What to Expect the Day of Surgery

Arrive at the hospital at the appointed time; patients are generally asked to arrive 1-2 hours before the scheduled surgery.

Day of Surgery

Check-In

Please check in at the surgery desk. Enter through the main entrance. You will turn left down the first hallway, and the surgery check-in desk is located on the right. (Please see the map on the bottom of this page).

You will need to bring:

Photo ID and insurance card
A complete list of your prescribed and non-prescribed medications
Copies of your advance directives, living will, or power of attorney (if available)

Before Surgery

After check-in, you will be taken to a private, pre-op room and prepared for surgery. Your surgeon and anesthesia provider will meet with you in this room, prior to your procedure.
You will be asked to change into a warmed surgical gown. You may also be asked to perform skin hygiene. The staff will ask you many questions, and a nurse will start your intravenous (IV) line to provide you with intravenous fluids during your procedure.
A nurse will confirm your procedure and have you read, verbalize that you understand, and sign the Consent for Surgery (Informed Consent). Informed Consent means that your Surgeon/Provider has thoroughly explained the procedure and the risks and benefits of the procedure. The consent form must be signed and dated by the patient (or the patient’s legal guardian or representative).

When you are properly prepared for surgery, you will be taken to the operating room.

Family Waiting Area

During your surgery, family members and friends can wait in the designated waiting area. Please inform the nursing staff of the person you have chosen to be your surrogate decision maker. Your surgeon will speak with your family after surgery is complete.

Recovery

After surgery, you will be taken to the Recovery Room where your vital signs and condition will be closely monitored. Once stable, you will be transported back to your original pre-op room.

When you are awake and stabilized, and able to tolerate oral intake, you will be discharged to go home, or transported to your hospital room.