Ambulatory Care

Many surgical procedures which used to require a lengthy stay in the hospital can now be performed on an "ambulatory care" basis. This means, a patient is admitted, has surgery , and returns home all in the same day.

Ambulatory or Same Day Surgery is safe and efficient. It reduces the disruption to your life which surgery can cause- and significantly reduces the cost, too. For Ambulatory Surgery to be effective, it is especially important that patients understand the procedures thoroughly and follow instructions exactly.

Other medical procedures, which are not classified as surgery , such as chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and certain diagnostic procedures are also performed in the Unit. Your doctor will explain the steps you must take prior to these treatments.

Before your Surgery

If your procedure is appropriate for ambulatory surgery , your physician will arrange for your surgery and visit.

You will be given the necessary forms to fill out. Prior to your surgery , you will have whatever tests your physician feels are appropriate, such as laboratory work and/ or EKG.

The day prior to your surgery you will receive a phone call from the ambulatory care nurse. They will go over your instructions and answer any questions you may have. You may be nervous, but here are some things you must remember!

  1. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Some medications may be taken with a small sip of water, ask your physician about your medications. Don't even chew gum. You 'd be surprised at the number of people who fail to follow this simple instruction and whose surgery must be postponed as a result.
  2. For maximum protection against infection, on at least the night before your surgery , shower or bathe with Hibiclens, an antiseptic agent you can purchase at your local drug store. Shampoo thoroughly, clean fingernails and toenails, and remove all makeup and nail polish.
  3. In all cases, even where you will receive a local anesthetic, you must make arrangements in advance for someone to drive you to and from the hospital. Failure to do so will result in the postponement of your surgery!
  4. Please ! No smoking!
  5. If you develop a cold or other illness, notify your physician as soon as possible.

    6. Day of Surgery
    1. Please be on time when you report to the Registration Desk in the Main Lobby. If you have not already done so, inform the admitting clerk of any allergies to medication. Also, bring the names and dosages of any medication you have been taking.
    2. If for some reason you cannot keep your appointment or will be late, telephone 756-9771 and ask for "Admitting" as early in the morning as possible.
    3. Please do not bring money, jewelry or other valuables to the hospital. Do, however, bring your glasses, hearing aid, or dentures.
    4. Remove all Jewelry (this includes all piercing jewelry including tongue, nasal and belly button rings).

    After your surgery
    1. You will be taken to the Recovery Room (PACU). There, a nurse will monitor your blood pressure, pulse and respirations. When you have recovered from your anesthesia you will be transferred to the Ambulatory Care Unit for continued monitoring until you are ready to go home.
    2. If at any time you are experiencing pain inform your nurse, she has many methods to alleviate or control any pain you may experience.
    3. When your physician decides that you may be discharged, the hospital will notify the individual you have selected to drive you home.
    4. For at least 24 hours after discharge, you should not drive, operate machinery. or consume alcoholic beverages.
    5. If you have had general anesthesia, it is natural for you to feel sleepy and groggy for the remainder of the day.
    6. If you experience any difficulties after going home, phone your physician for advice. If you are unable to reach your physician you may call the hospital emergency care center.
    7. The day after your surgery you will receive a phone call from a nurse to check on your progress.