Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of inhaling gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations for your own safety. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some may think. Our practices are based on the highest level of safety standards.
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not apply make up, hair spray, nail polish or lotions (deodorant is fine). These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not hesitate to contact your surgeon or the surgery center.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day.
We require that all patients have a responsible adult drive them home and remain with them for at least 24 hours after the surgery. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. There will be sufficient time to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the surgery center and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesiologist. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire or you can email your questions to us.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All operations and all anesthetics have risks and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients operated on in surgery centers are of the healthier group of patients, and in these circumstances serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.