Download Recovery - Great Lakes Surgical

As a patient scheduled for surgery at Great
Lakes Surgical, you will find the information
in this brochure helpful for you and your
family. It will explain the process before,
during and after your operation.
Please bring the following with you at the
time of surgery:
 A list of all your medications including
dosage and times taken.
 For patients under 18 years old who are
having surgery an adult must be present
throughout the procedure
From midnight the night before surgery:
Do not eat anything. Upon awakening in the
morning, you may have 8 oz of clear liquids only
up to 2 hours prior to surgery. Examples: water,
apple juice, black coffee or tea. NO orange juice,
cream or milk products.
If at any time your physical condition
changes before surgery, (Ex: you have
a cold, persistent cough, fever or any
other physical changes) please notify
your physician
Smoking should be stopped for as long as
possible before and after surgery.
 With your assistance, our surgical team will
review your medical information,
medications and allergies. This may seem
excessive to you, but our wish is to provide
you with the best care possible. It helps our
staff become personally acquainted with all
your health needs.
 You will be given a gown to wear
The day of surgery
Please report to the lower level surgical desk at
your scheduled arrival time (usually 1 hour
before the procedure time).
 Provisions will be made for your personal
things (a personal belongings bag to remain
with you at all time)
 Please do not wear make-up, nail polish or
jewelry
 You may be asked to remove such things as
dentures, glasses, hairpins and any
prosthesis
 Body piercings must be removed
 Your vital signs will be taken
 Do not wear contact lenses
 An Intravenous line (IV) will be started in
your arm or hand
 Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
 If you use inhalers or a C-Pap machine,
please being them with you
 Please check with your surgeon or primary
doctor regarding any medications you should
take the morning of your procedure.
 Bring a list of all your medications including
dosages and time taken
 If you were instructed to take medicine, do
so the morning of your procedure with a
small sip of water.
 Please make certain that you bring a
responsible adult with you. We ask that
they remain on site throughout your
procedure
 If you do not follow these instructions, it
may be necessary to cancel surgery.
Before surgery
Great Lakes Surgical is not
responsible for the loss of personal
belongings
 Women ages 12-55 yrs – the morning of your
procedure will be asked to provide a urine
sample for a pregnancy test
If you have any
questions please call
the office at
716-434-6141
During Surgery
 Your doctor, anesthesia provider, operating
room nurse and a surgical technician will all
be present with you in surgery.
 A family member must remain with you
from arrival to discharge and will be shown
where to wait in the lobby. This is where the
doctor will look for family to discuss the
findings of you procedure.
In the Recovery Room
After surgery, you will be in the Recovery Room
where you will be cared for by RNs who will
monitor your vital signs frequently. You may be
encouraged to take some fluids and your IV will
be removed when you can drink. You may be
instructed in deep breathing and coughing
exercises. Your physician may prescribe
medication to make you comfortable. You will
be encouraged to move about and go to the
bathroom.
The RN and anesthesia provider will determine
when you can leave the Recovery Room and be
discharged with your family member.
Discharge
You can go home when. . .
 You are able to drink without nausea or
vomiting
 You are able to urinate
 You do not have excessive pain
 Your doctor has given permission for you to
leave
A day or so after your discharge,
a nurse will call you at home to
evaluate your recovery
Other Helpful Information
 Although you may feel well enough to go
home, you should plan to rest until the next
day.
 You will not be allowed to leave without a
responsible adult to accompany you, even if
you take a taxi.
 A responsible adult should be at home to assist
you as well.
 You will not be allowed to operate a motor
vehicle/heavy equipment or consume alcohol
for at least 24 hours after surgery.
 If you are scheduled to work 3-11 pm or 11
pm–7am, for your safety and others, it is
strongly recommended that you take the
evening off.
 Instructions from the doctor will be reviewed
with you by the nurse and sent home with you.
 Any prescriptions written by your doctor will
be sent electronically to your pharmacy. They
should be filled on your way home or soon
after.
The following is normal after an operation . . .
 Feeling tired or having a “hung over” feeling
for a day or more.
 Discomfort at the site of your operation.
 A slight upset stomach, gas or bloating
 A scratchy or slightly sore throat.
 A small amount of drainage or bleeding at the
surgical site.
Remember: You surgery may be canceled if:
 If you eat anything after midnight prior to your
procedure
 You arrive late
 You do not have a responsible person to
accompany you home
 You have not completed pre-surgical testing (if
ordered)
Guide to Surgery &
Recovery
160 East Avenue
Lockport, NY 14094
716-434-6141
Fax: 716-434-0594
If pre-op testing is required:
Pre-op Test Date: ____________
Surgery Date:____________
Arrival Time: ______________
Please report to the lower
level at the time listed above
NOTE: All copays and deductibles are
due at the time of service.