Before Your Surgery
Once it has been determined that surgery is a necessary part of a patient’s treatment, ISC conducts an overall assessment of the patient’s health and medical history before the scheduled surgical procedure. This preoperative assessment, usually done 3 to 4 business days prior to surgery, takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
The assessment may include a medical evaluation of the patient, a review of any existing health conditions, a consultation between the anesthesia staff and the surgical team, and/or an evaluation for further medical tests. It provides our surgical team with all the information they need about the patient and his or her condition before surgery.
The Preoperative Assessment generally includes:
- Lab work
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Patient assessment
All your needs in one convenient location
For patients, our preoperative services are easy and convenient. If additional diagnostic tests are needed before surgery, they can usually be done within 24 hours. All members of the surgical team are in one place. This allows for an efficient and effective presurgical assessment and communication of information among the surgical team members.
The Night Before Surgery
Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery – including gum, water, mints, vitamins, and/or smoking. This fasting is very important for your safety. If you do not follow these instructions, your procedure may be delayed or rescheduled.
If you are taking medications, the nurses will instruct you which medication to take based on the anesthesiologists recommendations.
If your Child is having Surgery
- On the day of surgery, one parent must remain at the Center at all times.
- Parents accompanying minor children will be required to wear a matching name bracelet with your child’s name on it for identification purposes.
- Please bring diapers and a bottle or sippie cup.
- Your child may keep a small toy or special item with him/her for comfort.
Day of Surgery
Your arrival time is determined by your physician’s schedule for the day. This allows time
to check in, meet with your anesthesia team and to have simple lab tests completed that maybe requested. Your pre-operative wait time is usually less than an hour, and in rare cases, a little more…
You’ll be called back to the preparation area when it is time for your surgery. Once all pre-preparation takes place, visitors can come back and sit with you until you are escorted to your procedure.
It is our policy that parents/family members cannot accompany patients in the Operating Room area. Separation anxiety is common in small children at this time. Our staff has been educated on age-specific concerns and behaviors, and will help transition your child through the preoperative period.
During your procedure, those waiting for you can receive updates from a nurse. Once it is over, your doctor will come out and meet with family members.
Recovery After Surgery
- You will rest in our recovery area under the care of our trained staff. An anesthesiologist will monitor your condition.
- The nurses and doctors will answer you/your family member’s questions and give you post-operative instructions. You will receive a written copy of these instructions.
- Pediatric patients often wake up agitated and crying. This is a normal response in children who have had surgery. Please feel free to speak to your nurse, or physician about your concerns.
- You may be sleepy after your surgery, even after spending time in the recovery room. Please arrange for an adult family member or friend to drive you home. We strongly recommend you also have someone with you, if possible, for the first 24 hours.
At Home After Surgery
We suggest that you eat lightly for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Be sure to follow any specific post-operative instructions your physician gives you regarding diet, rest, activities and medication. The surgery center will provide you with a written summary of these instructions. In addition, a member of our staff will call you the day after surgery to see how you are doing.
Dizziness and nausea are normal after receiving anesthesia; therefore, you should wait 24 hours after returning home before:
- driving or operating equipment
- signing important papers
- making significant decisions
- drinking alcoholic beverages
If you have questions or concerns, please call your surgeon