Family members planning to visit you before early surgery, should arrive 90 minutes
before the scheduled time(about 6:00am). If you are scheduled for later surgery your
family should arrive around mid morning.
Patient Rooms
- Private and semi-private rooms are available.
- Private rooms are obtained, by request, whenavailable. There is an additional charge of $42 per day for a private room. A cot or recliner is available for use in the private room. One person may stay with you in the room.
- Priority for private rooms is given to patients needing isolation or who have special medical needs.
Pretesting and Educational class
Your surgeon may order tests (see standard tests) and an educational class prior to your
admission. This is done in the pre-admission testing dept. You will be given a packet of
information personally tailored to your health care needs. A 15 min educational summary
videotape or CD is available and a tour of the facility is offered. A member of your
family is encouraged to attend along with you. A phone number is provided for you to reach
the educator if needed.
If you are hospitalized and have not attended the educational class, the staff will
offer education at the bedside.
Things to avoid before surgery
- No alcoholic beverages for 48 hours before surgery.
- Refrain from smoking.
- Don't eat or drink anything after midnight prior to surgery.
Special soap
Your surgeon has asked that you bathe or shower with a prescribed anti-bacterial soap.
The name of the prescribed soap is Hibiclens® (Chlorhexidine gluconate 4%).
(Questions and Answers about the soap listed below)
Where can I find the soap?
The soap is available at any pharmacy and can be purchased without a prescription.
When should I use the soap?
- You should bathe or shower 2 times the day before surgery. Usually morning and evening prior to coming to the hospital.
- Bring the rest of the soap with you. You will also use this soap in the hospital before going to surgery.
How do I use the soap?
- Wet the skin,
- step out of the stream of water (if showering)
- work recommended soap into a good lather paying special attention to cleaning your chest, arms, groin areas, and legs.
- ONLY USE THIS SOAP FROM THE NECK DOWN as it can cause serious injury to the eyes or ears if used inappropriately.
Surgical site hair removal
The hair from your surgical incision and IV sites will be removed before surgery at the
hospital, using special clippers. Do not remove the hair yourself.
Anesthesiologist
The anesthesiologist will visit you before surgery. Your medical history will be
discussed and particular attention paid to the following: allergic reactions, or if you
have ever had any side effects from anesthesia such as nausea or vomiting associated with
a previous surgery.
Medications
Some medications are often adjusted or stopped in the days preceding surgery. Clear
instruction from your surgeon should be obtained. Once clarification has been received,
you may take your prescribed medications before midnight and your physician may instruct
you to take some medications after midnight.
Your nurse will give pre-operative medication at the appropriate time. This may make the
patient relaxed and drowsy.
Chaplain visits
It helps many patients to have someone to talk to about their feelings concerning
surgery. For this reason a chaplain often routinely visits. Chaplains also offer
support to the family in the waiting room. You may utilize this support or decline it
depending on your needs at the time.
