Day of Surgery
What to do before
Surgical Site Skin Preparation & General Hygiene
Do not shower on day of surgery. Follow the instructions for Preparing the Skin Before Surgery. Do not wear makeup, cologne, or perfume. Remove any nail polish or artificial nails from at least 1 finger. We attach a pulse oximeter to the unpolished fingertip.
Drinks
Drink only clear liquids such as water, clear apple juice, or Gatorade up until 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time for your surgery. Do not drink anything after that. If you have been specifically instructed to take certain medications in the morning by your surgeon, nurse practitioner, or anesthesiologist, do so with one or two small sips of water.
Oral hygiene
Brush your Teeth and rinse your mouth well the night before surgery and on the morning of surgery brush (for at least three minutes). Having a clean mouth for surgery helps prevent pneumonia after surgery.
Relaxation Podcast
Learn how to use the guided imagery by listening to the “Prepare for Successful Surgery” program on your computer or downloading it to your portable device.
What to expect at hospital
Check in at the Admitting Department
Check in at the Admitting Department at the time you are scheduled. The Admitting Department is located on the 1st floor of the hospital. After completing admission, you and your guests will be escorted to the HAS waiting room.
Getting ready to go into surgery
Once in the pre-operative area, you will be asked to put on a hospital gown and remove all personal items such as:
- glasses or contact lenses
- dentures
- body piercings or jewelry
- other prosthetics
One person is usually allowed to accompany the patient into the pre-op area before surgery. The results of preoperative tests will be reviewed by your surgical care team, and your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and breathing will be checked. An intravenous line, or IV, will be placed in your hand or arm to give you necessary fluids and medications; you may also be given medication to help you relax. For your safety, you’ll be interviewed by your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and surgical nurses to verify all of your medical information.
Time out for safety
Once you’re transported via gurney to the operating room, a safety briefing, or “time out,” will be conducted. During the time out, your surgical team will review the plan for your surgery before starting anesthesia. You’re encouraged to be an active participant in this process by speaking up if you hear any incorrect information being discussed, or by adding any information you feel would be helpful.
Information for family and friends
Any companions will be asked to remain in the waiting room and will receive a card with a confidential patient number on it. By matching the number on the card to the corresponding number on the electronic screen, your companion(s) will be able to track your progress through the surgical process. We ask that your companion give their cell phone number to a member of the surgery staff if they leave the hospital.
Recovery/Going home
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
After surgery, you’ll be transported to the PACU to recover from the anesthesia. A staff of specially trained registered nurses will monitor you and provide care as you wake up from the anesthesia. After you have recovered from your sedation, your doctor or a member of your surgical team will come by and speak with you about the surgery and your follow-up care plan.
- If you’ll be going home the same day, you will receive detailed instructions for taking care of yourself at home, and, if needed, you’ll receive a prescription for pain medication.
- If you’ll be staying overnight, you’ll be moved to a hospital room.
Caregiver
Depending on the type of surgery you are having, plan to have help for at minimum the first 24 hours after getting home. You will be recovering and taking medications so you won’t have your usual energy. Having help to:
- prepare meals
- do chores, take care of family/pets
- run errands
- help with medications
- help with mobility
- daily activities will allow you to recover
We want you to be safe and prevent falls until you are more independent and mobile.