What if I cannot make my appointment?

Please notify the surgeon and the Ambulatory Surgery Center at 386.760.8151 Ext. 152 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.

Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?

You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.

We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards.

Should I take my usual daily medication?

We generally request that you take certain (Heart, blood pressure, seizure, reflux, thyroid) medication the morning of the procedure. Diabetic medications will be individualized. You should be contacted before your surgery leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take. Please bring a list of all your medications and dosages with you. Diabetics should check their blood sugar and bring their results with them.

People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.

Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. Please call us with any questions you may have.

Who may accompany me?

Family members or friends may accompany you to the Surgery Center. One person will be allowed to sit with you after the surgery if you so choose.

When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, however, one parent and/or guardian will be permitted into the recovery room at a time.

Please refrain from bringing children to the Center as guests.

Will I be contacted before my surgery?

Yes. We call each patient the day before the surgery to gather information that is helpful to us and hopefully answer any of your questions. Preoperative instructions will be given by the nurse who calls you.

What should I do if I am not feeling well?

If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advise. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Center.

What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?

It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.

May I drive home?

You must have a responsible driver.

Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements. Any patient receiving anesthesia / sedation should refrain from driving for 24 hours.

May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?

All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the Center and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesiologist. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire.

What if I have special needs?

We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.

Should I bring my special needs equipment?

Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.

What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?

• Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
• Bring insurance identification cards, driver's license, copayments
• Bring a list of all medication with dosages
• Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home

How will my pain be managed?

The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication we will administer the therapy as needed in order to assure your comfort.

The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. and prior to the surgery. The management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.