Will I be contacted before my surgery by the facility? Yes. You may receive up to three calls. You will be contacted a few days prior to surgery by a member of your healthcare team. This call will include a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of surgery, and answers to any questions you may have. You will also be contacted by someone in the facility’s business office to address financial matters, such as your responsibility for co-payments and deductibles. Finally, you may also be contacted by your anesthesiologist.

Any pre-operative tests will be determined by your physician or anesthesiologist and communicated to you prior to the date of your surgery.

Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after surgery. If you do not have a responsible person to drive you home, your procedure will be canceled. If you plan to go home in a taxi or public transportation, a responsible adult must accompany you.

Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse before the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia, and medications may harm a developing baby.

Notify your surgeon if you develop any of the following:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cough or congestion
• Chickenpox exposure/illness within two weeks of surgery.
• Any other problems that may interfere with your scheduled surgery.

DO NOT EAT, DRINK, OR SMOKE ANYTHING after midnight the night before your procedure unless otherwise instructed. Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions prior to surgery. You must follow the instructions provided. If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or canceled. Stomach contents are hazardous when having any anesthesia. Gum, breath mints, and chewing tobacco are not to be used within four hours before coming to the surgical center. You may brush your teeth and use mouthwash but do not swallow.

We understand that surgery can be frightening for you and your child and that special preparation is needed. In the case of young children having surgery:

• If your child experiences any health changes between your most recent visit with your physician and the surgery date, notify your surgeon immediately. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough, or cold. If you cannot reach your physician, please call the facility.
• A parent or guardian of a patient under 18 must stay in the facility until the patient is discharged. If you are the guardian of a patient, bring copies of forms indicating guardianship or power of attorney. Do not send grandparents or stepparents unless they are legal guardians and can give consent.
• If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, you may bring these items on the day of surgery. You may also bring games and activities or music with headphones if you choose.
• It is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home.

Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:

• Wash all of your body using liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth.
• Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so.
• Rinse well to remove all soap.
• Dry your body with a clean towel.
• Do not use lotions, creams, powders, cosmetics, or nail polish.
• Make sure your hair is dry prior to arriving. Pull back long hair with an elastic band.
• For your comfort and safety, wear loose clothing that is easy to get off and on and will fit over a dressing.
• Do not wear jewelry (including body piercings) or metal hair accessories.
• Leave contact lenses at home, or bring your lens case with you.

You will be given instructions regarding medications by your physician. Also, please bring a list of all medications you are taking, and be sure to bring any of your routine medications with you that may be needed during your stay (e.g.., inhaler or insulin).

Please bring the following:

• Photo identification (such as a driver’s license)
• Insurance card(s), including Medicare and/or Medicaid cards, if applicable. Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check in on the day of your surgery.
• Cash, check, or a credit card for your co-pays (depending on your insurance.)
• A completed Living Will (if you have one.)
• A list of all drugs you are currently taking.
• If you use asthma or other lung inhalers, be sure to bring it with you.
• Please bring cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids.
• If you are bringing a small child or infant, be sure to bring diapers or any other supplies the infant will need.

DO NOT bring or wear valuables. Your healthcare team will be busy looking after you and cannot be responsible for your articles.

You will receive instructions regarding arrival time from your surgeon or the center’s staff. You must arrive at the designated time.

• We will review your insurance information and inform you of any co-pays. Depending on your insurance, co-pays may be collected at this time or billed to you.
• You will also be given information about anesthesia, physicians, and the facility, which includes an acknowledgment of these various providers contributing to your care and the potential for separate billings.

A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment, and you will be prepared for surgery, taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress. We understand the anxiety family and friends will have during your procedure. We will make every effort to inform them of your progress and when they can rejoin you after the procedure.

A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.

Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you. Please feel free at this time to ask any questions regarding your procedure. You’ll learn about your anesthesia and the medication that will help to keep you comfortable during your procedure. Anesthesia will be provided based on your surgery type, health status, and anesthesiologist. All anesthesiologists are medical doctors with special training in the field of anesthesiology.

Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire healthcare team will follow rigorous site identification and procedure confirmation guidelines. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed that require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both your procedure and the surgical site. You should actively participate in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider, and our staff regarding identifying your procedure and the correct surgical site. Your surgeon will mark the site before your procedure.

Make sure you, your family, and any other caregivers wash your hands frequently while at the facility. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your healthcare team at the facility if they have washed their hands!

Cell phone use is limited to the lobby.

No. We advise against smoking or using other tobacco products on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during recovery.

