The Surgery Center Procedures

Preparing for Surgery

Talk to your doctor about the daily medications you currently take, especially for heart, diabetes or blood pressure problems. Be sure to mention any over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, Bufferin®, Nuprin®, Advil® or Motrin®. Also mention any herbs or dietary supplements you might be using.

Transportation

For your safety, you will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle. If your surgery involves a general anesthetic or other type of sedation, arrange for a responsible person to remain at The Surgery Center during surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery. If the patient is a child, we recommend that someone accompany the driver to help care for the child on the way home.

Laboratory Tests

Lab work, x-rays and EKGs that are needed for your surgery will be performed either prior to or on the day of your surgery. Our surgery schedulers will give you further details.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia services are provided by anesthesiologists highly qualified in all aspects of outpatient anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will evaluate you before surgery and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to talk to your anesthesiologist about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs. The appropriate type of anesthesia will be determined by your surgeon in consultation with your anesthesiologist.

Confirmation

A member of our staff will call you prior to your surgery date to confirm your appointment, complete a pre-operative questionnaire and answer any questions you may have.

When to Notify Your Doctor

Contact your doctor immediately if for any reason you cannot keep your scheduled appointment for surgery. Also, if you suspect you are pregnant, or if you experience any changes in health such as a cough, fever or a cold, please notify your doctor.

The Night Before Surgery

For your safety, DO NOT eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight the night before your surgery, unless instructed by our personnel. This includes hard candy, gum and prescription medications, unless ordered by your doctor. Bathe or shower the night before surgery to minimize the chance of infection. Teeth may be brushed but DO NOT swallow water. Refrain from smoking after midnight the night before your surgery.

The Day of Surgery

Please plan to arrive promptly at your scheduled time. After you have registered at the reception desk, one of our nurses will spend time with you to answer any questions you might have and help with preparations for your surgery.

Your nurse will escort you to a private dressing area where you will be asked to put on a special gown, cap and slippers. Your clothing and other personal belongings will be placed in a basket and transferred to the Recovery Room prior to your discharge. You will be asked to sign a consent form for you procedure.

Remember…

• Please bring your insurance card and photo identification, any requested forms from your doctor, and a list of any medications you are taking, along with the dosages.
• Arrange for cash or check to be held by those waiting for you in case a prescription needs to be filled at a nearby pharmacy before you are discharged.
• If you do not speak English, an interpreter can be provided, and will remain at the Center until you are discharged.
• Arrange for care of your children for 24 hours following surgery, as you might still be feeling drowsy.
• Leave your valuables, including jewelry and watches, at home.
• Do not wear contact lenses or make-up.

Recovery

Immediately following surgery, you will be taken to our fully equipped Recovery Room where your blood pressure and pulse will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses. The amount of time you spend in recovery depends to a great degree on the type of surgery and/or anesthesia you have had. Some patients spend as little as half an hour in the Recovery Room, others spend three hours or more. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will answer questions regarding the length of stay in the recovery area.

At Home

We suggest that you eat lightly for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Be sure to follow any specific post-operative instructions your doctor gives you regarding diet, rest, activities and medication. The Surgery Center will provide you with a written summary of these instructions. Additionally, a member of our staff will call you the day after surgery to see how you are doing.

Dizziness and nausea are normal after receiving anesthetic, therefore you should wait 24 hours after returning home before:

• Driving or operating equipment
• Signing papers
• Making significant decisions
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Taking any medication not prescribed or acknowledged by your surgeon

If you have questions or concerns once you are home, call your doctor. For immediate care, go to any emergency room or urgent care facility.

Extended Recovery

In some instances, your physician may request that you stay with us for additional observation and/or pain management. Our Extended Recovery Care Unit includes two beautifully decorated, semi-private rooms. Each room has a color TV, VCR/DVD, and private telephone line. Try to limit your calls so you can rest and recover from your procedure properly. The Extended Recovery Care Unit telephone number is 440-826-4014. You may give this number to family and friends. They can call this number anytime to speak with a Recovery Care nurse.

Who Will Be There to Care for Me?

Our well-trained, Extended Recovery Care Unit nursing staff will provide your post-operative care. Your physician and anesthesiologist also are on call to assist us in meeting your needs. Our main concern at The Surgery Center is your safety and comfort. We are equipped with complete cardiac monitoring, life support and emergency resuscitation equipment, which enables us to constantly monitor the status of our patients.

Does My Insurance Cover This?

As your stay is still part of your outpatient surgery, there is no need to worry about inpatient verification as there is with overnight hospital stays. Your evening stay with us is considered an extended recovery room charge. However, if your surgery is cosmetic in nature, chances are you will be responsible for the cost of the overnight stay. Your physician or our personnel can answer this question for you.

What Do I Need to Bring?

A package will be provided to you, which includes such items as toothpaste, toothbrush, body lotion and more. The only items you need to bring are personal belongings such as prescription drugs, contact lens cleaner, denture care and a change of clothing for the following day.

Will Food Be Provided?

Well-balanced meals are provided if ordered by your physician, as well as drinks and snacks. Special dietary needs may be provided for if we are notified in advance.

Are Visitors Allowed?

Visitors may stay with the patient until 9 p.m. the day of the procedure. After visitors leave, you will continue to receive professional care and supervision throughout the night. Smoking is not permitted in our facility. Please keep the number of visitors to a minimum.