Preparing for Surgery

Also Read > What To Do After Surgery



At The Time You Schedule Surgery

You will need to fill out a history and physical form within 30 days of surgery. Ask your surgeon whether he or she will complete the form, or whether your general practitioner will, and whether you need to do anything to help.

  • Ask whether you need to have any lab work done and when you should schedule it.

  • Tell your surgeon about any medications you take on a regular basis -including any over the counter medication such as aspirin or herbal remedies. Ask whether you need to stop taking them prior to surgery, and if so, how far ahead of time.

  • Once you are scheduled for surgery, the surgery center will call to arrange a time for you to meet with your anesthesiologist to discuss the best anesthetic for your procedure.


PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

  1. DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD OR DRINK ANY LIQUIDS AFTER MIDNIGHT THE DAY PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY. This includes: candy, chewing gum, cough drops, mints, formula, milk, milk products, orange juice, any juice with pulp, soda, soft drinks and carbonated beverages.

  2. Please take you regular medications the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. DO NOT TAKE DIURETICS (WATER PILLS), ORAL DIABETIC MEDICATION OR INSULIN UNLESS TOLD BY YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you have any questions about your medications, please call 302.777.4800

  3. Bring a list of all your medications and allergies to the Center.
    *** If you have a LATEX ALLERGY, please notify the Center prior to your surgery date.

  4. PLEASE DO NOT:
    • Wear make-up including eye brow pencil, eye liner or mascara.
    • Wear perfume or cologne.
    • Bring valuables.
    • Wear jewelry including body piercings.
    • Wear contact lenses.

  5. Wear loose, comfortable clothing

  6. You must have a responsible adult who can drive you home from the Center after your procedure. If transportation is an issue, please call the Center at least 2 business days prior to your surgery date at 302-777-4800.

  7. Please make arrangements to have a responsible adult care for you the first 24 hours after your procedure. If you are having general anesthesia, it may be canceled if you do not have a responsible adult to care for you.

  8. If you have POWER of ATTORNEY, please bring a copy of POA papers and their contact information with you the day of surgery.

  9. We will call you the day before your procedure to inform you of your arrival time. Please note, some patients will receive their arrival time directly from their Physician's office.

[ PRINT THIS ]



[BACK TO TOP]




Forms You Must Complete Prior Your Surgery

Please complete these forms prior to the day of surgery:
» See forms and handouts page

  • History and Physical. Please check with your surgeon to find out if he will be completing this form or whether your general practitioner will need to complete it.

  • Health Survey. This form is to be completed by you and will provide the anesthesiologist and our clinical staff with information that will assist them as they plan your care.

  • Medication Reconciliation. This form is to be completed by you. It gives us information on your current medications and helps us to avoid medication errors as omissions, duplications, drug interactions and dosing errors.

Failure to complete these forms in advance of the day of surgery may result in your procedure being delayed or postponed. You can bring these forms with you the day of surgery, fax them to the center at 302-777-2111, OR mail them to:

ATTN TO: Front Office
900 Foulk Rd, Suite 100
Wilmington, DE 19803


See forms and handouts page »

[BACK TO TOP]




The Day of Surgery: Checklist

Dress in light, loose clothing. Button shirts are preferable to pullovers and are essential if you are having shoulder surgery. Loose, drawstrings pants are ideal. Do not wear makeup, nail polish, jewelry, hairspray, or perfume of any kind.

BRING:
  • All your current medications and dosages.
  • An eyeglass case if you wear glasses.
  • Your crutches, if you are having foot or ankle forms (unless you already mailed them).
  • Your insurance ID card(s).


DO NOT BRING:
  • Valuables. You should bring your ID and insurance cards, but leave your wallet, cash or credit cards, jewelry, and the like at home.

  • Small children. Anyone who comes with you should be attending to you. If you are accompanying a child patient you need your full attention for that child and must not be distracted by caring for other children.

  • Contact lenses. if you must wear them because you don't have glasses, bring the case with you so you can store them during the operation.


[BACK TO TOP]




One Week Ahead

Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. You will not be allowed to drive home by yourself.

  • If there is any change in your physical condition -even a scratchy throat- call your surgeon and let him or her know.


[BACK TO TOP]




The Day Before Surgery

Call the surgery center to confirm the time of your surgery and ask any last-minute questions you may have. (The best time to call is between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.)

  • Do not drink or eat anything after midnight of the night before your surgery -including gum, candy, or a glass of water -unless you get specific instructions otherwise from your surgeon or the surgery center.

[BACK TO TOP]

Preparing for Surgery



Children's Surgery



Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and this person must remain on premises for the entire visit (unless emancipated minor).


© www.americansurgery.org | American Surgery Center in Wilmington, Delaware | All Rights Reserved. Web Design by United Medical, LLC (RFR)