Surgery Information

Before the procedure

It is important to follow the safety rules below. If not followed exactly, procedures may be rescheduled or cancelled.

Food and drink

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure unless your doctor has instructed otherwise. This includes food, liquids, water, candy, chewing gum and tobacco. Serious complications may occur if these instructions are not followed.

Smoking

Do not smoke after midnight the day before the procedure.

Medication

If you take daily medications (i.e., blood pressure, blood thinners, seizure or medication for diabetes), please contact your doctor three days before the procedure to determine if any medicines should be stopped prior to the procedure.

Please notify your physician prior to your procedure if you are currently taking any herbal or weight loss supplements or have experienced any problems with Latex (rubber) products.

Day of the procedure

Please bring a photo ID, insurance cards and any co-payments or deposits.

Patients should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing, and leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.

Dentures, hearing aids, glasses, jewelry, piercings, hair accessories and contact lenses must be removed before procedure. Please bring appropriate storage containers.

Please bring all current medications so that we can obtain an accurate record.

Patients must have an adult (18 years old+) driver to take them home in order to be discharged from the center. All rides will be confirmed prior to the procedure.

Surgery patients only

Patients must have someone stay with them for 24 hours after surgery.

If your child is having surgery, feel free to bring along a favorite toy or blanket. In addition, bring extra diapers, a change of clothes, formula or other special food that your child may need after surgery.

Endoscopy/Colonoscopy patients only

You will receive specific instructions from your doctor regarding laxative preparation for a colonoscopy. If you have vomiting from the preparation, call your doctor to receive further instructions concerning the preparation. Your doctor will also advise you of special diet instructions.

After the procedure

Patients will be given specific written instructions regarding post-operative care. Before leaving the Surgery Center, please remember the following:

• Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcoholic beverages, or take any non-prescription medications for at least 24 hours.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet, rest, and medication.
• It is normal to experience some post-operative discomfort in the area of the procedure. Drowsiness and dizziness are also normal, depending on the type of anesthesia you receive or the amount of pain medication you are taking.
• The next business day following your procedure, you may be contacted by a staff member to see how you are doing. Please make certain that we have a convenient number at which you may be reached.

If you have questions or are having problems, contact your doctor through their office.