This will depend upon several factors. However, we believe that familiar faces can assist in reducing your anxiety about the procedure, so please do not hesitate to inform the nurse that you would like a friend or family member to sit with you. Your family will be shown where to wait during your surgery. No family may be permitted in the operating room during the surgery.

Absolutely. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. Also, bring your child’s bottle or “sippy cup” for after surgery if they cannot drink from a regular cup.

Waiting times before your procedure starts will vary. Occasionally a delay will occur. The patient’s surgery ahead of you could take longer than scheduled or there may be an emergency, and your physician is needed outside of surgery. We will try to keep you informed and your patience is appreciated.

North Central is open 24/7 to ensure your needs are always met. Visitors are welcome anytime. For your convenience, the parking garage is open 24 hours a day for visitor parking. We also offer complimentary valet parking services to our patients. Valet validation is required. Valet tickets can be validated at any registration department in the hospital.

Yes. There are five different categories of sedation and anesthesia: Conscious Sedation, General, Regional, Monitored Anesthesia Care, and Local Anesthesia. Regardless of the type of sedation or anesthesia you receive, special anesthetic agents and techniques provide a safe and speedy recovery. If choices are available for your surgery, and often there are, your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before surgery.

Depending on the type of surgery, there may be anesthetic options. After reviewing your medical history, your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you.

Yes. If anesthesia is administered, you will receive a separate bill from your anesthesia provider.

All surgical procedures and all anesthetics have risks. These risks depend upon many factors, including the type of surgery and the patient’s medical condition. Your anesthesiologist will assess you preoperatively, and every precaution will be taken to minimize your risk. We routinely see minor symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, and pain, most of which are easily treated. Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.

Together, you, your surgeon, and your anesthesia provider will develop an anesthetic care plan. This plan may include preoperative sedation and other medications if deemed necessary.

It is important to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery to prevent the risks of aspirating stomach contents (complications related to vomiting) during your surgery. This complication can be very serious. Specific instructions based on national safety standards will be provided to you before your procedure. You must follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or canceled.

Your recovery begins with individual nursing care – including pain management. An average of 30-45 minutes is spent in the PACU. It may be longer depending on your needs, the type of anesthesia, and the procedure performed. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and ensure you are comfortable as the anesthesia wears off. You will be observed until you have met medical criteria.

• The family will not be able to visit in stage one.
• Once you have met specific medical criteria, you will be transferred to stage two, where the family can visit. Visitors are limited to two at a time.
• You will be observed and made comfortable until you have met medical criteria.

You will not be allowed to drive after surgery. If you do not have a responsible person to drive you home, your procedure will be canceled. If you plan to go home in a taxi or public transportation, a responsible adult must accompany you.

Admission happens occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you must be transferred to a hospital for additional post-operative care.

Call your doctor if:

• Your pain increases
• You are not getting relief from your pain with medicine and other treatments.
• Your bandage is soaked with bright red blood.
• You have a fever of more than 101 degrees.
• You are unable to urinate.
• You experience increased soreness, pain, or tenderness at the wound.
• There is a red streak and increased redness or puffiness near the wound.
• There is a yellowish or bad-smelling discharge or pus from the incision.
• You have a swollen or painful lump in your groin, neck, or armpit.
• You experience a tired feeling that doesn’t go away.
• You have leg pain, tenderness, swelling, or a change in the skin color of your leg.

If you are in serious pain or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post-operative diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages.

In addition to following the recommendations below, follow your post-operative instructions carefully and notify your physician if you have any signs or symptoms which concern you.

• When you are at home, wash your hands with soap and water:
  • Before touching your bandage.
  • Before you carry out any treatment instructions your doctor has given you.
  • When you are finished with any treatment instructions your doctor has given you.
  • Before you take any medicine
  • Any time your hands get soiled.
• Friends and family that visit you should not touch the surgical wound or bandage.
• If you smoke, stop or cut down. Ask your doctor about ways to quit.
• Take antibiotics only when told to by your doctor. Using antibiotics when they’re not needed reduces their effectiveness in fighting infection. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to take all your antibiotics, even if you feel better.

The management of your pain is of great importance to us. Discomfort and some pain are expected after surgery. Do not mix prescription drugs with over-the-counter pain relievers without talking first to your doctor. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post-operative call at home. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10), or for children, the “Faces Pain Scale” (shown below).

We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable – choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Before the surgery, your pain management should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post-operative pain medication closely. Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work. For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong.

Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients with diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.

• Your Health Understanding Your Post-Operative Needs (pdf)