Aim to come in to the Pre-Surgery Center at least a day or two prior to your procedure date. This allows plenty of time to obtain lab results and complete any other necessary tests. You may pre-admit up to 30 days prior to your procedure date.
The entire process from registration through testing should take about 1.5 hours. There are times when it may take longer, especially if you have not scheduled an appointment.
A staff member will instruct your family and visitors where to wait while you are having your procedure.
Yes, every patient who has surgery at Woman’s Hospital has an IV (intravenous) line started before going to the operating room. The IV line is used to give you medications and fluids directly into the vein.
Usually a tube is needed to keep your airway open during surgery. The tube is placed in your throat after you are asleep and removed before you wake up. This may cause you to have a scratchy feeling in your throat after surgery.
Yes. At least one member of the anesthesia care team will be with you the entire time you are asleep under anesthesia. To ensure you receive the best possible care, Woman’s anesthesia care team includes both a doctor who is an anesthesiologist and a nurse who is a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
After your surgery is over, you may begin to awaken as you are transported to the recovery room. In the recovery room you will continue to wake up. Most people do not remember the early waking process.
Some pain after surgery is to be expected. However, the amount of pain varies depending on the individual and the type of surgery you have. Your doctor will have ordered pain medications to be given if you need them. We will keep you as comfortable as possible.
You will need to designate another responsible adult drive you home from the hospital, and someone to care for you for the first 24 hours after your procedure. You may be picked up at the covered and convenient Med-Surg Discharge, on the west side of the hospital beyond the Assessment entrance.