SERVICES

On the day of your surgery try to arrive at the hospital early and go to the patient registration area at the front desk first. Once you’ve checked in there, you will go to the surgery department. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns before your surgery. Please talk about your feelings and ask questions, because it is important for you and your family to feel confident and calm about your surgery.

Make sure the staff knows about any allergies you may have even if you’ve been asked about it before. You will receive a consent form to sign. Take time to read it carefully and ask questions. You will need only a minimum of personal items such as gowns, pajamas, robe, slippers, and essential toiletries. You should bring personal identification card, insurance information such as your insurance card, claim forms, Medicare or Medicaid card or military ID (Champus). Be sure to bring your own containers for glasses, contact lenses or dentures.

In the operating room, you will meet your nurse and anesthesia provider. You will also be asked to verify what surgical procedure you are having and to mark the site. Any questions you may have can be answered at this time. You will also have an IV inserted. An IV provides a way to get medication and fluid into your bloodstream. You may also receive medication to help relax you before you go into surgery. Monitors will then be attached to you that monitor your blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and hear rate and rhythm. You will be put to sleep, awakened when it’s all over, and then taken to the recovery room.

In the recovery room, you will be closely monitored until you are fully alert. Should you have pain or nausea post-operation, your nurse will manages it. Your time in recovery is usually less than one hour, and then you are transported to your hospital room. Your surgeon will speak with your family after the surgery and let them know how everything went. Your family will be called to see you when you are ready for visitors.

Expect some discomfort following surgery. Your surgeon will anticipate this and order medication to ease the pain. It is up to you to ask for pain medication anytime you feel you need it. People have different pain tolerance: only you know exactly when you need medication.