Same Day Surgery Guide

What can I expect?

You will have registered and may have to wait to be taken to the Same Day Surgery area. When your turn arrives, you and your care partner will either be escorted or taken by wheel chair to the SameDay Surgery pre-op area.
Due to limited space, only one care partner will be allowed at the bed side with you (Children can have two parents present). If you have more than one person accompanying you, the staff will direct them to the waiting room.

What happens in pre-op?

When you arrive in the pre-op area, you will be asked to undress and to put on a hospital gown, slippers, and robe. It is necessary for all clothing items to be removed (including undergarments), as well as dentures or partials, glasses or contacts. Jewelry must also be removed, with the exception of wedding rings, which will be secured with tape.

What do I do with my belongings?

Your belongings will be stored in a locker and brought to you after surgery.

Now what?

Next, you will be placed on a cart or recliner. The pre-op nurses will complete your admission papers by asking you questions such as:

• When was the last time you ate or drank?
• What are your height and weight?
• What medications have you taken?

The nurse will also check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature, and your operative site may be marked with a permanent marker. Additional blood work, shave preparation, EKG's and enemas (when ordered) will be completed at this time.

Will I talk to the Anesthesiologist?

Your chart has now been given to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This nurse will review your health history with you and describe the type of anesthetic you will be given. The CRNA will then give your chart to the Anesthesiologist who will then discuss your medical history and anesthetic with you. The Anesthesiologist will also answer any questions you have at this time.

Do I have to have an IV?

All types of anesthesia (except local anesthetics) require an IV for adult patients. Some surgical procedures performed on children may not require an IV. (Children under the age of eight may not have their IV started until they are asleep.)
The pre-op nurses will begin your IV and place heart monitor patches on your chest or back. The arm with the IV will not be placed in the gown. Next, you may be given a sedative medication through your IV, as well as other medication ordered by your physician. A pulse oximetry finger probe is applied to anyone recieving sedation to monitor your oxygen saturation.

What happens when it's time for surgery?

When your surgeon is ready, a transport person will take you to surgery on the cart. At this time, your care partner will be taken to the appropriate waiting area where the surgeon will speak to them when your surgery is complete.

What about after surgery?

When your surgery is complete, depending on the type of procedure and/or anesthetic you receive, you may either be taken directly to the Same Day Surgery post-op area or to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (Recovery Room).

When do I see my family?

If you return directly to Same Day Surgery post-op, your care partner will be notified promptly. If you are taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, you will be kept warm with blankets and comfortable with IV pain medication.
The time you spend in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit varies from a few minutes to a few hours. If you require an extended amount of time, the nurses will contact your care partner to keep them informed of your progress. You will either return to Same Day Surgery post-op or be admitted to a surgical nursing unit after the recovery room. Your care partner will be notified of your location or room number where they may join you.

When can I go home?

If your surgery does not require you to spend the night, the Same Day Surgery staff will make sure you are comfortable and are able to tolerate liquids by mouth. If you are not experiencing nausea or vomiting, you may also be offered solid food. Some circumstances, such as urologic procedures and spinal anesthetics, require that you urinate before you may be discharged.
Once discharge criteria is met, you will be given discharge instructions and will either be escorted to your car or taken by wheelchair. You will not be able to drive yourself home.

Will I have pain medication to take home?

If your doctor leaves a prescription for pain medication, you will be given instructions on how to take it. (More information on Pain medication) If you desire, the nurse can call your prescription(s) in to the pharmacy of your choice.

What if I have questions?

If you have any questions, please ask. A Same Day Surgery nurse will call you within 48 hours after your procedure to follow up on your recovery. You can call 876-3214 before or after your surgery if you have any questions.

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