Same Day Surgery

Prior to Surgery

Guidelines to follow prior to surgery.

• Nothing to eat or drink starting midnight the night before the procedure, this includes gum, hard candy, mints, water, ice, etc.  If you take heart, blood pressure, asthma, seizure or diabetic medications, your physician will advise you whether or not to take them the morning of the procedure. If you are advised to do so, take medication with a small sip of water.
• You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow the water.
• If you notice you have a fever, abnormal sounding cough, abnormal colored drainage, or are sick feeling, call your physician's office as soon as possible and notify them of your symptoms.
• Complete any preparations ordered by your physician.
• Shower with antibacterial soap the night before or the morning of the procedure.
• No lotions, creams, oils, powders, or gels on your skin.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes that you can easily change in and out of.
• Leave all valuables at home, this includes your medication.  Valuables brought into the hospital will be checked-in with hospital security.
• Arrange for transportation from the hospital, as you will not be allowed to drive yourself following your procedure.
• All jewelry, piercings, and hair accessories will need to be removed.
• Refrain from using all tobacco products starting midnight prior to your procedure.
• No colored fingernail or toenail polish, clear or French manicure is permitted.
• Limit the number of people accompanying you to the hospital.

Items you may want to bring for your hospital stay

• A lightweight robe
• Warm socks or slippers
• Personal toiletry items
• Eye glass or contact lens case (if you wear them)
• Container for hearing aides or dentures

Day of the Surgery

Upon arrival to the hospital you will be escorted to your room and asked to completely undress and change into a hospital gown. A nurse will conduct a physical assessment and complete any treatments ordered by your surgeon.  Your family is welcome to wait with you until you go to surgery. However, please keep in mind that the rooms can only accommodate two seated visitors at a time. Depending on your placement on the procedure schedule, and the arrival time instructed by your physician, there may be a four to five hour wait before your procedure is performed. This is not uncommon, and the nursing staff will keep you informed.

You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to surgery. Your physician may or may not order medication to be given prior to surgery.  Surgery is located on the 3rd floor.  All family members will be shown to the waiting room once you are taken into the surgical area.

Discharge

Depending on your physician's orders and type of surgery, you may be discharged when ordered by the physician or when you've met the following discharge criteria:

• Able to urinate
• Normal vital signs
• Pain is tolerable and under control
• Tolerating food/liquids without complaints of nausea

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