What is your infection rate?
For 2008 our infection rate was 0.19%. For 2009 our infection rate was 0.05%. We take great pride in the fact that our infection rate is significantly lower than the national average. We have a committee that meets monthly solely dedicated to ensuring that we continue to have incredibly low infection rates. We also have a Registered Nurse specially trained in Infection Control and a member of APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.). We have also been recognized by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for promoting quality in endoscopy and have had zero infections from our endoscopy unit since opening in 2005.
May I pre-register for my surgery?
We now offer online pre-registration through One Medical Passport.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and the Center as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients. Some Surgeons’ Offices have a cancellation fee. We cannot take you off the schedule, please call the Surgeon first.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear safe, comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think. It is very important that you follow these guidelines in order to avoid delay or cancellation of your surgery.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your surgery. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.
Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your sugar at the Center. You should be contacted before your surgery leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take.
People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.
Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. Please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home. The few patients who have procedures performed under local anesthesia alone could possibly drive home.
Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Someone must drive you to the center, remain during your procedure, sign for your discharge instructions and take you home. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms, copayments
- Make sure you have a someone to drive you to the center, remain, take you home and someone to care for you at home
- Children may bring a blanket or favorite stuffed animal.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
- Do not wear make-up
How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale, or for children, the Faces Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication we will alter the therapy as needed in order to assure your comfort.
The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.