Pre-Operative-Testing
Discuss recommendations for Pre-Operative surgical testing with your surgeon. You may be required to have a Pre-surgical physical, blood work, EKG, or chest X-ray. The testing should be completed before the surgical procedure. The results should be faxed to the ordering physician and to our facility. Our fax number is 703 385 2865.
Online Clinical History
Once you have completed your On-line Clinical History, one of our Pre-Operative Instructors will contact you for your Pre-Operative Interview.
Pre-Operative Interview
The Pre-Operative Department will contact you 3-5 business days before surgery. If you do not receive a call at least 2 days before your procedure, please call our main number 703 691 0670, and select: Pre-Surgical Instructions – Option # 4.
Pre-Operative Instructor will give you your surgical time if it is available during the interview. In some cases, the surgeon will not permit disclosure of the surgery procedure time until the day before the procedure. The surgeon may have add-ons, or cancellations, so the procedure time is subject to change.
Food and Liquid Restriction
With certain procedures, there are food restrictions. Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, or a Pre-Operative Instructor, DO NOT EAT SOLID FOODS after midnight the night before your surgery. You may have clear liquid until 3 hours prior to your surgery time, i.e. WATER or APPLE JUICE Only!
No liquids 3 hours before your procedure. Parent(s) and/or Legal Guardian(s) of children who are breast-fed or are formula fed need to speak to a Pre-Operative Instructor for restrictions.
(Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications during a medical procedure. Your surgery is most likely to be postponed if you forget to follow the above instructions).
Hygiene
Take a shower the night before, or the morning of the surgery procedure to minimize your risk of infection. Teeth may be brushed; however, do not consume liquid after brushing. Do not wear contact lenses. Remove all make-up and nail polish. Do not wear lotions. Remove all body piercing if applicable.
Personal Belonging
Wear no jewelry and leave all valuables at home. The Surgical Center is not responsible for personal items, wallets, jewelry, etc. that is lost.
Clothing
Wear comfortable clothing that will accommodate large dressings, or tender surgery sites. Shoes should be flat and comfortable. Consider your type of surgery and wear the appropriate clothing. If you are having EYE, NECK, or HEAD surgery - we recommend wearing a button-down shirt.
During surgery, you will be provided with a patient gown. The staff will provide you with a bag to keep your clothing in during the procedure.
Support Arrangements
From Admission to Discharge, arrange for an adult family member or friend to stay with you at the Surgical Center during the entire procedure. Be sure to have a responsible person drive you and accompany you home, as you will not be permitted to drive yourself home after anesthesia.
We suggest that you have a responsible party stay with you for the first night following your procedure. Adult patients with children should consider making child care arrangements for children. For 24 hours following surgery you could feel drowsy.
Parent(s) and/or Legal Guardian(s) need to accompany children to surgery, and must remain in the building at all times during the child's procedure. We encourage you to allow the pediatric surgical patient to bring his/her favorite book, stuffed animal, game boy, or security blanket.
Family and Friends
Limit the number of people who accompany you to the Surgical Center. To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we suggest that only 1 person accompany adult patients. For pediatric patients, both parents, and/or legal guardians may accompany the patient.
Language translation services
We have a roster of staff that is able to provide emergency translation services if you are unable to arrange for an interpreter to accompany you to the Surgical Center. The interpreter should remain at the facility until you are discharged. Anyone requiring translation services should indicate that need to our Pre-Operative Instructor, and every effort will be made to accommodate this request.
Health Status Changes
If you experience health changes between your most recent visit to your surgeon, or on the day of your surgery - notify your surgeon's office immediately.
FEMALES: If you suspect PREGNANCY, please notify the surgeon. Anesthesia and medications can be harmful to a developing fetus.
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Day of Surgery Checklist
•Please arrive at the time given to you by the Pre-Operative Instructor.
Bring your Insurance Card and form of picture I.D.
Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing and shoes.
Remember not to wear any jewelry and leave all valuables at home.
Bring Co-payment if required per your insurance policy.
Be sure to have a responsible person drive and accompany you home after your surgery.
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After Surgery
After surgery you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, where specially trained Recovery Room Nurses will care for you while you wake up. The Medical Staff will discharge you when they are assured that you are in stable condition. However, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy or nauseated. These are possible and normal side effects of the anesthesia, and can last for 12-24 hours.
Follow any specific Discharge Instructions given by your physician regarding diet, rest, exercise and medication. These instructions are designed to aid in your recovery and prevent complications.
Following 12-24 hours after discharge:
-Contact your doctor's office if any problems occur after you arrive home
-Physician's telephone will be included on your Discharge Instructions copy
Wait at least 24-hours after you arrive home to:
Drive
Operate any equipment
Sign any important papers
Make any important decisions
Drink any alcoholic beverages
Take any medicine not prescribed or acknowledged by your surgeon
The next business day following your surgery one of our Recovery Room Nurses will call you at home to see how you are doing.
The staff at the Fairfax Surgical Center wishes you well in your recovery.
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