What to expect before, during
and after your surgery.
Overview of Surgery
Preoperative Appointment
Once you have scheduled surgery you will return to the office for a pre-op visit with one of the clinic nurses. Your history will be reviewed once again and physical exam conducted. You will be given a personalized packet containing information about your procedure, including what to expect and before and after care. You will sign a consent form in the presence of the nurse authorizing permission for the procedure. Digital photographs will be taken by a photographer in a separate camera room. You will also meet with the coordinator to settle payment for the surgery. After that, you will meet one of our anesthesiologists who will be present on the day of your surgery. The anesthesiologist will review your history and lab work and discuss the type of anesthesia best suited for your case. Any questions related to anesthesia can be asked at this time. The typical pre-operative visit takes 1.5 – 2 hours.
Surgery
After arriving at our center, you will change into a surgical gown. An IV will be started in the pre-operative holding area. You will see your surgeon prior to surgery for pre-operative markings. You will then be accompanied into one of our operating rooms where they may be several members of the surgical team, including a nurse and certified scrub technician. The operating rooms are AAAASF certified which means that they meet the highest standards for safety and equipment in ambulatory surgical centers.
Anesthesia
Several monitors will be attached to you to record your vital signs. Medications for anesthesia will be delivered through a mask and an IV. Drugs to reduce nausea will also be given. An anesthesiologist and certified nurse anesthesist will work together to keep you comfortable for the duration of your procedure.
Recovery
After completion of your surgery you will be transported to our fully equipped post anesthesia care unit. The recovery room nurses are ACLS certified and are there to focus completely on you after your surgery. They will be able to give medications necessary for pain control or nausea relief. You will remain attached to monitors to record blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. Most patients are in the recovery room for about an hour before being discharged to home or to one of our recovery suites.
Suites
If you have elected to recover in one of our suites, you will be wheeled here after complete recovery in our post anesthesia care unit. A trained staff member in the suites will then be able to tend to your early post operative needs including dressing changes and medication administration. Light meals and beverages will be provided. On the morning after surgery, the staff will assist you with bathing and hygiene needs prior to discharge home.
