In Inpatient Pre-Surgery Instructions
In Advance of Surgery
Have all lab work and pre-op tests completed and bring any x-rays and/or reports to the hospital as instructed by your physician.
Ask your surgeon how long the procedure will take so family and friends know how long they will be waiting. Once the procedure is completed, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit for recovery. You will be there for one to one-and-a-half hours, before being transferred to your room.
A nurse from OR Admitting may contact you prior to your surgery to do a nursing assessment/history. If this is not completed in advance, it will be done on the day of surgery.
The Night Before Surgery
After midnight, do not eat any solid food or drink any liquids, including water and chewing gum. When you brush your teeth, rinse your mouth without swallowing any liquid.
The Morning of Surgery
Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, you may take your normal medications, such as heart and diabetes medications, with a small sip of water the morning of surgery. Some medications, such as blood thinners, may be discontinued prior to surgery. Your physician will instruct you on these. You should call your physician if you have any questions.
Leave medications at home. The hospital will provide you with any medications that you need.
Leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to remove them before surgery. Wear your glasses to the hospital or bring your contact lens holder, your glasses and glass case with you.
If a young child will be undergoing surgery, please bring a comforting toy or blanket.
Bring your completed insurance card/forms or Medicare card to the Admitting Office.
When to Arrive
Please check in at the Admitting Desk in the main lobby of the hospital one and one-half hours before your surgery is scheduled. When your registration is complete, you will be escorted to the OR Admitting area.
An OR Admitting nurse will complete a pre-op assessment (if this was not done in advance) and then prepare you for surgery. A family member may wait with you.
You will meet with your anesthesiologist prior to your surgery; please feel free to discuss any questions you have about your anesthesia. You will also see your surgeon prior to your surgery.
Special Precautions
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any change in your health before surgery. Even minor elevations in body temperature, a cold or cough need to be reported. If you experience any change on the day of surgery you can call the OR Admitting area at 410-740-7798.
If you suspect you may be pregnant, please notify your surgeon. This information will help us provide the best level of safety for you and your developing child.
The best way to prepare is to take care of yourself, eat well and get plenty of rest.
Click Here for our Pre-Anesthesia Form.