There are many things we need to do to prepare you for your surgery such as: take your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, listen to your lungs, start and IV, administer mediations, and provide instructions. We may have to shave and/or wash your surgical area. We will answer any questions you may have and ensure your safety during your visit. Your anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your surgery and explain the planned anesthesia.
Your schedule surgery time is an estimated time. Procedures may take more or less amount of time then what was scheduled. This is why we cannot give an exact start time. We will make every effort to meet your expected surgery time and will keep you and your family informed of any delays. Please feel free to ask if you have any concerns.
If your stomach is empty, the risk of vomiting during surgery is greatly reduced. Vomiting during surgery can cause serious complications.
Bring your insurance card. Bring reading glasses if needed. Leave all jewelry at home. It is best to leave all valuables at home or with your family. Bring any papers that you were given at the doctor's office. Bring crutches, other medical equipment or support garment as instructed. Do wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing.
During the initial preparation for surgery, we would prefer that only one friend or family member be with you. Please make arrangements for someone to care for your children the day of the surgery.
When your nurse determines you are comfortable and it is safe to receive a family member, then one friend or family member may join you in the post-operative recovery room.
You may feel cold or have some chills. Warm blankets are available. Noises may seem louder than usual. Your vision may be blurred and you may have a dry mouth. The area of your surgery may hurt - the nurse may give you pain medications and perform other comfort measures to manage discomfort.
Everyone reacts differently to the medications we give them, so recovery time depends upon the individual. The nurse will follow discharge criteria to determine your readiness for discharge. When you are awake and doing well, your nurse will go over your post-operative instructions. We strongly recommend having someone with you for the first 24 hours should you experience an adverse reaction to medications or experience other complications from surgery. Your safety is our primary concern.
Ask your surgeon, who will explain limitation(s) of surgery and a treatment plan for your recovery.
Any excessive bleeding, signs of wound infections (redness, swelling, heat, increased pain, red streaks, and drainage from the wound); fever of 100.6 degrees or higher, difficulty breathing, excessive pain, excessive nausea and vomiting, or inability to urinate. Any of these symptoms should be reported to your physician immediately.