Surgery
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 Patients
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:
- 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.
Preadmission
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.
"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.
After Your Surgery/Procedure
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.
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