Surgery - what to expect
How long can I expect to wait after scheduling surgery?
Most surgeons have a 7-10 day lead time on scheduling their cases.
Where will the surgery be performed?
Surgery may be performed on the second floor of the hospital as well as at the Ambulatory Surgery Center adjacent to Health Central. Colonoscopy, gastroscopy and ERCP are done in the Endoscopy lab in the hospital.
What type of anesthesia will be administered?
You will meet a member of the anesthesia team on the day of your pre-op appointment. You will also meet the anesthesia provider who will be administering the anesthesia (such as an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist; both of whom are highly qualified to administer anesthesia) the morning before your operation. They will explain in detail what anesthesia methods will be best for your procedure. Together you will decide which is best for you.
What can I expect during recovery?
Ask your physician what to expect in the first few days following surgery, as well as in the weeks and months that follow. You need to know how long you will be hospitalized, what limitations will be placed on you, and if there are special supplies or equipment you will need upon discharge. Knowing ahead of time what to expect will help you to cope and recover more quickly following the surgery.
Why does Health Central have a Surgery Center outside the main facility?
The Surgery Center, which is located on the southeast side of the hospital, is for outpatient surgeries only. They perform Orthopaedic, Podiatry, Urology, General and Vascular, and Pain Management procedures.
If you have a scheduled procedure at the Surgery Center, a nurse will call you the day before to give you pre-op instructions. Usually, we recommend that patients not eat or drink anything after midnight and leave all valuable personal items at home. Bring your insurance card and driver's license and any co-pay. Typically, surgeries here do not last longer than one hour, although some Orthopaedic procedures last two hours.
You should arrive at the Surgery Center one to two hours before your scheduled time. A nurse will be with you to help with the admission process and get your IV started. Then the anesthesiologist will administer your drugs. You will be taken to the OR; recovery is at your own pace.
You will have personalized attention for our staff from the time you walk into the Surgery Center until the time you are discharged. A follow-up call from one of our nurses is always done the day after your procedure.
