What to Expect: Before, During, and After Surgery
Days Before Surgery
In the days before your surgery, consider that you may require assistance from, or total dependence upon, another person when performing a multitude of daily tasks. From dressing and showering to childcare and running errands, be prepared to ask for help from family members or friends you are comfortable with. We recommend putting together several pre-made small meals and snacks in the days before your surgery to make your recovery and return home more manageable.
You will receive instructions at the time of scheduling your surgery covering medications, what to bring with you, and the pre-admission interview with an RN and an anesthesiologist.
In addition to these instructions, three days prior to your surgery date, you will receive specific instructions on medications you can and cannot take the day of surgery.
A registered nurse (RN) will call you to get your health history, which an anesthesiologist will use to develop your anesthesia plan.
The afternoon prior to your surgery, an anesthesiologist will discuss your plan for anesthesia and provide you a final check-in time. Patients having any form of sedation must have someone to transport them home and be with them following discharge.
We recommend you consider the following prior to your surgery day
- Are there any changes that need to be made in your home?
- Are there loose cords, throw rugs, or other obstacles that pose a risk of falling?
- Do your pets pose a risk to your falling?
- Are additional night-lights needed?
- Can you get in and out of the shower or bath safely?
- Are there errands that should be done prior to your surgery dates?
We will determine your insurance coverage by
- Contacting your insurance company and verifying your benefits.
- Providing you with an estimate of the out-of-pocket expenses you may anticipate.
- Discussing financial arrangements with you.
Day of Surgery
What you may eat and drink prior to arrival will be covered by the anesthesiologist the day prior to your procedure. Hygiene and dress recommendations can be found in the instructions given on the day of surgery.
We recommend you consider the following prior to your surgery day
- Arrive 60 to 90 minutes before your surgery time.
- Take the elevators to the 4th floor where an office staff member will check you in and make a copy of your ID and insurance cards.
- You will need to complete the registration process.
Before Surgery
- You will be admitted to the preoperative area and made ready for surgery by an RN.
- Your family may join you there until you go into surgery.
- An RN will work with you to prepare for the surgery and start your IV.
- Your surgeon or an assistant will mark the site for your surgery.
- An anesthesiologist will confirm the anesthetic plan. If you are receiving a nerve block, it will be performed at this time.
Surgery
- When it is time for your procedure, an RN will take you to the operating room and remain with you during your procedure.
- Your family will return to the surgery waiting area.
- Once in the operating room, you will receive anesthesia and your surgeon will perform the procedure.
After Surgery
Following surgery, you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit where an RN will monitor and care for you while you recover until you are ready for discharge. When you are awake and alert, your family may rejoin you. Patients are usually ready for discharge an hour after the surgery. An RN will provide you discharge instructions about your postoperative care. Unless you are only having a local anesthetic, you must have someone drive you home and be available to assist you.
Surgery
- An RN will contact you to see how you are doing and address any concerns or questions you may have.
- If you have a peripheral nerve block, an anesthesiologist will call you to follow up.
