Preparing for Procedure

Preparing for your procedure can be a stressful time; however, the staff at Stuart Surgery Center are focused on your safety and care, and are here to guide you through this health care encounter.

Pre-Registration

Once your procedure has been scheduled:

Your physicians’ office staff will provide information regarding patient registration on One Medical Passport, a web-based patient registration portal. Please log in and complete your health care information at least a week before your procedure. Once this is completed, one of our Registered Nurses will contact you to review your past and present medical and surgical history. The nurse will also ask about all of the medications that you take on a daily basis including over the counter medications and herbal supplements. It is especially important to know your blood pressure, diabetic, and heart medications. The nurse will then review instructions about taking medications prior to your procedure and other important information you may need to know for your procedure. 

Depending on your age and medical history, it is possible your physician may schedule a few minor tests prior to your procedure to further assure the safest of outcomes for you. If these are needed, you will receive instructions for any tests from either the nurse or your physicians’ office. The results from these tests will automatically be forwarded to your surgeon and our surgery center.

*Prior to the day of your procedure, if there are any changes in your physical condition, please notify your surgeon’s office. If your outcome might be affected by these changes, the doctor may choose to postpone your procedure.

If you are having any anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone accompany you, stay at the surgery center, and drive you home after your procedure. It is preferred that you have someone to stay with you overnight following your procedure.

The Day Before Your Procedure

A member of our staff will call you with your procedure and arrival times. Because preparing for your procedure is very important, to assure your safety and the best possible experience, we have listed some important rules for you to follow. Ignoring these may cause your procedure to be delayed or cancelled.

If You Are Having Anesthesia/Sedation:

  • Follow all procedure preparation instructions provided by your physician.

  • Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight the night before procedure (this includes: chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco) unless otherwise instructed.

  • Do not bring valuables with you on the day of your procedure (this includes: purses, money, jewelry, etc.).

  • Please make arrangements for child care to allow you to focus on your heath care the day of your procedure.

  • If receiving anesthesia or sedation, please have a responsible adult to drive you home.

  • You will be asked to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the time of your procedure; however, this may be up to 2 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia you are receiving. A nurse from Stuart Surgery Center will call you with your arrival time.

  • If you are diabetic, you will be given instructions as to the dose and time to take your medication prior to arriving at the center.

  • If you routinely take a medication that thins the blood, you must speak with your surgeon about when to stop this drug and if you may need any blood tests before your procedure (i.e. aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Naprosyn, Motrin, Predaxa).

  • If you are delayed in arriving, please call the center as soon as possible at (772) 263-8400.

The Day of Procedure

On the day of procedure, we ask that you:

  • Bring your reading glasses if needed, you will have forms to complete and sign.

  • Bring a list of all current medications (including vitamins and herbals), the dosage and how often you take them.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and simple shoes to make getting dressed after your procedure easy. Do not wear any jewelry of any kind.

  • Bring your insurance cards and driver’s license for the admitting process.

  • Escorts are asked to remain in the building while you are in your procedure. If your escort must step out, please tell the receptionist.

You will be asked to remove dentures and glasses/contacts when getting ready for your procedure, so please bring your cases with you.

Your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and operating room nurse will visit you in pre-op. They will re-verify information and answer any questions you may have. You may be in pre-op for about an hour. After your procedure, you will be taken directly to the recovery room where you will again be monitored by nurses until the time you are discharged.

The Recovery Room

Your escort will be allowed in the Recovery Room with you when it is appropriate. For the privacy of you and other patients, limited visitors are allowed in the recovery . You will be offered crackers and a light beverage. The length of time you will be in the Recovery Room is dependent on the type of procedure and anesthesia you had, your pain level, and your ability to tolerate fluids.

Once you are awake and alert, the nurse will review with you and your care-giver the instructions written by your physician which you are to follow at home. You will be given a copy of your discharge instructions to take home with you.

Please note: Everyone reacts to procedure differently. Rarely, patients may need to be admitted to the hospital following the procedure for specific medical reasons. If the need arises, be assured that this decision will be made in conjunction with anesthesia personnel and your surgeon. You would be admitted to Martin Medical Center.

When You Go Home

Please follow these instructions when you get home if you have had anesthesia/sedation:

  • You must have your care-giver stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may be drowsy or dizzy and unsteady on your feet.

  • Rest and relax. You have just had a procedure. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for resuming your normal activities.

  • Eat a light meal when you get hungry. Eating too much, or heavy foods, may cause you to become nauseated.

  • Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming any previous medications you had been on, as well as taking any pain medication prescribed for you.

  • Do NOT drive, drink alcoholic beverages or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

  • If you feel you are experiencing any problems after your discharge, call your doctor’s office immediately. If your doctor is not available call the Emergency Room at your local hospital or 9-1-1 if it is an extreme emergency.

After your procedure, you will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to check on your progress.  Thank you for entrusting us with your care!