What to Expect

• For your safety, you will be asked the same questions several times throughout your stay, including name, date of birth, medications, allergies and the procedure you are scheduled to have.
• Once you have checked in, you will be prepared for surgery. An identification bracelet will be placed on your wrist as well as an allergy bracelet, if applicable.
• Family members that you have designated to receive information will be given a code number. No information will be given by staff members to family without a code number.
• You will meet your surgeon, the anesthesiologist and the operating room staff in the pre-operative area.
• Your nurses and your surgeon will ask you to verify the procedure to be performed and may place a mark on or near the procedure site, if appropriate.
• You will then be taken to a prepared operating room.
• While your surgery is taking place, your family and/or support person will be asked to remain nearby. Hospital staff will ask for a cell phone number to contact your family and/or support person should they leave the waiting room. No information will be given without the code number.
• Following your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area (PACU). Your surgeon will see you there and discuss your operation with you. Members of your family and/or support persons will meet with the surgeon in a consultation room. Visitation is limited in the outpatient centers to only two family members or support persons.
• When you are ready to go home, you will be discharged by your surgeon and be permitted to leave with your family and/or support person.
• The surgery staff will provide you with written information to let you know what to expect in the days following your surgery, as well as specific instructions about your post-operative care.
• Remember, it is normal for you to feel dizzy or drowsy for several hours after your surgery or procedure. That’s why we advise you not to drive, operate any equipment, sign any important papers or make any significant decisions during the 24 hours following your surgery.
• You may not drive yourself home.