Preparing for Surgery

Preparing Ahead of Your Surgery

Preadmission screening will be done within the week prior to your procedure. A nurse will be contacting you to review your medical history and instructions. If you are scheduled for inpatient surgery, we may request that you come to NCSH for preadmission testing prior to surgery. Medication instructions (to take or not to take medicines, especially for heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes and/or seizures) will be reviewed with you by your physician or at the time of pre-admission testing, prior to the day of surgery. If you become ill within a few days before your procedure, even with just a mild cold or flu symptoms, notify your physician. A nurse will call you the day before your surgery to notify you of arrival time. Transportation arrangements need to be made prior to the day of the procedure. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. That person is required to wait for you at the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive after receiving sedation.

Your surgery may be cancelled without a designated, responsible adult to drive you home. If your physician would like you to attend pre admission total joint replacement class we will notify you or you may call 919-956-9300 ext: 1230

Day of Procedure

Necessary Information for the day of your procedure:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your procedure. Children will receive special instructions.
  • You will be scheduled to arrive at the hospital 1-2 hours prior to surgery. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures.
  • On rare occasions the surgery schedule may be running ahead or behind the scheduled times. We will do our best to keep you informed. Please be aware that due to the nature of procedures, all times are estimates.
  • Bring any paperwork provided to you from your physician’s office (e.g. EKGs, Labs, Cardiac, Pulmonary notes and tests, etc.)
  • Bring eye glasses and / or hearing aids, if you rely on them. Remove contact lenses. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. NCSH is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Bring each medication you are taking in its originally labeled bottle, EXCEPT any narcotics/controlled substances. Bring a list of any allergies/sensitivities you may have.
  • Minors (patients under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP, you must bring the CPAP the day of your procedure.
  • If you use an insulin pump, bring manufacturers procedure and insulin regimen.

After your Procedure

After your surgery, you will be cared for in the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) and monitored until you are ready for discharge or admission to the hospital. Although the time varies, most patients are discharged 1 to 2 hours after surgery. You may have visitors in the recovery area once you are awake.

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