Pre & Post Operation Instructions
Before Your Procedure
Shortly before your scheduled procedure, a representative from our facility will call to confirm details of your appointment. If we can't reach you, make sure to call us no later than the day before surgery. We'll need to know about current and past medical conditions, current medications and allergies. This is also the perfect opportunity to discuss any questions or special needs you may have with us.
- Your doctor will instruct you as to what time you are to stop eating food and drinking fluids prior to your procedure.
- If you take medication for any condition, ask your doctor and/or a nurse whether or not to take it the day of your procedure.
- For women, if there is any possibility you are pregnant, please notify your doctor and our nursing staff.
- Leave all valuables at home, including watches, rings, jewelry and wallets. However, we do ask that you bring your current insurance cards and photo ID.
- Notify your physician of any change in your health, such as a cold, fever or sore throat.
- For your safety, please arrange for an adult to drive you home after your procedure. You will not be allowed to walk, take a bus, or drive yourself home.
Day of Your Procedure
- Arrive promptly at the scheduled time. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures.
- Please bring your insurance identification cards and photo ID. If special financial arrangements are necessary, please call us prior to admission.
- Be sure to bring any paperwork your doctor gave you, such as test results or your medical history, and a list of medications you are taking.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
- Upon arrival, you will change into a gown and will be asked to remove contact lenses, dentures and any prosthesis.
After Your Procedure
- After the procedure, you will be moved to the recovery area where you will be closely monitored until you are ready to go home.
- When you are fully awake, your family will be able to join you. Although the times may vary, most of our patients are discharged within three hours of arrival and under an hour after their procedure.
- Your physician will likely not speak with you after the procedure. The discharge conversation will be brief due to the fact that many people will not remember the conversation clearly. Even if you seem fully awake, your memory may remain temporarily impaired. You should have your follow-up with your physician in person or by telephone at some point after the procedure. Typically, biopsy and procedure results are available by phone the week following the exam.
- Your judgment, coordination and memory may be affected for up to 24 hours. Until the day following your procedure, do not engage in strenuous activities, drink any alcoholic beverages, drive, or make any critical decisions. For some occupations (e.g. pilot, commercial vehicle driver, etc.) a minimum of 24 hours may be recommended.