Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that many patients have:

How Do I Prepare for Surgery?

1. Questions regarding medications.
You may take your regular medications as directed with the exception of diabetic injections and coumadin. Please notify your health professional for needed adjustments in these medications. Please bring the medications you are currently taking in their bottles so the nursing staff can have an accurate listing of all your medications.

2. What if I am a smoker?
If you smoke, please try to quit or cut down prior to having your surgery.

3. What does NPO mean?
NPO means you must not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to your surgery. This is very important because this will decrease your chance of vomiting and serious complications after surgery. If you have food or fluids prior to surgery, your procedure will probably be rescheduled to another date for your safety.

Pre-OP Blood / X-ray Exams

You may be required to have lab work, EKG, and/or X-rays. If this is indicated, your health professional will direct you as to the time and place that these will be done prior to surgery.

1. What do you mean by lab work?
Blood work will provide information about your blood cells and blood chemistry. Urinalysis will provide information about your kidneys and possible pregnancy.

2. What is an EKG?
This is an exam of your heart and how it works. If you have problems indicated on the EKG, this could mean you need further testing prior to surgery.

3. What about X-rays?
There are many kinds of X-rays that may be done prior to surgery. The most common is a chest X-ray. This is doen to tell if your lungs can tolerate surgery and anesthesia. If other X-rays are indicated, your health professional will instruct you on the time and date of the exam and how to prepare for them.

Anesthesia

You will be given anesthesia for your surgery. This will keep you comfortable while your surgery is being done. There are several kinds of anesthesia available. These are done by either an anesthesiologist (a doctor who specializes in anesthesia) or a nurse anesthetist ( a nurse who as had extensive training in providing safe anesthesia). You are required to have someone with you that can drive you home after any anesthetic, so please make arrangements for your driver to pick you up at the hospital following your surgery.

1. What is General Anesthesia?
An I.V. (Intravenous Line) will be started and appropriate medications will be administered to provide you with a safe anesthetic. Your airway will be maintained and you may have a tube inserted into your mouth that will assist you in your breathing. Occasionally, you may experience a sore throat after a general anesthesia. This is a common occurrence and will go away in a few days.

2. What is Spinal Anesthesia?
A spinal anesthetic will provide you with a numb sensation from the waist down to your toes. This is done by inserting a very small needle between the bones in your back. A medication is then injected and you will be positioned on the operating table. Most of the time, you will be given some sedation through your I.V. that will assist you in remaining comfortable during surgery. This is a very safe anesthetic that is a good choice for patients that are having surgery on areas below the waist or for patients that have problems with their heart or lungs.

3. What is a Duramorph Spinal?
A duramorph spinal is an anesthetic that is given along with a general anesthesia to provide the patient with pain control after surgery for 24 to 48 hours. This is given to patients that will be having extensive abdominal surgery that requires a larger incision. As with a spinal, you will have a very small needle inserted between the bones in our back and the medication will be injected. You will then be positioned on the table and have a general anesthetic administered.

4. What is an I.V. Regional Block
This is an anesthetic that is used for some procedures on the hand or arm. It is a good anesthetic that just numbs the hand or arm area and is safe for anyone.

5. What is a M.A.C. (Monitored Anesthesia Care)?
This is anesthesia that allows you to remain awake during your surgery; however, you will be given drugs that will keep you comfortable while your surgery is being done. Your surgeon will numb the area that he or she will be operating on as well to assure that your will not have any pain during your surgery. This is a very safe anesthetic that most patients tolerate very well.

Checking In

You will be having either outpatient or inpatient surgery. You will start at the outpatient department of the hospital regardless of the inpatient or outpatient status of your procedure. If your procedure is considered outpatient, you will probably be allowed to go home after a short recovery in the outpatient department. If you are having inpatient surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital after your surgery.

The Operating Room

Prior to your arrival in the operating room, you will probably be given some medication to relax you. For your safety, you will be transported to and from the O.R. on a stretcher with side rails. Once in the O.R. you will be assisted to the O.R. table and given some warm blankets. You will be put on many monitors that will assist your health care team provide the best care for you during your surgery.

The Recovery Room

You will be admitted to the recovery room after your surgery. The recovery room has specialized nurses that take care of you while you are recovering from your anesthesia. You usually stay in the recovery room for about an hour.

After the Recovery Room

You will be either taken back to the outpatient department or you will be admitted to the hospital. You will be able to be with your family and friends at this time unless you are admitted to the intensive care unit where there are specific visiting times.

Going Home

You will be given some Discharge Instructions to follow. Please read through these before you go home and ask about any questions you may not understand. You may be given pain medication if indicated by your surgeon. You will also be given an appointment to return to the office for a post-operative visit to check on your progress. If you have any problems, please don't hesitate to call the office for assistance.