You will be provided a surgical gown during your procedure. Please wear loose, simple, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You will need to remove all jewelry and piercings. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
Keep in mind what procedure is being performed and bring clothes that are appropriate for your return home. For example, loose button-up shirts are best for shoulder surgeries. For leg surgeries, loose shorts or pants are recommended. Wear clothes that will facilitate a bandage, cast, or other type of dressing at the site where surgery is being performed.
If you are having a pain injection, wear elastic loose-fitting pants and avoid wearing jeans or pants with metal around the waist area, such as zippers, grommets, or buttons.
There are many things we need to do to prepare for your surgery. A member of the medical staff will take your vital signs, clip hair from your surgical area, review your medical history and medications, and start your IV.
We will take the time you need to discuss your surgery, answer any questions you may have and review instructions for your return home. You will also visit with your surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to your surgery.
Your scheduled surgery time is an estimated time. Surgeries may take a shorter or longer amount of time than planned; therefore, we cannot provide you with an exact scheduled time. We will make every effort to meet your expected surgery time and will keep you and your family informed of any delays.
There are several reasons for this rule. First, if there are contents remaining in your stomach, you are more likely to get nauseated and possibly vomit after surgery. Second, during sedation or anesthesia, when anything is present in your stomach, including water, excess saliva, food, or drink, these contents can be regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs. This may cause complications, including severe pneumonia.
If you are having any surgery on your lower extremities, ask your physician if you will need crutches. If possible, please bring the crutches with you.
When you come for surgery, you should bring:
- A photo ID
- Your insurance card
- A form of payment if you have been notified of a co-pay, deductible, and/or co-insurance amount due on the day of your procedure.
- A case for your glasses, contacts, and dentures
- Reading glasses, if needed
- Bring any slings, braces or other medical equipment already issued or previously in use
- Bring your CPAP or other device if you have sleep apnea and use one at home
- Bring your inhaler if you have asthma, COPD, or any other condition that requires you use one
- If you are having any lower extremity surgery (Foot, Hip, Knee, etc.) obtain crutches, check for proper fit and receive instructions for use. Please practice the use of crutches prior to your procedure, we may ask you to demonstrate use for your safety
Yes, you may have one friend or family member with your during the preparation for surgery. If possible, make arrangements for someone to care for your children the day of the surgery. We do our best to provide a calm, quiet area for our patients while they recover.
We do not have a cafeteria at our facility. There is a coffee machine in the waiting area for families and visitors. There is a cafeteria located across the parking lot at Memorial Hospital, and numerous restaurants close to the surgery center. Please be aware that it is very important that your ride be readily available at the time of your discharge.
NPO is a medical abbreviation for nil per os, which means “nothing by mouth.” This includes water, gum, hard candy, chewing tobacco, smoking, food and drink.
If there is a break in the skin around your surgical site, the chance of infection is increased. If you notice any break in the skin anywhere close to the surgical site, please notify your surgeon immediately