Patient Surgery

Patient Surgery

Going to the hospital for surgery can be a difficult and anxious time for anyone. For many patients, having surgery is trivial or even commonplace. For others, it can be one of the most anxiety provoking experiences they have ever faced. Wherever you may find yourself, there are steps you can take to make this experience less traumatic and more positive.

The following two guides provide a lot of helpful information depending on your type of procedure. We encourage you to have a look, but also suggest that you continue reading our surgery information below on this page as well!

What to Expect

This guide is separated into three sections to help you through the various stages of having surgery. While specific information will vary with each particular procedure, this guideline is intended to help you understand the surgical process, and to remove some anxiety from this time in your life.

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Before Surgery

Transportation

You must arrange transportation to and from the hospital the day of surgery. Someone should be available while you are in surgery, drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery. A parent or legal guardian must remain in the hospital before, during and after a minor’s surgery.

Actions to take prior to your surgery:

  • Stop taking all blood thinners, aspirin and herbal medication 72 hours prior to your surgery unless your physician or surgeon instructs you differently.
  • Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your surgery.
  • Notify your surgeon if you develop any illness before surgery (includes skin or urine infection)
  • Shower the night before surgery and the morning of surgery with an antibacterial soap such as dial or chlorhexidine. Rinse thoroughly and avoid getting into the eyes. Do not use any other soap, lotion or perfume. This reduces the risk of surgical site infections.
  • For children having surgery, please bring the following: a complete change of clothes, empty bottle or sippy cup, a favorite toy, stuffed animal or blanket.

 

Do NOT eat or drink anything starting after midnight the day of surgery!

Day of Surgery

Arrive at scheduled time and check in at the round Concierge Desk.

  • Remember nothing to eat or drink. You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. Avoid tobacco products and do not chew gum!
  • Take all blood pressure, heart or seizure medications as prescribed with a tiny sip of water prior to arrival.
  • Leave all jewelry (including body piercings), watches and other valuables at home.
  • If you wear contacts, glasses, hearing aids or dentures bring a case for safekeeping.
  • You may shave, but do not use After Shave or cologne.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing and good support shoes (easy to put on). Bring a pair of warm socks if needed.
  • Bring a pillow to use in the car for the drive home.
  • Bring all current prescription medications in their original containers.
  • You will be in recovery after surgery. If you are an outpatient, postoperative instructions will be given to you and your escort before discharge.
  • You will be asked what surgery is being done, who the surgeon is, the site of the surgery, and if you have allergies by several staff.

 

Failure to follow these instructions may result in a delay or cancellation of your surgery.


Pre-Op

  • A nurse will bring you to the Pre-Op area and have you change clothes in your private room.
  • The nurse will check your heart rate, blood pressure, review your medications and history and start an IV.
  • Your anesthesia provider will visit you. Ask questions and be sure you understand all of the instructions you will be given.

 

Many people involved in your surgery will ask you the same questions such as:

  • Your Name and Date of Birth
  • Allergies
  • Last Food or Drink Taken by Mouth
  • Description of Your Surgery
  • Name of Your Surgery

This is for your safety, so please answer each time.


Operating Room

  • A nurse from the OR will visit you in Pre-Op and transport you to the Operating Room.
  • The lights may be bright and the room may be cold
  • You will be given warm blankets.
  • The room may seem very busy but it is just the preparation for your surgery.
  • You will be positioned on the bed and monitors will be attached to observe you during your procedure.
  • You will wake up in recovery.

After Surgery

After surgery, you will go to the Recovery Room and from there either to your room or home. You will receive postoperative prescriptions and discharge instructions at this time. You may still feel nauseated, groggy and may have some pain at the time of discharge. This is expected. You will receive a telephone call from a member of The Physicians Centre Hospital staff within the first days after your surgery. This call gives us the chance to check on you and ask questions about your progress. We welcome your comments and make changes and improvements based on your input.

Tell Your Family and Friends:

  • We ask that they hang out in the main lobby area. We have comfortable couches and a TV they are welcome to stare at while waiting to visit you. We also provide free Wi-Fi for any Interweb-surfing needs. They may consider bringing a sweater if it gets chilly.
  • The Physicians Centre Hospital has a kitchen, which serves patients. Family members and visitors can order food also. Vending machines are located near the lobby as well as complementary coffee and iced cold water.
  • Parking is free and is located in front of The Physicians Centre Hospital.
  • After your surgery, your surgeon will visit family members in the lobby.