Can I eat and drink before surgery?
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure unless your doctor, anesthesiologist, or a Registered Nurse from the surgery center instructs otherwise. This includes food, liquids, water, candy, gum, and chewing tobacco. Do not smoke after midnight before your procedure.
Please avoid swallowing water while brushing your teeth. If you are advised to take medicine in the morning, please do so with a small amount of water. This information will be reviewed during your pre-operative phone call.
Do I need a ride home?
Yes!! You must have a responsible adult take you home if you receive anesthesia or sedation. You may take a taxi or bus home after your procedure only if you have a responsible adult with you. If you are having only a local anesthetic, you may be allowed to drive yourself. Our pre-operative nurse will discuss your options with you during the pre-operative phone call.
It is important to make arrangements for a ride home well in advance of your procedure. If you do not have a ride home, your case will be cancelled. This policy is in place for your safety. Your ride should be readily available and should be in the facility when your procedure is complete.
I take medicines on a daily basis. Which ones should I take before my procedure?
Our pre-operative nurse will inform you which medications to take before surgery and which ones must be stopped. She will consult with an anesthesiologist as well. It is important to inform your surgeon and the pre-operative nurse which medicines you take, including herbal medications. Please bring any inhalers or insulin with you the day of your procedure if instructed to do so by the nurse.
How early should I arrive before my procedure start time?
Usually, we ask that you arrive one hour prior to the time of your procedure. Occasionally this time frame varies, depending upon the procedure you are having. Your arrival time will be confirmed during your pre-operative phone call. If you are an patient of Dr. Barrord or Dr. Herrmann, the office requests you call them at (513) 423-6589 the day before to obtain your arrival time.
Can I shower the day of my procedure?
Yes, you are encouraged to shower or bathe the day of your procedure. You may also brush your teeth, but please remember not to swallow any water.
What should I wear the day of my procedure?
You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that can be worn over any bandages you may have after your procedure. Also, please wear easy slip-on, flat-bottom shoes. Following some procedure, it may be difficult for you to raise your arms, so you may find it easier to put on a shirt/blouse that buttons down the front. Please remove any jewelry, including body jewelry. Please leave all valuables at home.
What should I do if I develop signs of an illness (cough, cold, etc.) before my procedure?
If there are any changes in your health, please contact the surgery center and your surgeon as soon as possible. It is important that you are healthy before your procedure to aid in your recovery.
Do I need to get a history and physical or blood work before my procedure?
The surgery center requires a history and physical to be completed for every patient. This may be conducted by your surgeon or primary care physician.
Blood work is required for some patients, depending on your medical history, the procedure you are having and the type of anesthesia that is being ordered by your surgeon. Our pre-operative nurse will inform you of any blood work or EKG that is needed during the pre-operative phone call.
POST-OPERATIVE QUESTIONS
What happens after my surgery?
After surgery, you will be moved to our fully-equipped recovery room, where you will remain under close observation by the anesthesiologist and our recovery room nurses until you are ready to go home. Although the length of stay post-operatively varies according to the type of procedure and your surgeon’s instructions, most patients are discharged 1 to 1 ½ hours after surgery. Your surgeon will want to talk to a family member/friend after your surgery. It is again important for this person to remain in the building.
Your recovery room nurse will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest and medications. The surgery center will provide you with a written summary of these instructions.
Please follow these general instructions after your surgery:
- Have your family member, close friend or responsible adult drive you home.
- Plan to have someone stay with you for 24 hours.
Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic, we urge you to postpone these activities for 24 hours:
- Operating or driving equipment (may be longer if instructed)
- Signing important papers
- Making significant decisions
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Center or your surgeon.
How will I feel?
Patients may feel a bit groggy, light-headed, dizzy, sore and slightly nauseated. How you feel depends on the complexity of your procedure, how long you were in the operating room, your pain threshold and what type of anesthesia you were given. Each person responds differently to surgery and the effects of anesthesia.
How soon can I return home?
Once your vital signs are normal, you feel comfortable and alert, and your nurse determines that your condition meets all discharge criteria, you may return home. You may not however be completely pain free. Your surgeon will provide you with any medication you may need at home.
What if I don’t feel ready to go home?
Once all discharge criteria are met, you may return home. If you wish to remain at the center a bit longer however, simply ask your nurse. She/he will be glad to discuss this option with you. We do recommend that you leave before the effects of your anesthesia wear off completely. This helps reduce pain for the trip home, and allows you to fall asleep more easily and rest more comfortably once you return home. Studies show that the familiar surroundings of home actually help speed recovery and reduce the need for pain medication.
What happens when I’m discharged?
Once you feel alert and comfortable, you will be assisted if necessary to get dressed. Before being escorted to your car, we review your homecare instructions with you and give you a copy for easy reference. You will also be given prescriptions for pain and/or any additional medications ordered by your surgeon.
What should I do when I get home?
To hasten your recovery, we recommend that you rest comfortably as soon as you get home. Patients typically feel sleepy most of the day. You may begin your regular diet and resume normal activity when you and your surgeon determine you are ready. The day after your procedure, a nurse from the center will attempt to call to find out how you are doing.
What should I do If I have a problem?
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call the Center during regular business hours at (513) 425-0930 or call your surgeon. If you feel your condition is an emergency, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
What specific homecare instructions should I follow?
Written post-operative home care instructions will be given to you before leaving the surgery center. Please follow these instructions carefully. Be sure to contact your surgeon if you have any questions.
