HCA Virginia
In order to make sure that we have all of the information necessary prior to your surgery, please collect the following information prior to your preoperative conference (see Before Your Procedure). Or, if you prefer, you or your physician may fax the information to us at (804) 730-1460.
In today’s busy world, most patients arrive at the center on the day of their scheduled surgery. The following section is designed to provide patients with answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about this part of the center process.
Can I eat or drink before the surgery?
It is important to have an empty stomach prior to surgery, and some foods take longer to digest than others. For this reason, guidelines for healthy patients have been established to give food and liquid time to be digested. Conditions like diabetes, acid reflux disease, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, obesity, nausea or bowel obstruction may slow the normal emptying of your stomach. If you have any doubts, please contact your surgeon or anesthesiologist for advice.
Can I chew gum prior to the surgery?
No. Chewing gum increases the amount of acid secreted in the stomach, and this may increase the risk of lung problems and pneumonia after anesthesia.
Can I take my medications before the surgery?
During your pre-op conference, the nurse will review your medication list with you and instruct you regarding your medications. Typically, you should take most of your regularly scheduled medications with a sip of water before you come to the center. It is particularly important to take medications for heart disease or high blood pressure. Also, if you regularly take any medications for acid reflux (“heartburn”), asthma, bronchitis or emphysema, please take these as well. Patients taking blood-thinners or diabetes medications should discuss these medicines with your surgeon or anesthesiologist before surgery.
Can I smoke prior to the surgery?
It is always a great time to quit smoking. Stopping smoking increases the safety of your anesthetic and lets your recover more quickly! In particular, we ask that you avoid smoking for at least 24 hours prior to the surgery. This allows your blood to carry more oxygen during the surgery. In addition, your lungs and upper airways will be less irritated and will respond less to breathing tubes and anesthetic gases.
When should I come to the center for the planned surgery?
The pre-op nurse will give you your arrival time during your pre-op conference.
Should I bring my medications from home?
We encourage our patients to bring a list of their medications, including the dosage amount and frequency to the center on the day of surgery. If you use an inhaler, we will ask you to bring it with you. All other medications should be left at home. The center will be able to provide you with the medications your physician will order for you during your stay at the center.
What else can I bring from home?
If valuables are brought to the center, you will be asked to leave them with the person who is with you. It is not a good idea to bring money, credit cards, jewelry or expensive watches.
Can I wear my contact lenses?
It is best that you leave your contact lenses at home where they will be safe. If you need to have your contacts or glasses to read consent forms or brochures, please bring them. At the time of surgery, you will be asked to remove them. If you choose to wear your contact lenses to the center, please bring your lens case for storage.
Can I wear makeup or jewelry?
We ask all of our patients to please not wear any make up the day of surgery. Eye makeup can smear and cause irritation to your eyes upon waking up from anesthesia. Please leave valuables and jewelry at home. If you have a piece of jewelry with particular sentimental value, for example a wedding band, then the ring will be taped during the procedure. Body piercing should also be removed prior to surgery, or replaced with a non-metallic version. Many anesthesiologists will not anesthetize a patient with a tongue piercing in place because the ring or stud may interfere with placing a breathing tube.
Should I bring my hearing aids?
Absolutely. If we need to remove them for your surgery, we will keep them in a safe place and return them to you as soon as possible after surgery, usually in the recovery room. We prefer that you wear your hearing aides for communication purposes.
Can I keep my dentures in?
You can keep your dentures in until the time of surgery. For your protection, when having a general anesthetic, we will ask you to remove your dentures for the surgery and return them to you as you wish after surgery. If you are having a local or regional anesthetic, you may be allowed to leave your dentures in place.
Will I have an IV before the surgery?
We know that getting an IV can be the hardest part of your anesthetic and surgery. An IV is necessary for several reasons. It allows us to give you fluids to make up for skipping breakfast. It also allows quick access for medication if any emergency should arise during surgery. Finally, an IV allows you to receive the pain medications, antibiotics, and fluids your body may require following surgery. With the exception of some small children having a minor surgery like ear tube placement, almost all patients need an IV before surgery. For very young children who need an IV, we can often let them drift off to sleep with anesthesia gases and then start the IV For older children and adult patients, our nursing staff and Anesthesia team take great care to make the IV insertion as pleasant and painless as possible. Numbing medication to the skin before starting will often ease the process.
Can I bring my friends and relatives with me?
It can be a very anxious time for both you and your family, we recommend that patients bring only a few close family and friends to the center for emotional support. Also, with your permission, they can pass along information from your doctors and nurses to your other family and friends.
Will some one inform my family and friends of the progress or results?
With your permission, when your surgery is finished, your surgeon will go out to the waiting area to notify your family and friends. If the surgery takes longer than expected, your surgeon and nurses in the O.R. will keep your family and friends informed. For privacy reasons, your surgeon will only relate information about your surgery with your approval. Please discuss this with your surgeon prior to your surgery. When you are ready, the nurse will allow family members to come to the recovery area to assist in your preparation for discharge.
I am very nervous and anxious. Will I get some medicine for that?
Many patients experience fear of the unknown. Knowing exactly what is going to happen to you and understanding how the system works in the center will help to decrease most patients’ anxiety. If you are admitted to the center on the day prior to your surgery, your anesthesiologist will visit you and may prescribe medication to help you relax before surgery. After your admission to the holding area, the anesthesiologist will administer a sedative through your IV to help you to relax.
Will I meet my Anesthesiologist before the surgery?
Certainly. Your anesthesiologist will prescribe a combination of medicines specifically for your surgery and state of health. To design this plan, your anesthesiologist will interview you before your anesthesia to gather information and answer your questions. He or she will review results of lab tests, along with medical, surgical and anesthesia records and any history of allergic reactions. The risks and benefits of the prescribed anesthetic, along with any alternatives, will be discussed at this time.
Will I get the chance to talk to my surgeon if I have some questions?
If you wish to speak to your surgeon prior to surgery, please let your nurse know and he or she will make sure that you receive no sedative medication before your surgeon’s arrival. Your surgeon will always see you prior to the procedure. However, if sedative medications are administered through your IV before he arrives, you may not remember any conversations you have!
Can I drive myself home after the same day surgery?
No. You MUST make arrangements to have a responsible adult to provide you with transportation. It is not advised to operate vehicles or machinery for 24 hours after surgery. It is strongly suggested that you have someone stay with you during the first 24 hours.