What to Expect for Your Surgery

Your surgeon’s office will contact us to schedule your surgery. Once your operation is scheduled, you can expect a call from a member of our surgical team. This takes place about five to seven days before your scheduled surgery.

During this call, we get information about:

• Allergies
• Medications you take
• Your overall health

We’ll also answer your questions and offer instructions about how to get ready for your surgery. This includes when you should stop eating and drinking before your operation. It’s important that you follow these instructions carefully. They’re intended for your safety. Not following them may cause a delay in your surgery.

We may ask you to have certain tests before surgery, such as:

• An electrocardiogram
• Lab work
• Urinalysis

You can schedule these tests at your convenience. For some surgeries, we ask that you meet with your anesthesiologist before your surgery date.

On the day of surgery, leave all valuables and jewelry at home or with a friend or family member. Please arrive at the time provided to you during your pre-admission appointment or by your doctor’s office.

Valet parking is available at the hospital outside our Emergency Department. Once you enter the building, check in at the day surgery waiting area on the hospital’s first floor. We’ll ask you for the name and contact information of the person you’d like us to notify after your surgery. Please be aware, no food or drink for friends or family members is allowed in the waiting area.

When your name is called, a nurse will meet with you, ask you several questions and take your blood pressure and temperature. The nurse also will provide you with a surgical gown. We’ll store your clothes and items, such as eyeglasses, for you.

Once you’re in our preoperative suite, we’ll prepare you for surgery. Members of your care team will meet with you. These include your:

• Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Operating room nurse
• Other surgical team members

They may ask you questions, some of which you may have been asked already. These questions are part of our efforts to keep you safe. They ensure you get the best possible care. The surgical team will answer any remaining questions you have.

Typically, you’ll sign consent forms at this time. Then, your nurse may give you medicine to help calm you. Finally, we’ll move you to the operating room.

After surgery, you will go to our recovery area, where we monitor your vital signs and oxygen levels. If you’ll be admitted to the hospital, you’ll remain there until you are moved to your room. Otherwise, you stay until you’re stable. Usually, you remain in recovery for at least an hour, but it can be longer. Your surgeon will speak with your designated contact person at this time.

When you first wake up from your surgery, you may feel cold. This is normal after you have general anesthesia. Your nurse will provide blankets and help keep you warm.

It’s common to have at least some pain after surgery. We’ll frequently ask you about your pain level and do all we can to help keep you comfortable.