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| Ambulatory Surgery Pre-Operative Info
Education |
 We want your experience at Medina Memorial Hospital to be as pleasant as possible. We have a concerned staff committed to giving you the best care, including pain management, if necessary. We understand that you may be anxious or concerned about your surgery and pre-admission testing. Knowing what to expect can help eliminate your fears. We have designed this checklist to assist you in preparing for your tests and surgery. Please refer to it before you come to the Hospital.
Pre-Admission Testing
Pre-Admission Testing (P.A.T.) is a program that enables you to have testing performed on an outpatient basis before you are admitted to the hospital or before you have surgery. Your surgeon's office will schedule P.A.T (not all surgeries require P.A.T ). Pre-admission testing is located on the third floor of the hospital will. Ambulatory Surgery Procedures
What You Need to Know
• Complete and bring with you the forms which you received from the doctor's office. These may include the Pre-Admission Insurance Form, Surgery Consent Form and Patient History Questionnaire. Also bring a list of any medications you are currently taking and their dosages. An up-to-date immunization record is needed for all persons age 18 and under.
• Tests ordered by your physician will then be performed if so required. Examples are: laboratory tests, an EKG or X-Ray.
• Meet your P.A.T. nurse. This is a good time to ask any questions. Your medical history will be reviewed at this time.
• It is best to not smoke for as long as possible before surgery.
• If you take blood thinners, aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your surgeon if, and when, you should stop taking them before surgery.
The Night Before Surgery
• Arrange for a ride home since you may be drowsy after outpatients surgery. Driving is not permitted during the first 24 hours after surgery if you've had general anesthesia or sedation.
• Do not eat anything after 9 p.m. the evening before surgery. This includes candy and gum.
• Do not drink anything after midnight, including water. (Sips of water with medications are allowed.) Otherwise your surgery will be delayed or possibly cancelled.
• Shower or bathe at home either the night before or the morning of your surgery.
• Get a good night's sleep the night before surgery. A rested body handles the stress of surgery better.
The Day Of Surgery
• If you are diabetic, do not take your insulin or diabetic pill unless your physician has instructed you otherwise.
• Take any prescribed medications you have for your heart, blood pressure, breathing or seizures, using only small sips of water, up to and including the morning of surgery.
• Wear comfortable clothes. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. If you regularly wear glasses, contacts or a hearing aid, bring them with you. All body piercings must be removed.
• Do not wear make-up or nail polish. These can hide your natural skin color during surgery. Contact lenses cannot be worn during surgery. Bring lens case if you must wear them to the hospital.
• Ask questions if you are not sure about something. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your stay at Medina Memorial Health Care System.
• Plan to rest at home after your outpatient surgery. Same-day surgery does not mean same-day recovery. So please rest - we want you to recover as soon as possible.
Children Having Surgery
• Tours for children may be taken during your P.A.T. appointment. We encourage this, as it will help your child to know what to expect.
• Your child may bring a favorite toy, blanket or stuffed animal the day of surgery.
• Consent forms must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for patients under the age of 18, unless they are legally emancipated minors.
• Parents may stay with their child before and after surgery. It is best for the child if visitors are kept to a minimum.
• Please arrange to have another driver to take you and your child home. It is not safe to care for a child who has just had surgery and to drive at the same time.
Admission For Surgery
As a patient at Median Memorial Health Care System, you are the focus of everything we do. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to your recovery and sending you home as soon as safely possible. Your nurse will admit you to the patient care unit. Your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respirations will be recorded. An IV may be started to give you fluids or antibiotics. You may need to have your incision area shaved. You may need an enema to clear your bowel.
You may receive an injection to help you relax before the operation. This medication can make you feel drowsy, lightheaded, dry-mouthed and your vision may become blurred. Your family can be with you before you go to surgery. You will be placed on transfer bed and taken to a holding area while the operation room is readied. If you have not received medication you may be transported by wheelchair.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a vital part of your surgery. Anesthesia is a comfortable, pain-free state brought on by medication. This medication is administered by either an anesthesiologist - a physician specializing in the practice of anesthesia- or a nurse anesthetist - a professional nurse with postgraduate education and training in anesthesia. At that time they will discuss the type of anesthesia you will be given and answer any questions you may have.
Types of Anesthesia
General Anesthesia cause a total loss of consciousness and feeling with relaxation of the body. It is given either through a mask held over the patient's nose and mouth or through a medication that is injected into the bloodstream. The operation is then performed with no discomfort to the patient.
Regional Anesthesia cause temporary numbness and loss of sensation to the part of the body to be operated on. It is given while the patient is awake either on the top surface of the body, through an injection or by a regional block which is an injection that cause numbness to a large area of the body including the surgical suite.
Your anesthesiologist in consultation with you your surgeon will decide which anesthetic technique is best for you. Special precautions will be taken before, during and after your anesthesia to ensure your health and safety.
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
After surgery you will be taken to the brightly-lit recovery room where you will be monitored by a registered nurse specially trained in post anesthesia recovery. As the anesthesia wears off you may experience blurry vision, dry mouth, burning or pain in the area of the incision. All of this is normal. If you feel pain your doctor will order medication for you. Pain management is a central part of your care. For detailed information on our pain management program click here: Patient Education for Pain Management.
You will be in the PACU for 30 minutes or more depending on the type of operation and your condition. Your family will be kept informed of your progress. When you have met discharge criteria, you will return to your room. Ambulatory surgery patients will be taken to the ambulatory surgery unit for discharge.
Your family may visit you when you have returned to your room. For ASU patients, one visitor at a time is permitted (must be 14 years of age or older). This is to protect the privacy of all patients.
Recovering
It is important to remember that activity stimulates circulation and deep breathing speeds recovery. Deep breathing will expand your lungs, aid in circulation (blood flow), and help prevent pneumonia.
You will be asked to cough to clear your lungs. The first time you cough will be difficult. Holding a pillow over your incision for support may be helpful. Practice this technique: inhale and exhale two times; inhale and hold for five seconds, and then cough. Nurse will help you to turn frequently while you are in bed.
You will be encouraged to walk as soon as possible. Activity promotes healing, increase circulation and helps prevent respiratory complications. Be sure to have someone help you the first time you get out of bed to walk.
Hospitalized surgical patients may be fed intravenously immediately after surgery followed by a gradual introduction of liquids, and then solid food. Ambulatory surgery patients may receive special dietary orders from their doctors.
Going Home
Your doctor will determine when you are ready to go home.
No surgery patient, whether an admitted or ambulatory surgery patient, will be allowed to drive home after being discharged. Please make sure you have arrangements for someone to drive you home. See Pre-Admission Testing Instructions Above.
You will receive written instructions regarding diet, activities, medication and what to do if problems should arise. You might feel tired for some time depending on the type of surgery you have had. Allow plenty of time to rest.
For more information about surgical procedures visit preop.com.
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