Do I need to visit the Center before my surgery date?
Typically, No
However, if you wish to visit our facility prior to surgery, please call us at 952-248-5970 to set up an appointment for a tour.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and the Surgery Center 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-piercings. If you wear contact lenses, you may have to remove them for surgery. Bring contact solution and your contact lens case, and glasses. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs.
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?
Please consult with your physician regarding any medications you are taking.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Please consult with your physician regarding use of herbal medications.
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications prior to surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring two people with you to the Center. They will be allowed to be in your room with you before surgery and may sit with you after surgery if you so choose. A nurse from our center will review our current visitor guidelines with you during the preoperative phone call.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient’s care.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Before your scheduled surgery you will receive a text messages or emails with:
- Time of arrival
- Special instructions on how to complete your pre-registration questionnaire.
Please call us between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 952-248-5972 if you have not received any text messages or emails within 24 hours of your surgery, if you are unable to complete the questionnaire or if you have any additional questions.
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. Take a shower the morning of your surgery. If your surgeon gave you soap to clean your skin before your surgery, follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon’s office. If you do not have soap from your surgeon, use regular soap. Do not scrub the surgery site.
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 advice. 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 started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect most surgical procedures. Call your surgeon if you have any questions.
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?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home. Patients who have procedures performed under local anesthesia alone can possibly drive home.
We would strongly recommend that all patients have a ride home and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special needs 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, contacts, hearing aids, and dentures
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms and copayments if necessary
- Bring all insulin, diabetes supplies and inhalers
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home for 24 hours
- 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 repeatedly asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication we will alter 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.
May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
Yes, in certain situations. Some operations can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesiologist will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Your preference will be discussed so that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made.
Will I receive any sedatives before surgery?
You and your anesthesiologist will develop an anesthetic care plan.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All operations and all anesthetics have risks and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients operated on in surgery centers are of the healthier group of patients, and in these circumstances serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare.