be completed at least three days before your procedure so your doctor will have time to review the results before your operation. Please bring your insurance card when you come to the hospital for pre-surgery testing.

If you are unable to keep your appointment for surgery, please notify both your physician and the hospital as soon as possible. You may contact our surgery scheduling department at 657-5787.

Surgery Day

On the day of surgery, please report to Admitting. You may park in the parking lot or use our complimentary valet parking service. When you come to the hospital, please follow these guidelines:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Leave all jewelry, money and other valuables at home or with your family.
• Bring appropriate storage for personal items such as dentures, contact lenses, hearing aids, and prostheses. We will label these items and keep them in a safe place during your procedure.
• Arrange for someone to pick you up after surgery. Due to the effects of anesthesia, you will be unable to drive yourself home.
• We make every effort to begin your procedure at the scheduled time. However, emergency cases can affect the surgery schedule. We recommend that you bring a book or magazine to read just in case there is a delay in your procedure.

When you arrive, a nurse will record your vital signs and other pertinent health information. You will be asked to sign a surgery consent form, and your anesthesiologist and surgeon will visit you. A family member or friend can be with you in the pre-surgical area before surgery. When you are taken to the operating room, your loved ones are welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting area, where our staff can provide updates on your progress.

After Surgery

After your procedure, you can rest and recover in the surgical recovery area until your medical team determines you are able to go home. The length of your stay will depend on the type of surgery scheduled. When it is time to go home, your physician or nurse will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself and who to call if you have questions or problems.

Our surgery staff is committed to helping you understand the entire surgical experience. We encourage you and your family to ask questions. This will help you to feel more comfortable while you are in the hospital and better prepared for recovery once you are home.