Preparing for Surgery

Before surgery, you will receive a call and information explaining preoperative instructions, surgery and recovery procedures. Our staff works hard to ensure that patients feel fully informed about their surgical procedure and pain management options.

Please review the following information as you prepare for surgery:

• If you take any medications, especially for diabetes, hypertension or heart problems, ask your doctor when to take them and how much to take before your surgery.
  
  
• Please tell us about all medications that you currently take, such as aspirin, vitamins or herbal supplements, as they may affect your surgery.
  
  
• If you will be receiving anesthesia, you will need a physical within seven days of your procedure.
  
  
• If you plan to return home the same day, you must arrange for someone to drive you.
  
  
• It is important for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours following surgery.
  
  
• If you have a pre-operative physical, your doctor's office should fax a copy to us at 651-232-7142. They may also give you a copy to bring with you to the hospital.
  
  
• Our staff may ask you about Health Care Directives when you are admitted. Health Care Directives include a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney for health care. If you have one, please bring a copy.
  
  
• You will be called one to five days before your surgery with the following information:
  - Special instructions
  - Directions to St. John's
  - Necessary time of arrival

Please call us at 651-232-7171 if you have not been contacted by the last business day before your surgery.

The day before your surgery

For your health and safety, it is important you follow these instructions or your surgery may be cancelled:

• Do not eat anything eight hours before surgery. We suggest you have a light snack before you go to bed.
  
  
• You may consume small amounts of clear liquids up to four hours before you arrive for surgery. This will reduce your chances of nausea and vomiting after surgery.
  
  
• If you develop a cold, fever, sore throat or infection prior to surgery, please notify your surgeon immediately.

The day of surgery

As you prepare to come to the hospital

• If you take any medications, especially for diabetes, hypertension or heart problems, ask your doctor when to take them and how much to take before your surgery.
  
  
• Bring all prescribed medications (including inhalers) in their original containers.
  
  
• Wear clean, loose fitting clothing. You will be asked to change into a gown and robe before surgery.
  
  
• Wear your hearing aid and/or glasses. If you wear contacts, please bring a case.
  
  
• Do not wear jewelry or bring any valuables.
  
  
• Do not wear makeup, especially mascara.
  
  
• Remove all body piercings.
  
  
• For the safety of staff and patients, we strive for a fragrance-free environment. Please don't wear perfume or heavily scented lotions. Please inform your family or escort of this request.
  
• Bring your insurance information. Workers' Compensation cases must provide all claim information, including the date of injury.

At the hospital

• You will be asked to arrive one and one-half to two hours before your surgery and check in at the first floor admitting department. Ask any questions your have or communicate any concerns about the surgical procedure.
  
  
• Your nurse, surgeon and anesthesiologist will evaluate your condition before surgery and order any necessary medication.
  
  
• Your family or escort may be able to stay with you before surgery and will be given information about your anticipated schedule by our staff.

After surgery

• You will be taken to a post-anesthesia care unit for observation and recovery. Your family or escort will not be able to visit with you during this initial recovery time.
  
  
• Our staff will discuss your progress with your family or escort.
  
  
• Once stable, outpatients will be moved back to our Same Day Surgery area for the remainder of their recovery. Family or escorts are allowed to join you at this time.
  
  
• We will determine your approximate discharge time.

All patients receive individualized instructions for follow-up care. All outpatients also receive a phone call to check on the healing process a day or two after the procedure. Your recovery depends on the type of surgery you have and your general health. Our nurses and doctors will discuss recovery with you and your escort before you leave the surgery center.