Many patients have questions about their procedure and anesthesia. This guide provides you and your family with information about your procedure and our facility. It will give you an idea of what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Please remember that surgical treatments and procedures are different for each person. Although you may be having the same procedure as someone else, the way you will need to prepare and the things that are done before, during and after your surgery may be special to you.
Before the Day of Your Procedure
Your doctor or one of his staff will give you a list of information on preparing for your specific situation. Procedures vary, but some main items to remember are:
- Stop any anti-inflammatory medicine, or medications containing aspirin 5 to 7 days before your procedure.
- You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home.
- Stop smoking at least 24 hours before your procedure (preferably longer).
- Bring a list with you of your medications, including the dosage, and what time of the day you take them.
- For most situations, you should stop eating and drinking at around midnight the day before your procedure.
- Talk to your doctor for additional instructions if you are taking blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, Plavix, Ticlid or Lovenox.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
- Please arrive at least one half hour before your procedure’s scheduled time.
- A staff member will check you in. You will then be taken to a room to prepare you for your procedure.
- A pre-operative nurse will begin routine pre-procedure questions and preparation such as vital signs and starting your IV (if needed).
- You will be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses, dentures and any other loose objects.
Recovery and Going Home
- After your procedure you will be taken to the recovery room. There you will be monitored and given time to recover. It is normal to be in the recovery room for 1-3 hours before you are discharged. The length of time will depend upon the type of procedure you had.
- When it is time to leave, a staff member will make sure you and the person driving you home do not have additional questions about care after you return home.
- When we feel you have recovered enough to go home, a staff member will help you to your car.
- Patients returning home following their procedure must be driven home by a responsible adult.
The Next Few Days after Your Procedure
- You should take it easy the next few days after the procedure.
- Do not drive or operate machinery the day after the procedure or longer if instructed by your doctor.
- You may be tired and feel discomfort. This is to be expected. Your provider will give you something to ease the pain or discomfort. It is a good idea to have these prescriptions filled and ready for when you get home.
- If you are in intense pain, develop a fever, any sign of infection such as a drainage or notice increased bleeding at the site where you had the procedure, call your doctor right away.
- If you have urgent concerns, call 911 or have someone drive you to the closest emergency room.
- Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments that you have with your provider.
