Guide to Outpatient Surgery
The following information is provided to help you prepare before and after surgery. We believe that more educated patients make better patients.
- Preoperative evaluation
- Before your surgery
- General anesthetic
- Local anesthetic
- IV sedation, MAC
- What to expect on the day of your surgery
| Preoperative Evaluation |
Before surgery day, you might need to visit our preoperative evaluation center (PEC). There you will meet with a health-care professional who will review your medical history, discuss any medications and in some cases expedite preoperative tests. Allow one hour for your preoperative interview. You may be asked to participate in the following during your evaluation:
- Meet with an anesthesiologist
- Undergo preoperative testing
Occasionally patients are asked to abstain from foods and liquids before testing. Your physician will provide personalized instructions just for you. To ensure that your preoperative evaluation is as convenient and as beneficial as possible, please bring with you a complete list of all medications you are taking (you may bring your medication bottles if you prefer), including any vitamin, herbal or nutritional supplements. You will be asked about allergies as well. Finally, bring any other information concerning your surgery. ( back to top)
| Before your Surgery |
- Follow instructions provided by your health care provider to prevent a postponed or canceled procedure.
- Notify your physician immediately if you develop any cold or other illness symptoms.
- Refrain from alcoholic beverages or smoking the night before and the day of your surgery to avoid complications with anesthesia. Refrain also from mints and gum chewing the morning of the surgery.
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| General Anesthetic |
- Do not eat anything after 7 p.m.
- Do not drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure, unless your anesthesiologist has given other instructions.
Unless you are advised otherwise, please arrive at the center ninety minutes before your scheduled procedure time. Please note: To ensure the safety of our patients, we do not allow a taxi driver to be responsible for transporting a patient after a procedure. If you are taking a taxi home, another adult must be with you. We require an adult to come with you, remain in the center while you’re in surgery and transport you home postoperatively. ( back to top)
| Local Anesthetic |
A local anesthetic means the patient will remain awake during a procedure – it involves “numbing” the area which will be affected. ( back to top)
| For IV Sedation, MAC (monitored anesthesia care) |
Intravenous therapy (IV) with sedation helps patients relax during a procedure, while patients remain awake. Please plan for the following: Unless you are advised otherwise, please arrive at the center ninety minutes before your scheduled procedure time. Arrange to have an adult bring you to The Outpatient Surgery Center and remain in our waiting area during your procedure. This person will need to drive you home following your procedure. Please note: To ensure the safety of our patients, we do not allow a taxi driver to be responsible for transporting a patient after a procedure. If you are taking a taxi home, another adult must be with you. We require an adult to come with you, remain in the center while you’re in surgery and transport you home postoperatively. ( back to top)
| What to Expect the day of your Outpatient Surgery |
On the day of your procedure, please:
- Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking as well as a list of allergies.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that will be easy to put on and can be stored in a locker.
- Do not wear nail polish or makeup.
- You may wear dentures, but they may need to be removed during your procedure.
- Leave all jewelry at home.
- While brushing your teeth the morning of your procedure, please be careful to not swallow any water.
- Shower or bathe the morning of your procedure using any bactericidal soap which may have been provided.