Pre-Operative Information Guide

The following is a general description of what you may expect prior to surgery and on the actual date of your surgery. It is important that you carry out these instructions.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Admitting Nurses at 966-7289 for assistance.

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Preparation for Admission

In preparation for your surgery, please PRINT, fill-out and bring this form to the hospital:

¨     Preoperative Anesthesia Information form

The day prior to your surgery, please be aware of the following:

1.      Please NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT (INCLUDING WATER) or at the time designated by your physician. This is for your safety during your actual operation. Medications as prescribed by your physician may be taken the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. If the patient is an infant 0-9 months of age, please contact the child's Pediatrician/Surgeon for instructions on feeding.

2.      When you awaken the morning of surgery you may bathe, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth but please, DO NOT SWALLOW anything!

3.      Notify your surgeon of any change in your physical condition such as a cold, fever, persistent cough or other important change.

4.      No metal can be worn into the Operating Room so please avoid wearing rings, necklaces, earrings, etc. Female patients should refrain from wearing makeup.

5.      Be aware that the actual time of surgery may change due to changes in the OPERATING ROOM SCHEDULE and you will be notified of all such changes.

6.      Please do not bring any items of value to the Hospital with you; these would include jewelry, large sums of money, credit cards, etc. All jewelry, hair pins, makeup, false eyelashes, contact lenses, artificial eyes, dentures and other prosthesis are to be removed before you leave for surgery; however, you may wear a hearing aid to surgery. NOTE: Tampons must be removed prior to surgery.

Admission to Hospital

7.      Upon arriving at the Hospital come directly through the Main Lobby into the Admitting Office and check in with the clerks at any of the booths marked 1 through 5; if you are coming in around 5:00 A.M., and the front door is not yet open, please enter by way of the Emergency Room entrance. The clerical staff will be sure all your paperwork is in order, issue an armband, and enter date/time of your admission into computer before taking you to your room. No children under 14 years old are allowed in patient's rooms; however, children may wait in Lobby IF attended by an adult.

Preparation for Surgery

8.      You will be given a Hospital gown to wear for the first day of surgery; thereafter, your own gown/pajamas may be worn as desired. According to the type of procedure you are having there may be the need to shave hair from the operative site. This will be done sometime before surgery and is necessary to ensure an area that is as clean as possible for your protection.

9.      An intravenous solution will be started in your arm; this may be done by either the nurse on the Surgical Unit or by the Anesthesiologist upon your arrival in the Operating Room. You may also receive an injection to relax you approximately one (1) hour prior to your surgery that will possibly make your mouth dry and cause you to be drowsy; please remember you MUST STAY IN BED after receiving your injection.

10.   Approximately one (1) hour prior to surgery you will be taken by stretcher to the Holding Area of the Operating Room; your family and friends may accompany you to the doors of the Operating Room and then will be requested to wait in the Main Lobby where the doctor may more easily locate them once you are in the Recovery Room. A nurse in the Operating Room will check you and do the final preparations for your surgery.

11.   An Anesthesiologist will speak to you before surgery to discuss any health problems as well as the TYPE OF ANESTHESIA that is best for you; any questions or concerns you may have regarding your anesthesia may be directed to him/her at that time.

Recovery

12.   Following surgery you will enter the Recovery Room where a nurse will observe your status during your arousal from anesthesia. You may be encouraged to take deep breaths and to cough which will assist in preventing any lung complications. Your blood pressure, pulse and respirations will be recorded frequently. When you are awake and doing well, you will be returned to your room and your friends and family may rejoin you there.

13.   Medication may be ordered for your discomfort be it pain or nausea so please be sure to request these medicines when you need them so the nurse can take immediate steps to make you comfortable.

14.   After arriving back in your room, you will be observed by a Surgical Nurse until you are ready for discharge. The discharge time will be dependent on the following: Your heart, blood pressure and respirations are within normal limits, you are alert and oriented, you are able to take clear liquids, there is no difficulty with your breathing, and that you are able to void/urinate without difficulty.

Discharge

15.   Hospital policy requires that you be discharged by wheelchair; please arrange to have a responsible adult pick you up from the Hospital; YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE YOURSELF!

16.   You should be prepared to stay overnight, should it become necessary.

17.   For twenty-four (24) hours following general anesthesia, food and fluid will be prescribed as by your physician; it is usually wise to start out with liquids and gradually advance your diet as tolerated.

18.   It is also advised that NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES be ingested for twenty-four hours following general anesthesia and that you refrain from scheduling any business transactions or making any important decisions due to the affects of anesthesia on reasoning and judgment. A.M.