Preparing for surgery

At Woodmont Hospital, we strive to ensure that your visit with us is pleasant and comfortable. There are a number of steps that are necessary to prepare for your surgery. For example, your surgeon or anesthesiologist may feel it is necessary for you to see your medical physician to be cleared for surgery. You should expect a call from a nurse and/or anesthesiologist the day before your surgery unless you have seen them in person during a pre-operative visit.

Please notify your surgeon if you become ill with a cold or fever the day before your operation, or if you have a temperature of 100 or above. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, please notify your surgeon.

Plan on arriving at the Outpatient Entrance at least one hour prior to your surgery. Upon arrival, please register at the front desk in the Outpatient Lobby. You will be directed to the Surgical Services Department where you will be interviewed by a nurse and asked to sign a consent for surgery. If the patient is a minor, this form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian; proof of guardianship will be required. After your interview, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and wait on a surgical stretcher. At this time, your family member or friend will be asked to go to the Outpatient Lobby. An anesthesiologist may administer medications to you through an intravenous (IV) catheter. After the surgery, the IV will allow the nurse to give you fluids until you are able to drink, as well as administer pain medication if needed. You will be asked to describe your pain on a 0 to 10 scale, 10 being the worst possible pain. The IV will stay in place until just before you are discharged.

After your surgery, you will be moved to our fully equipped Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), also known as the Recovery Room, where you will remain under close observation. The amount of time spent in the Recovery Room varies from patient to patient, but typically is one to two hours. When you are ready to leave, a representative will escort you in a wheelchair to your car.

The Surgical Services Department will provide you with a written summary of your surgeon's post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, and medications. Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic, the following activities should be postponed for 24 hours after discharge:

• Driving and operating equipment
• Signing important documents
• Making significant decisions
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Taking any drugs without your physician's approval

Adult patients should be accompanied by only one person. However, both parents of a pediatric patient are welcome to remain at the Center throughout the surgery. Because our primary concern is your safe recovery and comfort, visitors are not allowed in the Operating Room or Recovery Room. Once you are out of the recovery area, one visitor will be permitted to join you.

Your doctor has chosen Woodmont Hospital for your upcoming procedure. Please be assured that our highly skilled staff will provide you with individualized care and attention in a warm and comfortable setting. We strongly encourage you to ask questions if you do not understand any procedures or guidelines for your surgery.

If you have any questions, you may call the Surgical Services Department at (954) 724-6166.

For your convenience, here is a checklist to help you prepare for surgery:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your operation, otherwise your surgery may be postponed or cancelled. Non-compliance could cause serious complications.
• Refrain from smoking after midnight the day before your surgery.
• Bathe completely and wash your hair. This helps to remove germs from your body.
• Remove all make-up and jewelry before coming to the hospital.
• Wear simple, loose-fitting clothes.
• Leave money, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables at home.
• Please bring your insurance card(s). This will facilitate the admitting process.
• Bring a list of medications and dosages you are currently taking.
• You may take your daily prescription medication(s) on the morning of your surgery with a sip of water only. However, do not take diabetic medications; just bring them with you.
• Bring a container for your dentures, eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed.
• Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and, if possible, stay with you for the night following the surgery.

In addition, as a convenience to you, we are providing you with a link to different tests and procedures. By clicking on any of these procedures, you will be able to learn more about what will happen to you or your loved one, find out pre-testing information, diet requirements, details about the procedure and much more.