Day Surgery
With the surgical advancements available today, many procedures are being done on an outpatient, or day surgery, basis. As you prepare for your surgery, here's what to expect.
Preparing for Your Operation
You’re going to have an operation. You may be feeling somewhat nervous about being in the hospital for surgery, but this is very normal feeling. The following information was designed to help ease your fears and give a preview of what you can expect before and after surgery. We want your stay to be as pleasant as possible, and our staff is ready to assist you. We encourage you to ask questions about your care while you are a patient at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.
Preadmission Testing
The preadmission process consists of pre-registration, preadmission testing, and evaluation service for patients scheduled for surgery. Preadmission testing is urged because it provides timely, unhurried preparation for your surgery. Your doctor may order appropriate tests that he or she feels are essential for you to have before your surgery. Some of the most frequent tests are:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – a graph of how the heart beats.
- Chest x-rays – taken to help evaluate the condition of your lungs and heart.
- Blood tests and urine specimens – taken to help check your overall health.
Special Note*
Additional testing may be required by the Anesthesia Department, depending on your health, history and age. This will be decided by the preadmission testing nurse when she evaluates your health history.
Special Note*
Be sure to inform your physician if you regularly take aspirin or other blood-thinning medications. You may need to stop taking these medications several days before the surgery.
Prior to your admission for surgery, a nurse from our Preadmission Testing Department will contact you and ask questions regarding your medical history, explain tests you need or have had, and provide you with necessary instructions. Our healthcare professionals are genuinely interested in your well-being and will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding your surgery or admission. If you should have additional questions about your scheduled test(s) or surgery, you may call our Preadmission Testing Department at (865) 541-1634.
Where Can I Find Preadmission Testing?
At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, registration and testing are located in the Patient Services area, located in the main lobby of the hospital. Appointments are preferred to reduce the amount of time for your visit; however, they are not required. Preadmission testing is available:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
What Should I bring to Preadmission Testing?
For your visit to the preadmission testing area, please bring the following:
- Orders or instructions from your physician
- Copies of health records, lab tests, EKG, or x-ray reports. Previous blood tests are accepted for 30 days and x-rays and EKGs are accepted for six months prior to surgery.
- Medic Blood Bank cards
- Medication list and dosages
- Allergy list
- Insurance information
Let your physician’s office know when you plan to have preadmission testing to ensure your orders are there when you arrive.
Preoperative Instructions
- It is important that you not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the evening before your surgery. (This means no coffee, hard candy, gum or food of any kind.)
- Check with your physician regarding information about any medications you are taking at the time of surgery. Take your medications on the morning of your procedure if you are told to do so by the preadmission testing nurse or your physician. You may have just enough water to swallow your medications.
- If you are ill, (i.e. sore throat, cough, fever or infection) you should contact your physician’s office on the day prior to surgery and let them know.
- Arrange for a relative or adult friend (over age 18) to drive you home, since you will not be allowed to drive yourself. A bus or cab is not acceptable unless a responsible adult over age 18 is with you.
- Persons with diabetes need to check with the preadmission testing nurse prior to the surgery date for any special instructions regarding their medications.
- If there is any possibility you are pregnant, tell your physician.
The Day of Surgery
On the day of your surgery, please remember to:
- Be on time.
- Bring healthcare records, test results, blood bank cards, and allergy and medication lists, unless these items were given to the nurse for preadmission testing.
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the evening before your surgery. (This means no coffee, hard candy, gum or food of any kind.) The anesthesia care provider will talk to you the morning of your surgery.
- Take your medications on the morning of your procedure if you are told to do so by the preadmission nurse or physician. (You may have just enough water to swallow your medications.)
- Bathe or shower and brush your teeth before you leave home. This reduces the chance of infection.
- Wear casual, loose fitting clothes and flat shoes.
- Bring your glasses and/or contact lens case. All types of contact lenses must be removed before surgery.
- Do not wear make-up or jewelry. You may wear light or clear nail polish. Acrylic nails with light polish do not have to be removed.
- Remove all jewelry before you arrive at the hospital. This includes: rings (even wedding rings), watches, earrings, necklaces, hair accessories, etc.
- Leave all valuables, such as money, credit cards, etc., at home.
- If you are scheduled to be admitted into the hospital after surgery, pack a small bag containing toiletries, a robe, pajamas, slippers, and other supplies you feel you may need. We suggest leaving your bag in your car and having it brought to you once you have been assigned a hospital room following surgery.
No Smoking
It is very important that you do not smoke before your operation. After you have general anesthesia, secretions tend to build up in your lungs. Smoking beforehand will further irritate the lungs and cause more mucus and fluid buildup. By not smoking prior to the operation, the chances of reduced congestion afterward are increased. Lung congestion can lead to the development of pneumonia. Please note that smoking is prohibited inside the facility.
The Day Surgery Unit
As an outpatient, you will be given a time to arrive at the hospital where you will be admitted to the Day Surgery Unit. You will then be given a hospital gown, socks, and cap to put on. Additionally, you will be given a plastic bag for your clothing.
Patients will be asked to remove all jewelry, dark nail polish, hairpins, glasses, and dentures. Give your valuables to your family or friends for safekeeping (or ask your nurse for assistance). A nurse will check your vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure respiratory rate, weight and height. Finally, you will be asked to empty your bladder because once you receive preoperative medication you will not be allowed out of bed.
If you brought paperwork with you, please give it to the nurse so she can ensure it is attached to your medical records.
Preoperative Holding Area (PHA)
Approximately one hour before your operation is scheduled, you will be taken to the Preoperative Holding Area where a nurse will check to make sure everything is in order for your surgery. Depending on your procedure, you may be taken to the preoperative holding area earlier.
You will be interviewed by an operating room nurse in the Preoperative Holding Area. Please let the nurse know any special needs you have (hearing aid, glasses, pillow for under your legs, etc.).
An anesthesia care provider who will review your anesthetic plan with you and answer any questions you may have.
In the PHA, an intravenous needle (IV) will be inserted and used as a pipeline for giving you medicine and fluids that your body needs during and after surgery. You may be given medication to help you relax. Other medications such as antibiotics may also be given. Your length of stay in the PHA will be about an hour.
Operating Room You will relax and rest in the PHA until you are taken to the operating room by the nurse who will care for you during surgery. You will be asked to move onto the operating room bed, and be connected to any monitors that are required to ensure your safety during anesthesia and your operation. The doctors, nurses and technicians will be wearing masks, gowns and gloves. The room will be full of equipment that may look strange to you, but is important for a safe and effective surgery. Before you know it, you will be asleep.
Click to find out what to expect After Day Surgery.