Pre/post Operative Instructions
The following information will help prepare you for your surgery at the Ambulatory Surgery Center at OSS. It is important to follow these instructions carefully.
Pre-Procedural Testing
- All tests must be done within 30 days of your scheduled surgery but absolutely no less than one (1) week prior to surgery
- Tests completed less than one (1) week of your scheduled surgery may cause your surgery to be cancelled!
- Please report to one of the Wellspan or Memorial Hospital lab facilities, or the lab required by your insurance company for your blood tests, EKG and x-ray ordered by your physician.
- All test results are reviewed by your surgeon and the anesthesia personnel. If there are test results in question, or if you have a significant medical history, you may be asked to see your family physician or cardiologist for medical clearance prior to proceeding with your surgery.
- Please instruct the hospital or lab to fax your test results to 717-741-9458.
- Please feel free to call your surgeon's office (717-848-4800) or the Surgery Center (717-747-8306) with any questions you may have regarding pre-operative testing requirements.
Eating/Drinking
For your safety, we have some strict rules about what you should eat or drink in the hours before surgery.
If you will be receiving anesthesia (general, monitored anesthesia care or IV sedation):
- Do not eat solid foods or milk products after midnight the evening before your scheduled arrival.
- If your scheduled arrival time is before 12:00 noon, do not have anything to eat after midnight the evening before your scheduled surgery. Do not chew gum or hard candy. The only exception is small sips of water if needed to take morning medications.
- If your scheduled arrival time is 12:00 noon or later, you may have a maximum of 16 ounces (2 cups) of clear liquids to drink before 8:00 am on the day of surgery. This will help prevent dehydration. Permitted clear liquids are water, coffee or tea without cream, carbonated beverages, cranberry or apple juice. After 8:00 am, do not have anything to eat or drink. Do not chew gum or hard candy. The only exception is small sips of water if needed to take medications.
- Patients who are not able to fast for the required period of time should call 717-747-8306, the Anesthesia Department for personalized review and recommendations.
- If these instructions are not followed properly, there is the potential for your surgery to be cancelled. If you have any questions regarding these instructions, please call the Surgery Center at 717-747-8306.
Transportation
If you are having a procedure done at the ASC Ortho or Pain area, you must have a responsible adult (18 years or older) provide you with transportation home from the ASC. If the person driving you home intends to leave our facility during your procedure, a contact number must be provided where they can be reached. Your driver will need to present himself or herself to the ASC staff prior to your discharge.
If you are having general anesthesia, an adult (18 years or older) must stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure.
If you are having IV sedation, an adult (18 years or older) must stay with you until bedtime.
If you don't have a responsible adult to drive/care for you, your procedure will be cancelled.
Medications
Please bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are currently taking.
Diabetic Patients
If you are a diabetic, you will receive specific pre-operative instructions from our nurse when he/she calls you the day prior to surgery.
High Blood Pressure Patients
Take your medication at your usual time with a small sip of water.
Heart Medications
Before stopping any medications, contact your family physician or cardiologist.
If you are taking Plavix or aspirin because of a stent in the last year—DO NOT STOP your medication. You must contact your physician of care for instructions.
Blood Thinners
Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Ibuprofen, or Aleve for seven (7) days prior to your procedure. If you are taking Coumadin, your physicians or surgeon will advise you of when to stop taking your Coumadin and whether you will need a laboratory test completed before the procedure (INR test).
Seizure Patients
Take your medication as directed with a sip of water only.
Please stop all herbal supplements and Vitamin E products two (2) weeks prior to your surgery (garlic, fish oil, glucosamine, green tea and St. John’s Wort)
Please contact the Center if you are receiving antibiotic treatment for any condition.
Clothing/Hygiene
Do not wear contact lenses, makeup, jewelry, nail polish, body piercings or hair barrettes the day of your surgery.
For lower extremity surgery, we recommend wearing shorts or wide-legged pants or sweatpants.
For upper extremity surgery, we recommend a button-down, sleeveless, short-sleeved or wide-arm shirt.
Pre-operative Testing
Coumadin: If you are taking Coumadin, you must have blood work (PT/INR) completed no more than two (2) days prior to the date of your procedure. Please have the laboratory fax these results to 717-741-9458.
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