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Surgery
How To Prepare for Surgery
You may need to have tests performed before the actual day of your procedure or surgery. Your options may depend upon your health insurance coverage. Your options for locations where tests are administered include:
All pre-admission testing should be completed and faxed prior to the date of surgery to our Ambulatory Care Center (ACC). You may contact ACC at 301-754-7286. Pre-admission information includes a preoperative history and physical examination by your physician or at the ACC. Day of Surgery Health Conditions
If you’re ill or have a fever, call your physician, who will decide if it’s safe to proceed with your procedure/surgery. If you decide to cancel or postpone your procedure/surgery, contact your physician as soon as possible right away.
Your physician will come to the surgery waiting area to speak with your family or friends after your surgery/procedure. Depending on your anesthesia, you may be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where you will receive constant monitoring and care. Your blood pressure will be checked frequently and you may need intravenous or drainage tubes.
How To Prepare for Surgery
To help you and your family prepare for your outpatient surgical procedure, we’ve organized important Holy Cross Hospital information to assist you in planning ahead.
Guidelines for Adult PatientsYou may need to have tests performed before the actual day of your procedure or surgery. Your options may depend upon your health insurance coverage. Your options for locations where tests are administered include:
- Holy Cross Hospital
- Your physician’s office
- A facility designated by your insurer
We encourage you to discuss your options with your physician, health insurer or benefits office to determine which testing location is best for you.
PreadmissionAll pre-admission testing should be completed and faxed prior to the date of surgery to our Ambulatory Care Center (ACC). You may contact ACC at 301-754-7286. Pre-admission information includes a preoperative history and physical examination by your physician or at the ACC. Day of Surgery Health Conditions
If you’re ill or have a fever, call your physician, who will decide if it’s safe to proceed with your procedure/surgery. If you decide to cancel or postpone your procedure/surgery, contact your physician as soon as possible right away.
"Nothing By Mouth" guidelines apply to patients of all ages. Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, follow these pre-surgery directions:
- You may drink clear liquids up to four hours before surgery.
- You may eat solid food up to eight hours before your surgery.
- Make sure you have a good night’s sleep the night before your procedure or surgery.
- If you are pregnant, be sure to notify your physician well in advance of your procedure/surgery. If you are a nursing mother, be sure to notify and discuss your procedure or surgery with your baby’s pediatrician.
- If you are presently taking aspirin, aspirin products or any other medications, please advise your physician, who will determine if medicines should be discontinued prior to your procedure/surgery.
- Follow all medication instructions given to you by your anesthesiologist on the morning of your procedure or surgery.
Your physician’s office will tell you what time to arrive for your procedure. Pre-surgical/procedure waiting time varies from patient to patient.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Shower the morning of your surgery before you leave home for the hospital.
- Use any prescribed cleansing solution if you have been instructed to do so by your physician or nurse.
- Do not wear makeup or jewelry.
- While you are in the hospital have a family member or friend be responsible for your valuables.
- If you wear contact lenses, please remember to bring your contact case and solutions to store your lenses in during your surgery.
- Leave your dentures with a family member or friend.
- Please bring your pre-admission test results and any instructions from your physician with you on the day of your procedure, if they have not already been sent.
Your physician will come to the surgery waiting area to speak with your family or friends after your surgery/procedure. Depending on your anesthesia, you may be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where you will receive constant monitoring and care. Your blood pressure will be checked frequently and you may need intravenous or drainage tubes.
As your anesthetic begins to wear off, sounds may seem louder than usual, and you may experience blurry vision, dry mouth or chills. This is normal, however be sure to let your nurse know if you are experiencing these symptoms. If you experience pain, ask your nurse for pain medications.
For outpatient surgery/procedures, you may return to the Ambulatory Surgery Department (ASD) or you will return to ASD from PACU and remain there until you are completely recovered and ready to be discharged. A nurse will review your printed discharge instructions with you so you will know what to do when you return home. A family member may be with you in the ASD until you are ready for discharge.
You will be discharged from the main entrance of the hospital.