Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery can be a very stressful time. The staff at Eastgate Surgery Center are focused on your safety and care.

Pre-Registration

Once your surgical procedure has been scheduled:

One of our Registered Nurses will contact you to review your past and present medical and surgical history. The nurse will also ask about all of the medications that you take on a daily basis including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. It is especially important to know your blood pressure, diabetic, and heart medications. The nurse will then review instructions about taking medications prior to your procedure and other important information you may need to know for your surgery.

Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to have a few minor tests prior to your surgical procedure to further assure the safest of outcomes for you. You will receive instructions for any tests from either the nurse or your surgeon’s office. The results from these tests will automatically be forwarded to your surgeon and our surgery center.

*Prior to the day of surgical procedure, if there are any changes in your physical condition, please notify your surgeon’s office. The doctor may choose to postpone your surgical procedure.

If you are having any anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone accompany you and stay at the surgery center, drive you home after your surgery, and stay with you overnight.

The Day Before Surgical Procedure

A member of our staff will call you with your surgical procedure arrival times. Because preparing for a surgical procedure is very important, to assure your safety and the best possible experience, we have listed some important rules for you to follow. Ignoring these may cause your surgical procedure to be delayed or cancelled.

If You Are Having Anesthesia/Sedation:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight the night before surgical procedure. This includes chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco) unless otherwise instructed.

  • Do not bring valuables with you on the day of surgical procedure. This includes purses, money, jewelry, etc.

  • If possible, make arrangements for childcare, which will allow you to concentrate on recovering.

  • If receiving anesthesia or sedation, please have a responsible adult to drive you home.

  • Arrive at least 1 hour prior to your surgery time. You may need to arrive up to 2 hours before your surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia you will receive. A nurse from Eastgate Surgery Center will call you with your arrival time.

  • If you are diabetic, you will be given instructions as to the dose and time to take your medication prior to arriving at the center.

  • If you routinely take a medication that thins the blood, you must speak with your surgeon about when to stop this drug and if you may need any blood tests before surgery (i.e. aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Naprosyn, Motrin, Pradaxa).

  • If you are delayed in arriving, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at 1-513-301-0350

The Day of Surgical Procedure

On the day of surgery, we ask that you:

  • Bring your reading glasses if needed. You will have forms to complete and sign.

  • Bring a list of all current medications (including vitamins and herbals), the dosages, and how often you take them.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and simple shoes to make getting dressed after your surgical procedure easier. Do not wear any jewelry of any kind.

  • Bring your insurance cards and driver’s license for the admitting process.

  • Escorts are asked to remain in the building while the patient is in surgery. If you must step out, please tell the receptionist.

Remove dentures and contacts when getting ready for surgical procedure. Please bring your cases with you for your dentures, contacts or eyeglasses.

Your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and operating room nurse will visit you in pre-op. They will re-verify information and answer any questions you may have. You will be in pre-op for about an hour.

After your surgical procedure, you will be taken directly to the Recovery Room where you will again be monitored by nurses.

The Recovery Room

Your escort will be allowed in the Recovery Room with you when it is appropriate. For the privacy of you and other patients, limited visitors are allowed in the recovery area. You will be offered crackers and a light beverage. The length of time you will be in the Recovery Room depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia you had, your pain level, and your ability to tolerate fluids.

Once you are awake and alert, the nurse will review with you and your caregiver the instructions written by your physician, which you are to follow at home. You will be given a copy of your discharge instructions to take home with you.

Please note: Everyone reacts to surgery differently. In some cases, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital following the surgical procedure for specific medical reasons. If the need arises, be assured that this decision will be made in conjunction with anesthesia personnel and your surgeon. You would be admitted to Mercy Health-Anderson Hospital.

When You Go Home

Please follow these instructions when you get home if you have had anesthesia/sedation:

  • You must have your caregiver stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may be drowsy, dizzy and unsteady on your feet.

  • Rest and relax. You have just had surgical procedure. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for resuming your normal activities.

  • Eat a light meal when you get hungry. Eating too much, or heavy foods, may cause you to become nauseated.

  • Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming any previous medications you had been on, as well as taking any pain medication prescribed for you.

  • Do NOT drive, drink alcoholic beverages, or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

  • If you feel you are experiencing any problems after your discharge, call your doctor’s office immediately. If your doctor is not available call the Emergency Room at your local hospital or 9-1-1 if it is an extreme emergency.

After your surgical procedure, you will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to check on your progress.