What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

Follow Surgery Center Instructions

It is normal to feel anxious before surgery. Keep in mind that our surgical teams are experts who have performed surgical procedures many times. Feel free to ask any questions, and take comfort in knowing that your safe, successful operation is our highest priority. We care about your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Follow your day-of-surgery preparation instructions described below carefully.

Avoid complications

• Do not drink or eat anything after midnight, as instructed. Your surgery will be cancelled if you do not follow these instructions.
• Take your medications with a small sip of water if your doctor has instructed you to do so.
• Inform your nurse about the medications you have taken.

Personal hygiene, clothing & valuables

• Bathe or shower the morning of your surgery.
• Remove all make-up, nail polish, contact lenses and jewelry.
• DO NOT wear lotions, hair sprays, hair gels, or perfume. Remove all body piercings.
• Wear loose-fitting, casual clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Leave your valuables at home for safekeeping.
• A bag will be provided for personal items such as clothing, dentures or glasses.

Arrival at the surgery center

• Arrival times are scheduled generally 90 minutes prior to surgery. You will be contacted by a Surgery Center nurse the day prior to your surgery with the time you should arrive.
• Remember to bring your health insurance card and photo identification.
• A receptionist will greet you upon your arrival to review demographic information,obtain signatures on appropriate forms and collect a co-payment, if applicable.

Check In

1. You will be moved to the pre-op holding area after the receptionist registers you.
2. A nurse and an anesthesiologist will meet with you before your procedure to explain what will happen, what kind of anesthesia is best for you and give you another opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
3. A brief review of your medical history will be taken and your vital signs will be recorded.
4. Pre and post-operative instructions will be reviewed.
5. A hospital gown will be provided, and you will get an I.D. bracelet to wear until you go home.
   Remove any glasses, contact lenses, dentures or hearing aids.
6. You may receive some sedation medication to reduce your anxiety and make you sleepy.
   An intravenous line (IV) will be inserted in your arm or hand vein to provide you with fluids and medications during surgery.
7. A family member or friend may stay with you during this time until you are ready to be moved to the operating room.

Your Anesthesia Care

Anesthesia is a medication that keeps you comfortable during your procedure and is administered by a highly trained specialist, either an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist.

Types of anesthesia include:

General Anesthesia

You are totally asleep and unaware of your surroundings. It can be administered by an intravenous injection through a thin tube in your arm or inhaled as an anesthetic gas.

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia numbs certain areas of the body so that you do not feel pain. You may also receive additional medications to relax you.

Monitored Sedation

Monitored sedation keeps you relaxed and comfortable. You may remain awake and aware throughout the surgery, or you may be drowsy or in a light sleep.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia affects only the area involved in the procedure. It may be used in combination with sedation.

Your Surgery

Surgery takes place in an operating room (OR) where a brightly lit, temperature-controlled and sterile environment provide the safest place for your procedure. Your OR team is led by an expert surgeon and includes nurses, surgical assistants and technologists, anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists.

What you can expect

• Nurses will transport you to the OR and help you transfer to an OR bed.
• The OR team will help you find a comfortable resting position. Please inform the OR nurses if you have back problems or difficulty lying on your back, so we can take special care in positioning you for your surgery.
• The OR temperature is kept low to keep equipment at optimal performance, ensure a sterile environment and for the comfort of the surgical team. You may have a warm blanket if you need it.
• A cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor blood pressure.
• Pads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.
• A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood.
• Family members are not allowed in the operating room for safety and sterility reasons.

Your Family

Our waiting room offers you and your loved ones a calm, comfortable, family-oriented environment during your stay. We want you and your family to be as relaxed as possible during the often stressful waiting period before and after surgery. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions if you feel the need.