Patients and Visitors

Before Surgery

Follow these guidelines the day before your surgery to ensure that your operation goes smoothly:

• Your surgeon will inform you if any prior testing is necessary before you arrive at the surgery center. Please request any pre-admission testing results be sent to Pickerington Surgery Center before the date of your procedure. The results may be faxed to 614.604.7446.

• Expect a call from a registered nurse prior to your procedure to obtain information about your medical history and answer any questions you may have. If you have not been contacted by 4:30 p.m. the business day prior to your surgery, please call the center for specific instructions. If the center calls and is unable to reach you, please return our call as soon as possible: 614-604-7430

• Please arrange for a responsible adult to arrive and leave with you from the surgery center. You will want to plan for assistance at home the first 24 hours after surgery if you have received intravenous or oral sedation and/or general anesthesia.
• Notify the center before your arrival if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold or fever: 614-604-7430
• If you wear contact lenses or glasses, bring a case for their safekeeping. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.
• The night before your surgery you may eat a light meal. Do not drink or eat anything after midnight— not even coffee or water. You may brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow anything. Refrain from the use of mints, chewing gum, alcohol or cigarettes. Failure to follow these instructions may result in cancellation of your surgery.
• Please do not take any medication after midnight unless instructed by your physician or our office. If you are diabetic or on blood pressure, blood thinners or heart medication, obtain specific instructions from your physician or contact the center.

What to Expect After Your Surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be closely observed, then permitted to change into your clothes. You will be discharged to a responsible adult when your vital signs are stable and discharge criteria are met. If you had a local anesthetic injection with no sedation, you will be permitted to change and then discharged.

Your surgeon will provide written instructions for your care at home, activity level (including return to work) and prescriptions. Your nurse will review the physician’s instructions and prescription(s) with you and your care provider.

We try very hard to make you as comfortable as possible. It is not unusual to experience sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, and/or a sore throat from anesthesia up to 24 hours after surgery. A nurse from the surgery center will phone you within a few days after your surgery to see how you are and answer any additional questions you might have.

You may begin sipping liquids and eating light foods when you feel able. Resume your normal medications. Avoid the use of alcoholic beverages during your use of pain medication. Do not drive, operate any machinery, sign important documents or make significant decisions for 24 hours. Please plan for assistance at home the first 24 hours after surgery.

You will need to schedule a follow-up visit at your surgeon’s office. If you develop any unusual symptoms as described in your post-operative instructions, have difficulty urinating or have any other concerns, please call your surgeon.