The Day of Surgery

When you arrive at the surgical center, please check in with the receptionist. You will receive an identification bracelet and will be asked for necessary information. A waiting area is available for family and friends.

You will be shown to the private changing area and will be given a hospital gown, robe and slippers to wear. An individual locker is provided for your belongings.

The Holding Unit

In the holding unit, a nurse will verify your surgical procedure and anticipated length of stay. The nurse will evaluate your pain level, answer questions and check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Nursing and anesthesia staff will interview you regarding medical history, medications, allergies and recent exposure to communicable diseases. They will also review your surgical consent and any pre-operative test your doctor ordered. A pre-operative shave or scrub may be done at this time, if appropriate.

The Operating Room

When you are ready to leave the holding unit, the surgical staff assigned to care for you during your procedure will transport you by stretcher to the operating room (OR) where your surgery will be performed. Once in the OR, you may be asked to move from the stretcher to the OR bed. You will be connected to monitoring equipment (heart monitor and blood pressure cuff). Please expect members of the surgical team to repeatedly ask you to verify your name, date of birth and the site and side of your surgical procedure. This is a new verification process that has been adopted for your safety.

Once your surgery is complete, you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit (recovery room).