Prior to the Procedure
A few days before your procedure, you will receive a phone call from our staff to evaluate your readiness and give instructions for your procedure.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is used to relieve pain and sensation during surgery. The types of anesthesia used in our center include general, regional, IV sedation, and local.
Before the procedure, you will be given an intravenous sedative or medication to make you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Your doctor or your anesthesiologist will explain and determine the type of sedation or anesthesia best suited for you and your procedure.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Procedure
You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Check with your primary care or prescribing physician about how long you should avoid these medications prior to your procedure. You may be advised to stop vitamins and herbal supplements as well. It is important to communicate to your doctor if you are taking any medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Changes in your physical condition, such as cold, fever or flu-like symptoms or any cuts, scrapes or rashes near the procedure site, should be communicated to your doctor.
Day Before Your Procedure
Do not drink alcohol as this may affect your procedure.
Ask a responsible adult companion (a friend or a family member) to drive you to and from the facility and stay with you after you return home. You will NOT be permitted to leave the facility unaccompanied and alone in a taxi. We will be forced to postpone your procedure if you do not have a responsible adult companion.
If you are the guardian or caregiver of a minor child or you have a power of attorney for the patient, you must bring a copy of paperwork showing legal verification with you.
Confirm date and arrival time for your procedure.
A surgery center staff member will call you a few days before your procedure to inform you of the date, time of procedure and required arrival time to our center. The time of arrival is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Night Before Your Procedure
Food or Drink: From midnight to the time of your procedure, you should refrain from eating or drinking unless you have been instructed differently by the surgery center staff. Be sure to follow restrictions on liquids and special instructions given to you.
Morning of Your Procedure
Medications: Take medication for your heart or blood pressure with one sip of water the morning of your procedure. If you take insulin or oral diabetic medication, please follow your physician’s instructions.
If you use inhalers, a CPAP machine or insulin, you may be instructed to bring them with you to the center.
Remove all jewelry, body piercings and metal hairclips.
Personal belongings: Don’t bring valuables with you, including laptops, cell phones or other expensive items.
Personal care for all procedures: Remove all nail polish and makeup. Shower and wash your hair. Do not shave operative site, use perfumes, deodorant or lotions. Do not mark the procedural or nonoperative site in any way. Your surgeon will mark the site if necessary. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (elastic waist band and shirt with front opening).
Bring a zippered or buttoned jacket or sweater with you if you like. Wear secure footware such as sneakers or rubber-soled flat shoes.
Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking. Be sure to write the name, dose, how often you take the medication and your reason for taking it. Also, write down the name of the doctor if it is a prescribed medication.
Bring your insurance card, photo identification, copayment and advance directive (if you have one) with you.
Have the responsible adult companion drive you to the surgery center.
After Your Procedure
You will be monitored and cared for by our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses immediately after your procedure. Recovery occurs in the PACU.
Your recovery time will vary according to your procedure and type of anesthesia used. You will be sent home once your doctor determines you are safe to go home.
You and your responsible adult companion or care provider will be given written, home care instructions and taught how to care for you and the area treated.
Please follow the restrictions ordered by your doctor while you are recovering at home.
Depending on your procedure, some of these restrictions may include strenuous physical activities, drinking alcoholic beverages, operating machinery, driving a car or making important decisions.
Our nurse will call you the day after your procedure to check on your progress.
Contact your doctor if you are experiencing severe pain or complications requiring immediate attention.
If you have any reason to think you need urgent help, call 911 or go the nearest emergency room.
Pinnacle Surgery Center 