Here’s your pre-op check list
Pre-Surgical Patient Instructions
- You have the right to help plan your care.
- You always have the right to refuse treatment.
- Please help your care providers by providing accurate, up to date, phone contact numbers, allergies, and medication lists.
Registration
Most registration information is collected at the time your surgery is scheduled. On occasion, registration staff may contact you for additional information.
Pre-operative Phone Call
You will be contacted by a Pre-operative nurse or medical assistant prior to the date of your surgery. Working closely with your doctor and the anesthesiologist, pre-operative nurses are trained to gather health information and review your entire health picture. They are able to order additional tests as needed. They can advise you on which medications to take on the morning of your surgery.
If you have not received a pre-operative phone call within 24 hours of your procedure please call the surgery center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is possible we do not have your latest contact information.
It is important that we have an accurate list of all the medications you are currently taking, including the dose and how often you take each medication. We also want to know which vitamins, minerals, etc. you take.
Our nurse will:
- Review your health history, including your medications and any allergies.
- Have an accurate medication list ready for this call.
- Review specific instructions for what you need to do prior to your surgery.
- Provide you with the most up to date information regarding your times for arrival and surgery.
Common Pre-operative Medical Testing
EKG: This test, also called an ECG, helps doctors see the health of your heart. Sticky pads are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. A short period of activity in your heart muscle is recorded. Your doctor will look closely for certain problems or changes in how your heart is working. This test takes about five to ten minutes.
Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It can give your doctor more information about your health condition.
Planning Ahead for Going Home
Before you come to the Surgery Center, it is very important that you ask a close friend or family member to be your support person.
This person should be able to:
- Drive you to the Surgical Center.
- Wait with you before your surgery.
- Listen to your instructions for care after the surgery.
- Pick up any prescriptions that may be needed.
- Drive you home.
- Help you at home until you are able to be by yourself.
- Stay with you overnight to assist you.
Set up help for yourself BEFORE your surgery.
You will need help with everyday chores for the first 24 hours minimum when you return home. Who will help you with:
- Transportation
- Meals
- Housework
- Grocery Shopping
- Dressing
- Personal Hygiene
The Night Before Your Surgery/Procedure
- Adults and children should not eat any food/solids after midnight the night prior to surgery.
- Clear liquids include: water, & teas without creamers, and broth.
- Sometimes your surgeon may instruct you to be on a clear-liquid-only diet for 1-2 days before your surgery.
- Nothing by mouth within 6 hours of arrival at Surgical Center!
- If you have a pacemaker or auto-defibrillator, please have your implant information card available.
Call your doctor if:
- You have questions or concerns before your surgery/procedure.
- You have any signs and symptoms of a major cold.
- You have any other illnesses or health concerns.