SURGICENTER
[Same Day Surgery] [Preparing for Surgery] [ Privacy Policy]
Preparing for Surgery
When you need surgery, our goal is to prepare you mentally and physically,
and to assist you to a full recovery with a minimum of discomfort and time.
Your surgeon has decided whether you will be a Same Day Surgery patient
(have your surgery done and return home the same day) or Same Day Admission
patient (have your surgery done and be admitted to the hospital for a few
days of recovery).
We hope the following information will help your prepare for your operation. Please feel free to call extension 4292 at (717) 637-3711 or (800) 673-2426 with any additional questions you may have.
Before Your Surgery
- A member of our staff will call you after 5 pm the day the day before your operation to tell you what time to come to the hospital. If we have been unable to reach you by 8 pm, please call the Same Day Surgery Unit, extension 4292 at (717) 637-3711 or (800) 673-2426.
- The evening before your surgery you may eat a regular supper unless otherwise instructed by your physician. For the remainder of the evening you may eat lightly, but avoid fatty or greasy foods.
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING, EVEN WATER, GUM OR LIFESAVERS, AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SURGERY. Your procedure may have to be rescheduled if you don';t follow this important rule.
- If you smoke or chew tobacco, you should discontinue its use for 24 hours
prior to surgery.
- Notify your physician if there is any change in your physical condition prior to surgery, such as fever, infection, or a cold.
- Please arrange for a responsible adult to bring you to the hospital and to take you home after surgery.
- Someone should spend the evening and night with you following surgery.
- We recommend bathing or showering with Dial or Safeguard soap the evening
before or the morning of your surgery: If you are allergic to Dial or safeguard,
use your regular soap.
- Try to get a good night's rest before your surgery.
- Medication instructions will be given to you over the phone the day before
the surgery.
The Day of the Surgery
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING, INCLUDING WATER, GUM OR LIFESAVERS, THE MORNING OF YOUR OPERATION. You may brush your teeth. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes. Patients having a hernia repair or tubal ligation should wear loose-fitting pants.
- Do not wear make-up, fingernail polish, earrings, or jewelry to the Same Day Surgery Unit.
- Leave all valuables at home.
- If you wear dentures or a prosthesis, they will be removed at the hospital prior to surgery and returned to you after the operation. If you prefer, you may leave them at home. If you wear contact lenses, please leave them at home and wear your glasses.
- You may bring your robe to wear when walking following your procedure. Robes and slippers are available on the unit.
- Children scheduled for Same Day Surgery, may bring a favorite toy, blanket, book, or video tape with them.
- You may bring a small, earphone-equipped radio, cassette or CD player.
- Cell phones are not permitted as they may interfere with medical equipment.
At the Hospital
- Convenient parking for Same Day Surgery patients is located off Allegheny Avenue in the lot beside the Hospital's Main entrance.
- If you are a Same Day Admission patient, please use the Main Entrance and report to the Patient Registration Office, located adjacent to the Visitor's Lobby at your appointed time.
- If you are a Same Day Surgery patient, please report directly to the Same Day Surgery Unit on the fourth floor. A support person or family member may accompany you in the Same Day Surgery Unit. Children are permitted two support persons.
Same Day Surgery Unit
- You will stay in the same Day Surgery Unit until your scheduled surgery time. You will meet an anesthesiologist, a physician specialist, who will talk to you about the type of anesthesia you will have during your surgery. He or she will inquire about your general health and will examine you. At this time you should inform him or her of any of your concerns or previous difficulties with anesthesia.
- You will have an IV (intravenous fluids) started. This is used to replace body fluids lost during surgery and to administer medications.
- If ordered by your surgeon, your surgical site will be scrubbed with a special cleanser that reduces the number of germs on the skin surface. The area may also be shaved.
The Operating Room
- In the Operating Room (OR) you will see your surgeon, a surgical assistant, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, a scrub nurse who assists the surgeon, and a circulating nurse. The temperature of the OR is cool, and it is very bright.
The Recovery Room
- When your procedure is completed, you will be brought to a brightly lit Recovery Room staffed by nurses specially trained in the care of anesthetized patients. You will be closely monitored here with blood pressure checks at 10 minute intervals.
- You may have an IV and other tubes for drainage. As your anesthetic wears off you may feel chills or notice that noises seem louder.
- You may begin to feel pain in the area of your surgery. Don't hesitate to tell your nurses that you are having pain or nausea. You will be encouraged to take slow deep breaths, to cough while supporting your incision, and to do minor exercises with your feet.
- From the Recovery Room you will return to the Same Day Surgery Unit until you are ready for discharge. If you are a Same Day Admission patient, you will go directly to your hospital room from the Recovery Room.
Preparing for Discharge
- When you return to the Same Day Surgery Unit, you will be encouraged to drink some cola or ginger ale. You will be expected to walk with assistance to the bathroom, and then sit up in a lounge chair.
- When you are sufficiently recovered, your anesthesiologist will approve your discharge. Please remember that if physician decides you need to be admitted overnight, it is in your best interest.
- You will be given written instructions on post-operative care and a prescription if medication is needed.
- You will be transported by wheelchair to the Main entrance for discharge.
Returning Home
- Plan to spend a quiet evening at home. You will be tired and your body will need the rest.
- Follow your physician's orders regarding diet, rest, and pain medication.
- Expect a call from the Hospital the day after the surgery. We will call
to see how you are doing because your health and well-being are our primary
concern. If you have a question or concern regarding your post-operative care
and recuperation, please remember we are only a phone call away. (717)
637-3711 Extension 4292 or (800) 673-2426