The staff wants to make your upcoming visit as comfortable as possible. You will be provided the highest quality of care in a warm, personalized setting.

Before You Come...

• If you have not been contacted by us, call the Center before your scheduled surgery to discuss any questions and to confirm your appointment.
• Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, and be sure to let the staff know of any special needs.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight for a morning operation.
• For afternoon surgery, you may drink clear liquids( limit to 6 ounces) after midnight to within 6 hours of your scheduled surgery, then nothing by mouth. This also applies to persons having local anesthesia. Anything (food or water) in the stomach can cause serious complications and your surgery could be cancelled or postponed.
• If your child is the patient, please be careful to enforce this.
• For infants and/or patients taking medication such as for high blood pressure or diabetes, call the Center for more information about diet and/or medication.
• For all infants, including those breast fed, please bring a bottle with you. Bathe or shower the morning of surgery to minimize chance of infection. Do not use lotions etc., after bathing.
• Call your surgeon if you develop a cold, fever or respiratory problem before your surgery. If you cannot reach your doctor, call the Center.
• For women, if there's any possibility you are pregnant, please notify your surgeon and the Center.
• Please remove all make-up and nail polish. Remove all contact lenses. Bring your case for safe storage of glasses. Leave valuables at home, including your wallet and jewelry.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing that is easy to get on and off.
• For your safety, you MUST arrange for someone to drive you home, and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. THAT PERSON MUST STAY AT THE SURGERY CENTER DURING YOUR SURGERY.

Day of Surgery - Please...

• Arrive promptly at time scheduled. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures.
• Parking is complimentary.
• Wear loose, casual clothing and low-heel shoes. Tight fitting pants are particularly uncomfortable after certain surgeries.
• Bring your insurance card and/or information, as well as any papers given to you for surgery by your physician.
• Limit the number of people who accompany you. To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one person. However, we do welcome both parents of a pediatric patient.
• If your child is having surgery, feel free to bring a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket for added reassurance.
• If the patient is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child, and sign the necessary consents for surgery and anesthesia services.
• Do not smoke immediately before or after receiving an anesthetic. Smoking may interfere with the anesthetic and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period. The Center is a NO SMOKING facility.

Recovery Period...

• After your surgery, you will be moved to our fully equipped Recovery Room and monitored by our physician- anesthesiologists and trained nurses until you are ready to go home. Although the time varies, most patients are discharged 1 to 3 hours after surgery.

At Home After Surgery...

• Please remember that you must have a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• It is not unusual to be a little dizzy or sleepy after your surgery from the effects of anesthetics and/or pain medication prescribed by your physician. Certain activities such as driving, operation of machinery, or signing legal documents must be avoided while this feeling lasts.
• Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest and medications. In the event of any difficulty, call your surgeon or his answering service.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after receiving general anesthetic.