| QUESTION: |
What can I eat and drink? |
| ANSWER: |
The patient should have nothing to eat or drink
after midnight the night before surgery. |
|
| QUESTION: |
What should I expect when I arrive at the Center? |
| ANSWER: |
You have been scheduled to arrive at the Center
approximately 1 hour before your surgery to allow time for admitting,
laboratory test, and a medical history. You will also be asked to sign
a Consent to Surgery form, which acknowledges your permission for the
surgeon to operate. If the patient is a minor, this form must be
signed by a parent or legal guardian. |
|
| QUESTION: |
What should I wear? |
| ANSWER: |
Wear loose, comfortable casual clothing. Please
leave contact lenses, jewelry, credit cards, cash and any other valuables at
home. |
|
| QUESTION: |
My child is scheduled for surgery, are there
special arrangements for pediatric patients? |
|
| ANSWER: |
Since the prospect of surgery can be frightening to
a young child (and also to the child's parents) our staff make every
effort to alleviate the fears of both parents and child. Upon request,
a tour will be conducted to acquaint your child with our staff and
facilities. We also recognize that a parent's presence can provide
great source of comfort for the pediatric patient. For this reason, we
encourage you to stay with your child in the pre-operative area before
surgery and in the recovery room following surgery. |
|
| QUESTION: |
What happens after my surgery? |
| ANSWER: |
After surgery, you will be moved to our
fully-equipped recovery room, where you will remain under close observation
by our recovery room nurses until you are ready to go home. Although
the length of stay in the recovery room varies according to the type of
procedure and your surgeon's instructions , most patients are discharged 1-3
hours after surgery. |
|
| QUESTION: |
What precautions should I take after I'm home? |
| ANSWER: |
Your surgeon will provide post-operative
instructions regarding diet, rest, and medications. We suggest that
you pamper yourself the first 24 hours following surgery, and arrange for an
adult friend or relative to stay with you. Since it is normal to feel
drowsy after receiving anesthetic, we also recommend that you postpone the
following activities for 24 hours after discharge:
- Driving and operating equipment
- Signing important papers
- Making significant decisions
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
|
|
|
| QUESTION: |
Should I take my daily medications? |
| ANSWER: |
Some medications need to be
taken. If you are taking medications, please check with one of our
nurses prior to your surgery for instruction. |
|
|
| QUESTION: |
Can I brush my teeth? |
| ANSWER: |
Brushing your teeth the morning of surgery is fine,
providing you do not swallow any water. Parents please supervise young
children as they brush to ensure they do not swallow water. |
|
|
| QUESTION: |
May I have small sips of
water, chew gum, or have mints prior to surgery? |
| ANSWER: |
No, this may lead to cancellation of your surgery. |
