BEFORE SURGERY
The following instructions are to ensure a successful surgery and must be followed. Otherwise, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.
Do not eat or drink anything eight hours before your surgery including juice, chewing gum, mints, etc. (Any amount of food or drink can be cause to cancel or delay surgery, as a result of potential aspiration of the patient during surgery). Water and black coffee (no sugar or cream products) might ok up to 2 hours prior. Check with your doctor first.
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Do not drink any alcoholic beverages or smoke 24 hours before or after your procedure. Smoking and alcohol can adversely affect your anesthesia and other medicines administered during surgery.
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Bring your medications with you to the pre-procedure visit and to the hospital the day of your procedure. Please consult with your primary physician as to what medications should be taken the day of surgery.
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If your surgery requires the administration of anesthesia, a responsible adult over 18 must accompany you home.
AFTER SURGERY
After surgery, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (recovery area) where you will be monitored and cared for while awakening from anesthesia.
The nurse taking care of you will notify your family members when they may join you in the recovery area.
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After you have awakened and your vital signs are stable, you will be discharged home to a family member or friend.
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Drowsiness should be expected the day of your surgery, and it is advised that a responsible adult stay overnight.
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Do not drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcoholic beverages or take non-prescription medication without your doctor’s permission for at least 24 hours after surgery because normal coordination and various reflexes may be impaired.
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Occasionally, some patients may need to be observed or treated in the hospital overnight or until they are well enough to go home.
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If you experience any unexpected pain, heavy bleeding or a high temperature after surgery, call your doctor or immediately go to the emergency room.
