Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming or scary if you don't know what to expect. You may have some unanswered questions and worries that make you feel this way. Knowing what to expect will help you feel less nervous and more in control.
Check-in and Admission
Check-in: When you arrive at our center we ask that you check-in at the registration desk to verify personal, escort and insurance information.
Following Admission: After checking in at our center, you will be brought to the pre-op area where the nurse will do a health interview and prepare you for surgery. You and your family or escort will stay in the room until it is time for your surgery. An anesthesiologist will discuss your anesthesia with you and answer any questions. At the appropriate time you will be escorted to the operating room. During surgery your escort will stay in a waiting area and will rejoin you in the recovery area after your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your sugar at the Center. You should be contacted before your surgery leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take. Please bring all your medications with you.
People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.
Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. You should bring these medications with you the day of surgery. Please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring one person with you to the 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 so choose.
When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, however, one parent and/or guardian will be permitted into the recovery room at a time.
Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient's care.