On the Day of Your Surgery
Please check in at the front desk 1 hour before the scheduled procedure.
At check-in, we will ask you to complete admission forms, show a picture ID with proof of address, and sign the surgery consent. We will ask for your insurance card and any required deposit or copayment (cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express are accepted).
**Due to the center’s COVID guidelines, ONLY one parent or guardian is allowed in the building with the patient with masks on. NO switching will be allowed. **
In pre-surgery you will change into a surgical gown. Our nurse will help you get comfortable in bed and place a surgical ID on your wrist. The nurse will review your medical history again, medications and supplements, and then start an intravenous line. For minor children, both parents may assist with changing into the gown, and remain with their child until the OR.
Our anesthesiologist will visit you in pre-surgery. The doctor will assess your vital signs, lab results or tests, and ask more details about health history, medications and anesthesia experiences. The doctor will describe the anesthesia plan and ask you to sign a consent if you are over 18, or for your parents to sign if you are a minor. Our goal: keeping you safe, comfortable and at ease before, during and after surgery.
Finally, your surgeon will visit to make sure you are prepared and mark the surgical site on your body.
Once you are ready, we will move you into the operating room. Parents will be asked to take a seat in the waiting room where they will be close at hand. Our team will provide tender, nurturing care.
Recovery after surgery: Once the procedure is complete, you will be moved into recovery. At this point, surgeons will visit with parents about the surgical outcome. In Phase I recovery, you will be monitored by a post-operative nurse and the anesthesiologist, and given medications for pain relief. When you awaken, you will be moved into Phase II recovery, and rejoined with parents or others waiting for you. You will receive post-operative instructions. Once you are medically ready for discharge, you will be cleared to return home. Time in recovery usually lasts 1 hour.
Recovery at home: There will be residual effects of the anesthesia for about 24 hours. You must rest under the observation of a caregiver who can follow up on discharge orders and monitor progress. Once you can tolerate liquids, you can begin with something soft, like mashed potatoes. Most likely, you will be able to resume a normal diet in the evening after surgery. Check with your doctor about the specifics of your diet.
If you experience any complications or adverse side effects, call your doctor or 911.
We will call the next day to check on you. Continue to rest until fully recovered, following your doctor’s instructions for return to routines and activities.