Preparing for Your Surgery

After your surgery is scheduled, a pre-op nurse will conduct an interview with you to review your medical history. As a result of your medical interview the anesthesiologist or physician may require additional testing or lab work. For your convenience HCNW has an onsite location for lab work, EKG's or X-rays.

You will be asked to provide a complete list of all prescribed medications, including over-the-counter or herbal supplements. The nurse will instruct you on which medications you should or should not take on the day of surgery. If you take Insulin or blood thinning medications your surgeon will give you instructions for these medications.

The morning of your surgery you will need to prepare by bathing or showering with an antibacterial soap provided by HCNW. Please remove all make-up, nail polish and jewelry. We ask that you leave all of your valuables at home. We recommend you wear loose, comfortable fitting clothes and shoes. Surgery on arms and legs often result in bulky dressings that require clothing to be loose and accommodating.

You will need to report any changes in your health to your surgeon, even minor changes such as a cough, cold or fever.

It is very important that you arrive on time. We ask our patient's to arrive 1 hour before surgery. You will be escorted to the pre-op area by the registered nurse who will be caring for you. In the pre-op area you will meet the anesthesiologist who will review your history, answer your questions and discuss the anesthesia plan. The surgeon will visit with you prior to surgery. After preparation for surgery is complete, a family member may sit with you until it is time for your surgery.

If you will be arriving late or cannot keep your surgery appointment, please notify us at 751-7550.

After surgery your nurse will stay with you until you are awake. Your blood pressure, pulse, oxygenation and pain levels will be monitored. You will be given medication as needed.

Once you are awake and fairly comfortable, you will be moved to the second phase of recovery where you can have something to eat or drink, and your family can be with you. Your nurse will review post operative instructions, phone in your prescriptions, and verify you have a follow-up appointment. When discharge criteria have been met, we will ask if you feel comfortable and ready for discharge. Please let us know if you do not feel ready to go home. Additional time is available and your surgeon will be contacted to evaluate your situation.