If you have orders from your surgeon to obtain a blood test, EKG, or other exam prior to surgery, please make arrangements to have that done at least 2 weeks prior to the day of surgery.  The purpose of pre-admission testing is to gather information before surgery about your health.

Prior to surgery, a nurse from the Surgery Center will call you at home.  The purpose of this call is to obtain a brief medical history and baseline information about your health and medication usage so that we can take good care of you or your child.  This call also gives you the opportunity to get any questions you may have answered.

You must have a family member or other responsible adult drive you home if you have had an anesthetic or sedation.  It is important that you have someone to help you with your recovery at home for the first 24 hours.

Please leave all jewelry, money, and valuables at home.

If you will need crutches after surgery, please obtain them before surgery.  They are available through pharmacies or medical supply businesses.

For Pediatric Patients:  It is suggested that a comfort item such as a favorite toy or stuffed animal be brought with the child on the day of surgery.

Please bathe and/or shower the morning of surgery.  Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that will be easy to put on after surgery.  Please do not apply heavy make-up or body lotion.  Please remove all body piercing before arriving at the Surgery Center.

Unless otherwise instructed, do not eat any food after midnight the day of surgery.  8 oz. of clear liquids are allowed until 4 hours before the time you are to arrive at Delmarva Surgery Center.  Clear liquids include water, tea, apple juice, or black coffee.  Do not drink any liquids you cannot see through such as milk or broth.  Do not use tobacco products, gum, or hard candy the day of surgery.  Please refrain from alcohol or recreational drugs 24 hours before your surgery.

Plan on arriving at Delmarva Surgery Center 1 hour before your surgery is scheduled, unless you are instructed differently.  If possible, leave a phone number where you can be reached the day of surgery.

When you arrive at the surgical center, you will be prepared for surgery by a Registered Nurse.  Your nurse will do such things as check your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation.  He/she will also start an IV (if indicated) and prepare you in other ways as your physician may have ordered.  These things may include shaving the hair at the surgery site, giving medications, or applying compression stockings for circulation.

Your family may be with you during this preparation time.  Because of space limitations, we kindly ask you to limit your visitors to two.  Please arrange for child care for your children if at all possible.  If your child is the patient, we ask that you do not leave the Surgery Center.

Your anesthesiologist will visit with you before surgery to discuss the anesthesia and answer any questions you may have.

You will meet your operating room nurse.  He/She will take you to surgery on a stretcher in most cases.

After surgery you will be observed and cared for in the post anesthesia recovery area.

If you experience discomfort, your nurse will have pain medication available to give you.  It is very important to let the nurse know how you are feeling.  Rating your pain on a scale of 0 – 10, with 0 = no pain to 10 = most severe pain, is helpful for the nurse to determine the most appropriate medication.

Your nurse will also have medication to treat any other side effects you may experience after anesthesia, such as nausea.

When you are ready to be discharged, your nurse will go over the home care instructions with you and another responsible person.  You will be given a written copy of these instructions to take home.

A nurse will call you at home within 72 hours following surgery.  It is important for us to know how you are feeling and progressing after your surgery and anesthesia.

Take your pain medications according to the directions.

You should plan on resting for the remainder of the day.

Unless otherwise instructed, walking short distances in your home helps prevent complications after surgery by promoting circulation in your legs.  Your surgeon will instruct you on resuming normal activities.

If you are required to be inactive, it is important to take frequent deep breaths and passively exercise your legs.

If your surgery was on an arm or leg, elevate it as much as possible.

Don’t plan to drive or drink alcohol until you have stopped taking pain medications.

Report to your physician: excessive bleeding; elevated temperature of greater than 101°F for 24 hours; ineffective pain control; prolonged nausea or vomiting problems; problems with circulation in the operative area; or any other surgery related problem.  If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to call.