Local: During local Anesthesia, you will be awake. The term is used for medications such as lidocaine as lidocaine that are injected through a needle or applied as a cream to numb a small area. It is often used along with sedation during minor outpatient surgery. At the end of many operations, the surgeon may inject local Anesthesia to provide additional pain relief during recovery.
Regional Anesthesia: Makes an area of the body numb to prevent the patient from feeling pain. It can completely block sensation to the area of the body that requires surgery. The aneshesiologist injects local Anesthesia (numbing medication) near the cluster of nerves that provides sensation to that area.
Sedation: Also known as “monitored Anesthesia care”, is what people have often referred to in the past as “twilight”. Medications are given, usually through an IV, to make the patient feel drowsy and relaxed. Different levels of sedation are possible, depending on the type of procedure and the patient’s preference.
General Anesthesia: You will be put to sleep. During general Anesthesia, you are unconscious and have no awareness or sensations.
Your surgery will be scheduled by your treating doctor’s office. Should any labs/tests be required, they must be done with your primary physician and results must be provided to our surgery center prior to your surgery.
Please talk to your physician about any daily medications you currently are taking, especially for heart, diabetes or blood pressure problems. Be sure to mention any over the counter drugs such as aspirin, diet pills, Bufferin, Nuprin, Advil, Motrin, or vitamins. In addition, please contact us if you have any of the following medical conditions:
* Latex allergy or latex sensitivity
* Diabetes
* Heart conditions
* Kidney or liver failure
* Pregnancy
* If you have been feeling ill lately (cold, fever, cough, or other concerns)
* If for any reason you cannot keep your scheduled surgery appointment
After your procedure, you may be tired and groggy and may not be up to a trip to the pharmacy. Filling your prescriptions beforehand will be easier on you and you will have pain medications on hand when you need them.
A member of our staff will attempt to call you 1-2 days prior to your surgery date in order to confirm your appointment, complete a pre-operative questionnaire such as take your medical history, and answer any questions you may have. If you are not home, instructions will be left on your answering machine (if you have one). If you prefer that we not leave a message, please contact us and ask to speak with an admitting nurse directly.
For your safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle when discharged. Please arrange to be driven home by a responsible adult.
*One parent (or guardian) must remain in the Surgical Center while the child is at our facility,
* A parent (or guardian) must sign release permits for surgery if the child is under 18,
* Guardians must bring written proof of guardianship on the day of surgery; without this documentation, surgery will have to be rescheduled.
* For your safety, please do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight (including water) the night before your surgery unless we tell you otherwise. This includes hard candy, gum, or prescription medications, (unless ordered by your physician).
Bathe or shower the night before and the morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection. Please refrain from using any lotion, cream or oils.
* Teeth may be brushed but DO NOT swallow water.
* Refrain from smoking after midnight on the day of your surgery.
* Arrange for someone to drive you home. You are not allowed to drive yourself home after surgery due to the after effects of anesthesia.
* Arrange for someone to stay at home with you the night of your surgery.
Do not smoke the morning of your procedure.
You may brush your teeth but do not swallow any water.
Bring photo ID and your insurance card.
Bring a list of medications with you.
If there is a change in your physical condition such as a cold, cough, rash, fever or any change in the condition for which you are having the procedure done, please notify your physician.
Take any prescription medications as instructed by the pre-op nurse.
Please wear loose, simple, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes and do not wear make-ip.
* Keep in mind what you are having done and bring the appropriate clothes. For example, for shoulder surgeries, loose button-up shirts are best, for leg surgeries, loose shorts or pants are recommended.
Leave all jewelry and valuables and contacts at home.
Please plan to arrive promptly at the time you were told by our nurse. After you have registered at the reception desk, one of our nurses will spend time with you to answer any questions you might have and help with preparations for surgery.
Your nurse will escort you to a dressing area where you may be asked to put on a special gown, cap and slippers. Your clothing and other personal belongings will be placed in a plastic bag that will remain with you.
Do not drive for 24 hours following surgery.
You can call our facility between the hours of 6am and 6pm Monday thorugh Friday, otherwise, call your doctor’s office.
