Outpatient Services Procedure Information

Preparation for Surgery

• Closely follow all instructions given by the nurse or the physician.
• For your safety, please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and care for you.
• Be sure to arrive on time. You will be asked to show up 1-2 hours prior to your actual procedure. This is necessary to prepare you for surgery.
• If your physician’s office has instructed you to take any medication, please do so with just a sip of water.
• Please notify the surgery center if you have any health change such as a cold, cough or elevated temperature prior to your surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything past midnight before your surgery unless otherwise directed by your anesthesia provider. Do not chew gum or tobacco. Eating or drinking prior to surgery/procedure may result in cancellation and rescheduling.
• Bathe or shower the morning of your procedure. Do not use lotions or oils after bathing. Wear little or no make-up.
• You may brush your teeth without swallowing any water.
• Wear casual, loose-fitting clothing so you will be comfortable when you leave the surgery center. A patient gown will be provided by our surgery center.
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. You may be asked to remove all jewelry (including pierced body parts).
• If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a case for their safekeeping.
• If you normally use any equipment or devices for support or assistance, such as a walker or crutches, please bring it with you.
• Bring all necessary paperwork and insurance cards.

Recovery Period

• Your condition will be closely monitored for an average 2-4 hours (potentially longer depending on surgery).
• You will stay in the recovery area until your physician or anesthesiologist believes you are ready to be discharged.
• Your go-home instructions will be discussed with you and your family member by our discharge nurse. You will receive a written copy of them.
• You will be able to have snacks and liquids after you are awake from your procedure.

Day After Surgery

For your safety and recovery these post-operative instructions must be followed very carefully!

Following general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, a full 24 to 36 hours are required for the full effects of the drugs to wear off. During this period, it is essential that you follow these instructions as well as any additional instructions given to you to take home on the day of your surgery.

• When leaving the center, you MUST be accompanied by an adult, who can drive you home. Do not use public transportation.
• Once you are home, rest quietly for the rest of the day.
• Lie flat if you feel dizzy or light-headed.
• Drink lots of non-citrus juice or clear liquids for the first 4-6 hours. You will be able to resume your normal diet as tolerated.
• Avoid alcohol in any form for 48 hours.
• Avoid any drugs apart from your prescribed painkillers (if prescribed), which may affect your nervous system, for 24 hours.
• DO NOT operate motor vehicles, boats, power tools or machinery for 24 hours.
• DO NOT sign or enter into any legal contract for 24 hours.
• We strongly suggest that a responsible adult be with you for the rest of the day and night.

One of our nurses will call you at home the next weekday following your surgery to make sure that you are recovering as expected. It is very important to your recovery that you get plenty of rest and follow your post-surgery instructions.