The Day of Surgery

Please report to the registration desk inside the Surgery Center. The Surgery Center is located on the north side of the main lobby, on the first floor of the building in Suite 100.

Important Points to Remember - Adults

1. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing.
2. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, including wedding ring, watches and money.
3. Please bring:
   • your insurance card and photo identification
   • advanced directive/durable power of attorney for health care, if available
   • Guardianship papers if applicable
4. A responsible adult must bring you to the Surgery Center, remain during the procedure and then drive you home.
5. Leave your gown and slippers at home. They will be provided for you when you arrive at the Surgery Center.
6. Prostheses, contact lenses, etc. will be removed before you enter the operating room. You may be asked to remove your dentures. They will be kept in a secure area for safekeeping and will be returned to you in the recovery room after surgery.
7. You may wish to bring a pillow and a blanket for the ride home.

Important Points to Remember - Children

1. Remove all baby bottles from the crib at night. Inform the family members that the child should not be given anything to eat or drink after midnight.
2. If appropriate for age of child, remove all drinking glasses from the bathroom. Do not let the child brush his/her teeth the morning of the surgery.
3. You may bring children in pajamas. They may keep their underpants on.
4. For infants, you may bring formula or special drinking cups for use after surgery. Bring an extra diaper or change of underwear.
5. Children may bring a favorite blanket or small, soft toy.
6. If possible, do not bring other children along the day of surgery.
7. Bring your health insurance card and birth certificate for all children under 18 years of age, along with a parent's photo I.D.

When You Arrive

After you check in at the registration desk, the following sequences of events will take place:

1. You will be taken into an area where you will change into a patient gown and empty your bladder.
2. You will be placed on a stretcher; a nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
3. An intravenous (IV) will be started and lab samples may be collected. IVs on young children will not be started until later in the OR.
4. Your anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist will discuss the anesthetic plan with you.
5. Medication to ensure your relaxation will be administered. It may make your mouth feel dry.
6. Your friend or family member may remain with you until you go into the operating room area.
7. Parents are encouraged to hold their child during this phase.

During Surgery

The family member or friend who brings you to the Surgery Center MUST wait in the surgical lounge during your surgery; otherwise your surgery may be delayed. The lounge offers refreshments and snacks for friends or family waiting for you to recover.

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