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Ambulatory Surgery Program - Preparing for Surgery
To ensure that medical care and recovery go smoothly, patients are asked to please read the following information carefully and to feel free to ask our staff questions at any time.
Planning for Surgery
- Pre-Admission Interview
Once your surgeon's office has scheduled your surgery, you will receive a call from our Ambulatory Surgery Unit to arrange for your pre-admission interview. This interview can take place either in person or by telephone. It is conducted by a registered nurse who will review your health history and provide information about what to expect the day of surgery. If we have not been able to contact you within three days of your scheduled procedure, please call (203) 863-3419 to arrange a convenient time for the interview.
- Pre-Operative Tests
Any pre-operative testing you require should either be completed at the hospital or by your primary physician. Your surgeon will direct you. For some patients the laboratory tests can be performed in the hospital on the day of surgery.
- Arranging a Ride Home
By law, patients undergoing anesthesia or intravenous sedation must have an escort drive them home after surgery. Your procedure cannot be performed unless this arrangement has been made. A family member or friend is welcome to relax and wait in our hospital lounge while you are here. Or, your designated driver can return for you when you are ready to be discharged.
The Day Before Ambulatory Surgery
- Eat an early, light dinner the evening before surgery, unless otherwise instructed. Avoid spicy, greasy or heavy foods. Try to drink extra water during the day.
- Do not eat anything after midnight the day of your surgery. Clear liquids such as water, fruit juice without pulp, carbonated beverages, black coffee or tea can be taken up to 3 hours before your scheduled arrival at the hospital.
- Follow all preparation instructions from your surgeon and the ambulatory surgery nurse.
- Avoid smoking the day before and the day of surgery. Smoking irritates your throat and can cause excessive coughing and discomfort.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home from the hospital--and preferably stay at home with you overnight.
The Day Of Ambulatory Surgery
- Contact your doctor before surgery if you develop a fever, cold or other illness.
- You may brush your teeth and take a shower.
- Take your morning medication as instructed by the ambulatory surgery nurse.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes. Your clothes will be stored for you until you are ready to leave.
- Bring any materials your doctor has given you.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not wear make-up or nail polish. For your safety, any body-piercing--other than ears--must be brought to the attention of your nurse.
- Leave jewelry, rings, money and valuables at home. A wedding band is permitted in the operating room, but no other jewelry. If you require them, please bring any dental appliances or dentures; glasses or contact lens case; and crutches, cane or other assistive device that you may have been given ahead of time.
- Bring a book or magazine to pass the time before surgery.
- If you are staying overnight or being admitted for a few days, bring only personal toiletries and reading material, if desired. A robe and slippers will be provided to you and other belongings can be brought to the hospital after an inpatient room has been assigned.
At The Hospital
- Registration
Report to the Ambulatory Surgery Registration Desk on the second floor of the hospital two hours before the procedure. This will give you enough time for proper preparation and information sharing. At the desk, you will be asked to read and sign your registration form and be given an ID bracelet.
- Your Room
You will be taken to your room where you will rest in either a bed or lounge chair until it is time for your surgery. Waiting time may vary from 1-2 hours depending on your requirements for preparation and unanticipated delays with the Operating Room schedule. A maximum of two family members may stay with you during this time. Please do not bring children.
- Preparation
A nurse will interview you, take your blood pressure and temperature and start an intravenous live (IV). A nurse also will explain our procedures and answer any questions you might have. For your safety, you will be asked certain questions concerning your health by more than one person. This is to assure information is accurate and understood by everyone caring for you.
You will have the opportunity to speak with an anesthesiologist prior to your procedure. He or she will ask about your medical history and explain anesthesia and pain management options.
A member of the Operating Room team will bring you to the OR preparation area for a brief time prior to your surgery. A registered nurse assigned to your care will meet with you, review your chart and address any concerns you might have. Again, you will be asked questions others have asked on topics such as allergies or food intake. You will also be asked to repeat your understanding of your medical procedure.
After Surgery: Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you may go to the PACU for a brief period of time. Patients who do not need to go to the PACU return directly to the ambulatory surgery unit following the procedure.
In the PACU, nurses will continue to monitor your vital signs while the anesthesia wears off. They will ask you to do deep breathing and ankle or leg exercises. Coughing will be encouraged when appropriate. You may briefly experience dry mouth, sore throat, blurry vision or chills. This is not unusual following anesthesia.
If you have any soreness or pain, report this to the nurse and medication will be provided. The nurse will ask you to rate your pain on a scale from 0-10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being most severe. Your rating will help determine the amount of medication required.
When your vital signs are stable you will return to the ambulatory surgery unit for further recovery prior to discharge. If you require an overnight stay, a hospital bed will be assigned to you on an inpatient unit.
Going Home
Family and friends may join you when you return to your room. Please do not bring children, as they can hinder your recuperation and that of other patients. The nurse will continue to monitor your recovery and encourage you to get out of bed as soon as possible. Activity helps the healing process. We will give you something to drink and a light snack. It's best to limit solid food to avoid undue stomach upset. For certain surgeries you may not go home until you urinate at least once.
Before you leave the hospital, the nurse will review the surgeon's written instructions with you and your escort. Crutches and other equipment you may need will be provided and explained.
A nurse from the ambulatory surgery unit will call you the day after surgery to check on how you are feeling and answer any questions. Be sure to mention any problems you may be having. For surgeries performed on Friday, a call will be placed on Monday.
If You Have Any Questions
or suggestions on how we can better accommodate your needs, please call us at (203) 863-3273.
Web Site Resources
For more patient education on the surgical experience:
Parking is conveniently located underground near the main hospital entrance at 5 Perryridge Road. Elevators from the parking lot will take you to the main lobby of the hospital.
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