Surgery Information
Your doctor may have you complete a PREP visit for a nursing assessment, labs, x-rays and/or an EKG at the hospital before the day of your procedure. If tests are not ordered by your doctor, one of our nurses will call you the day before your surgery to get information about your past medical history.
Please call 769-4100 to schedule an appointment with our PREP Department. Although an appointment is not necessary, you may have to wait if one is not scheduled. If our hours of operation do not fit your needs, please call and we will arrange a time that fits into your schedule.
PREP Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday
9:30am – 5:30pm
Friday
6:45am – 2:00pm
We will call you after 1:00pm on the day before your surgery to let you know what time to arrive the next morning. If you do not hear from us by 4:00pm, please call us at (337) 769-4221, (337) 769-4222, or (337) 769-4161 after hours. Do NOT drink or eat ANYTHING after midnight unless otherwise instructed. Do NOT chew gum or eat candy on the day of your surgery.
The Day of Your Procedure
Wear loose, comfortable clothes. If you are having surgery on your arm, wear a large, button-front shirt with wide sleeves. If you are having knee or leg surgery, wear shorts or pants with an elastic waste and a very wide leg.
Make plans to have someone take you home and a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure. After being evaluated by our medical team one guest will be allowed to go with you into the pre-operative area while you are prepared for your procedure. For your safety, you will NOT be allowed to go home by bus or taxi.
Bring ALL of your medications with you to the hospital! Do NOT take any medications including insulin or medications for diabetes. ONLY the following medications may be taken on the morning of your surgery with a small sip of water if scheduled as a morning dose:
- Heart or Blood Pressure Medications, but do NOT take diuretics (fluid pills)
- Anticovulsant Medications (seizures)
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Children may have clear liquids such as pedialyte or apple juice up to 2 hours prior to their arrival time to the hospital. Do NOT give milk or formula.
Your child may bring a security item (a special blanket or stuffed animal) and a favorite sippy cup or bottle to drink from after his/her procedure. As soon as the patient is aware and alert, parents will be allowed to stay with the child in the post-operative area once the child leaves the recovery area (PACU).
Anesthesia
Anesthesia helps you to not feel pain during your surgery or procedure. It also helps to keep you from moving during your surgery or procedure. The anesthesia team will help you decide what type of anesthesia is best for you.
General Anesthesia
The entire body, including the brain is put to sleep. Medicines are given to you through an intravenous (IV) line or an anesthesia mask. During your procedure you will not feel, see or hear anything.
Regional Anesthesia
Achieved by injecting numbing medicine directly to the area where the surgery is to be performed. This type of anesthesia provides muscle relaxation as well as pain relief. It may last for several hours after your surgery / procedure; reducing the need for additional pain relief after your surgery / procedure. You are usually given sedation with this type of anesthesia. Used mainly for leg, arm, and shoulder surgery.
Local Anesthesia
Numbs a specific area. (Ex. Biopsy and/or pain procedures)
Sedation
Causes you to be drowsy and relaxed, but you are not completely asleep
How to Decrease Risks
Stop smoking at least one month before your surgery / procedure. Absolutely NO SMOKING after midnight the night before your procedure.
If you drink alcohol (beer, wine, liquor), stop drinking at least two days before your procedure.
Have a physical or “check-up” with your family doctor and/or cardiologist.
Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Ask you doctor which medications you should stop taking before your procedure and how long before your procedure you should do so.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your procedure unless otherwise instructed. Food or acid in your stomach may be harmful to you when taken with an anesthetic.
Make sure your anesthesia team knows about your health history, including any allergies you may have to any medications, loose teeth, serious illness, or any problems you or your family may have had with anesthesia in the past (i.e. Malignant Hyperthermia – MH).
Waking up from Anesthesia
Once your procedure is completed, you will be monitored in the recovery area. During this period you may be given oxygen and your breathing and heart functions will be observed closely. In this area, you may be given medication for pain, nausea, or anxiety if needed.
Although anesthesia is extremely safe, there are risks to consider. You may wake up feeling rested from a good nap. You may wake up pleasant, happy, confused, drowsy, disoriented, or nauseated. The staff will assist you with anything you need.
For more information please consult your physician.