Surgery Day Procedures

Before Surgery

Your doctor’s office will schedule surgery for you or your family member. Once scheduled, a member of our staff may call you to obtain further medical information. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the center and your upcoming surgery.

If you develop a fever, rash, cough, or cold the day before surgery, contact your doctor at once, as your surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Remember, DO NOT EAT, DRINK, or CHEW anything after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed. This includes gum, mints, candy, and chewing tobacco.

The Morning of Surgery

• Do not eat or drink anything the morning of surgery, unless your doctor has given you other instructions.
• Take your heart and/or blood pressure medications with a sip of water.
• You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water, but do not drink any of the water.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.
• If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a case to store them in.
• Please do not wear makeup.
• You should have a responsible driver with you on the day of surgery. Your driver should remain in the facility while you are in surgery.

When You Arrive

You will first meet with our receptionist. Please bring your photo I.D., plus insurance and/or Medicare identification cards with you on the morning of surgery. You will be asked questions to verify your insurance and will be asked to sign a financial agreement. Your co-pay and co-insurance are due at time of service. If you need other financial arrangements or an estimate of
your bill, please call 866.512.8844.

Next, you will be taken to the admissions area where your nurse will verify medical information, allergies, and medication. The nurse will prepare you for surgery, and an anesthesia provider will meet with you to discuss your medical history and the type of anesthesia you will have.

After Surgery

You can expect to spend approximately 30-90 minutes in the post-anesthesia recovery care unit, depending upon the type of anesthesia you receive.  After you awaken and your condition is assessed, your family member or friend will be allowed to rejoin you. Please limit family and guests to two or three so we may focus on caring for you.

The nurses in this area will give you instructions for taking care of yourself at home. Should problems or questions arise while you are recovering at home, we recommend you call your physician at the number provided to you on your post procedure instructions.  If unavailable, our staff can be reached at 302.346.3171 Monday – Friday. 

Important: If an emergency arises after normal business hours, please call your doctor or go directly to your local emergency room. Ask emergency room personnel to contact your doctor.

Our staff will contact you within 24-48 hours after your procedure to check on your recovery and to answer any questions you might have about your procedure or follow up care.  Test results will be given to you by your physician.

Information for Family Members and Friends

When we take your family member or friend to surgery, please remain in the waiting area, as many of our doctors visit with family/friends after surgery. If you must leave, check with personnel at the front desk.