Outpatient Surgery or Treatment

Important information to remember when you are scheduled for a same-day outpatient surgery or treatment:

Call your doctor if there is a change in your health, such as a cold or fever. Your surgery may need to be delayed.
The afternoon of the day before your procedure, you will be called after 3:00 p.m. and advised of your time to arrive at the hospital. If your surgery is scheduled on a Monday, we will call the Friday before and not the day before.
At this time, you will be instructed where to report on the day of your procedure. Any additional pre-procedure instructions will be reviewed at this time.
If you are taking medications, be prepared to discuss them with the nurse when he/she calls with pre-operative instructions.
On the day of surgery, do not wear makeup, nail polish, or jewelry.
You may not be able to eat or drink anything prior to surgery. When the nurse calls with pre-procedure instructions, that information will be reviewed. Follow your physician’s instructions. This is crucial for the safe use of anesthesia.
You may brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash, but do not swallow anything.
Plan to arrive for surgery 1 – 3 hours before your scheduled time.
With local anesthesia, it can take up to 30 minutes to recover after surgery. Other types of anesthesia require a longer recovery time.
In the outpatient area, you will be given assistance and light refreshments as you recover. Your family can join you there.
Your doctor and anesthesiologist will determine when you are ready for discharge.
A nurse will review the surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Report anything unusual to the doctor. If you have problems after discharge, go to the nearest emergency department.
You must arrange for someone to take you home after same-day surgery. The effects of anesthesia can make driving dangerous. You must plan to have someone stay with you at home throughout the night after surgery.
Sometimes after surgery, patients are admitted to the hospital for overnight monitoring. If this happens, please send your valuables home with your family.
If you have questions upon your arrival at the hospital, please report to the information desk in the hospital lobby for assistance.