A few days before your scheduled surgery, a member of our staff will call you to review your medical history and discuss special health instructions you need to follow. In addition, your admissions procedures will be discussed, including insurance information and coverage. All paperwork will be prepared in advance, including admissions forms, ready for your review and signature upon your arrival. Be sure to ask any questions you may have at this time! As an important reminder, pre-operative instructions will be given to you from your surgeon.

• In advance of surgery . .
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home from the Surgery Center.
  • Make sure that a responsible adult stays with you for the rest of the day and through the night following surgery.
  • If you have small children, please make sure you have made childcare arrangements so that you can rest when you get home.
• The night before surgery . .
  • After midnight, do not eat any solid food; you may however drink clear liquids up to 3 hours before your prcocedure; check with the Surgery Center if you have any questions. If you brush your teeth, rinse your mouth without swallowing any liquid.
  • If you normally take medications during this time period, check with your surgeon to see if you should take them the night before or morning prior to surgery.
  • If you still smoke, it is recommended that you refrain from smoking the day before surgery.
• The morning of surgery . .
  • Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the Surgery Center. You will find this especially helpful when returning home, as you will want to avoid any unnecessary pressure on sensitive surgery sites.
  • Wear flat shoes. Slip on styles are best.
  • Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. If you wear contact lenses you may he asked to remove them prior to surgery so please bring your glasses and contact case along.
  • If it is your young child who will he undergoing surgery, please make sure you bring along a comforting toy or blanket.
  • Bring your completed insurance card/form, Medicare card, or current MediCal stickers.


• When you arrive . . Upon arrival at the reception desk in the lobby you will be warmly welcomed. A member of our staff will review all admissions and insurance forms with you. You will then be escorted to the pre-operative area. There, your nurse will greet you, prepare you for surgery, and provide whatever assistance is needed for your comfort. After surgery is complete, you will recover in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Registered nurses will observe you closely and monitor your vital signs frequently until you are alert and ready to go home. Throughout this period, your family member or friend will be kept informed of your progress.
  
  
• Special precautions:
  Contact your surgeon or Surgery Center immediately if you experience any changes in your health - even minor elevations in your temperature, a cold, or even a cough - it should be reported.
  If you are a woman of child-bearing age and suspect you may be pregnant, please notify your surgeon. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.
  

In general, there are three important things to remember:

1. NOTIFY YOUR SURGEON immediately if you experience any health changes prior to your surgery. Please report even minor symptoms associated with mild colds and the flu.
2. THE NIGHT BFFORE SURGERY, do not eat solid food after midnight. You may drink clear liquids: (water, tea, coffee without cream or milk, 7-UP) up to 3 hours before your procedure.
3. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS for an adult to drive you home from Salinas Surgery Center and stay with you through the night following your surgery.