Check-in and Admission
Check-in: When you arrive at our center, we ask that you check-in at the registration desk to verify personal, escort, and insurance information.
Admission: After checking in at our center, you will be brought to the pre-op area where the nurse will do a health interview and prepare you for surgery. The anesthesiologist will ask questions about your medical history and review any laboratory tests that have been done. You and your anesthesiologist together will then formulate an anesthetic plan. You will discuss anesthetic choices including risks and benefits. The anesthetic plan will be tailored specifically for you by taking into account your general medical condition, the type of surgical procedure and your preferences. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns that you may have with your anesthesiologist.
Operating Room: At the appropriate time you will be escorted to the operating room. During surgery your escort/driver will stay in a waiting area. While in the operating room, your anesthesiologist is uniquely qualified and will be personally responsible for directing your anesthetic. Your physical status is closely monitored. Vital functions such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, temperature and breathing are managed. A member of the anesthesia care team will be with you throughout your procedure.
Recovery: Once your operation is complete, you will be taken to the post-anesthetic care unit, often called the recovery room. Your anesthesiologist will direct the monitoring and medications to ensure your safe recovery. Your vital functions will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses.
Medications to minimize postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting are given as needed. Nausea and vomiting tend to be less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques although it still occurs in some instances.
When you are ready, you will be offered something to drink. A nurse will assist you in getting up and dressing, as necessary. You will be reunited with your escort/driver for transportation. Most patients are ready to go home between 1-2 hours after surgery.
Oral and written instructions will be given. You will also be given a telephone number to call if you have any concerns when you get home. Your escort must be available to discuss and sign these instructions before you will be allowed to go home. DO NOT PLAN TO DRIVE yourself home or use public transportation after your procedure. A friend, relative, or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.
Discharge: Once you are in stable condition, you will be discharged. It is normal to experience sleepiness and dizziness for 12 to 24 hours after surgery. If you experience anything unusual after your surgery, please call your surgeon or go to the nearest emergency room. A nurse from our center will call you the next business day after your surgery to check on your recovery.