Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything I need before my scheduled surgery day?
All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. This information can be submitted online using our pre-registration form. Some may need blood tests, EKG or X-rays. Your surgeon will advise when and where you will have this done.
May I pre-register for my surgery?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to complete all registration forms before the day of your surgery to avoid filling out paperwork when you arrive for your surgery. For your convenience, we have provided an online registration feature.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and the Outpatient Surgery Center as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Buttoned shirts or blouses are best. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider wearing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring your contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs.
Why must I refrain from eating and drinking prior to surgery?
Fasting before surgery has little to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery, as some think. Rather, we recommended you not to eat or drink to prevent the risk of food, liquid or other contents from your stomach entering your airway and lungs during your surgery, which could lead to serious complications, lung damage and pneumonia.
That's why we insist you follow our recommendation to fast before surgery. That said, we believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your surgery. A common guideline is to avoid food and liquids for at least 8 hours before surgery, with clear liquids sometimes allowed up to 2 hours before. However, it's always best to follow the surgeon’s specific instructions.
Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. If you are currently on diabetic medications, we may ask you to hold diabetic medicines and manage your sugar at the Outpatient Surgery Center. People using inhalers must bring them to the Outpatient Surgery Center on the day of surgery.
You should be contacted before your surgery, leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take. Also, please bring a list of all your medications with you.
Can someone accompany me?
You are welcome to bring one person with you to the Outpatient Surgery Center. That person will be allowed to be in your room with you before surgery and may sit with you after the surgery if you choose.
Child patients can have two parents and/or guardians accompany them to the Outpatient Surgery Center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, however, only one parent or guardian will be permitted into the recovery room at a time.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
That depends on what surgical procedure you will have. We individualize each patient's care. You and your anesthesiologist will develop a plan for sedation and anesthesia prior to surgery.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes. We call each patient before the surgery to gather all the necessary information, answer any questions you may have, and give you pre-surgery instructions. You can also call the Outpatient Surgery Center directly with any questions.
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. However, please do not use make-up, hair spray or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Outpatient Surgery Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Outpatient Surgery Center.
What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt, please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
We strongly recommend that all patients have a ride home and be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make appropriate arrangements to get home safely.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Outpatient Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any equipment you currently use such as walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- A case for your eyeglasses or contacts and contact solutions
- Your insurance identification cards, driver's license, completed billing forms and copayments
- A complete list of all medications your are currently taking
- A favorite bottle or sippy cup for your child
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
How will my pain be managed?
Your comfort is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the moment you are admitted through your recovery and your return home.
Adult patients will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain on a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale. Children will use the Faces Pain Scale. We will use this information to adjust your pain medication to assure your comfort.
The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different medicines and therapies to help make you comfortable, ranging from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic prior to and during the surgery. The management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember, your participation in your pain management gives you the best chance for a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
Yes, in certain situations. Some operations can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesiologist will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Your preference will be discussed so that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made.