DAY OF SURGERY

  • Please bathe or shower prior to your surgery. Remove all make-up, and do not use lotions or oils after bathing.
  • Please REMOVE all jewelry and body piercings prior to coming to the center – no exceptions.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, unless instructed otherwise by the surgery center staff. This includes water, candy, mints, gum, chewing tobacco, and ice chips. If you were instructed to take medication, please take it with only a sip of water. Failure to follow these instructions may result in cancellation of your surgery.
  • If having lower extremity surgery, please do not wear slip-on shoes or sandals.
  • If having shoulder or upper extremity surgery, wear an oversized shirt with buttons. You will not be able to put the operative arm through a sleeve after your surgery, and women will not be able to wear a bra after surgery.
  • Leave all valuables, including jewelry and cash, at home. We cannot be responsible for damaged or lost property.
  • Do not wear contact lenses. If you wear glasses, bring a case for their safe keeping. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.
  • A nurse will provide you with a patient gown, slippers, and a locker to store your clothing.
  • If you are a female of child bearing age, you may be expected to provide a urine sample prior to your surgery.
  • The admitting nurse will check your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. You will be asked to rate your level of pain on a pain scale of 0 to 10 before and after your surgery (0 = no pain; 10 = the worst pain imaginable).
  • An anesthesia staff member will see you on the day of surgery.
  • Your family will be asked to wait in the waiting room during the surgery.
  • Be prepared to sign forms giving your consent for anesthesia and the operation. If you are under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you, sign the consent forms, and remain at the center during your surgery.
  • For the privacy and comfort of all patients, only one visitor is allowed in the recovery area.