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Outpatient Surgery at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Surgery Instructions
Day of Surgery
Please follow these pre-operative instructions to help our team provide all patients with quality, efficient medical care in a safe, comfortable and convenient environment:
 Arrive 2 hours before your scheduled surgery.
If you take high blood pressure, seizure, breathing, heart condition or thyroid medication, it’s recommended that you take your regular dose with as little water as possible, unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.
Do not take oral hypoglycemic (metformin, Glucophage).
Park in the Outpatient Parking lot directly in front of the River Pavilion Entrance. (Outpatient parking is free to patients and their drivers for the day of surgery). Enter River Pavilion front doors and take the Lobby elevator to the 3rd floor.
Check-in at the Outpatient Surgical and Diagnostic Unit front desk.
Bring a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you 24 hours following surgery.
Bring a list of your medications (not the actual pills) including medication name, dosage amount and frequency.
Bring your insurance I.D. card, papers given to you by your surgeon, any laboratory results or medical records you have obtained.
Bring any medical directives, living will and signed consent forms.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing. Clothing should allow for easy undressing and dressing. We provide a surgical gown, robe and slippers.
Do not bring valuables (jewelry, excessive amounts of cash or credit cards). Be prepared to leave these with whoever accompanies you to the hospital.
Do not wear any jewelry including finger rings, naval rings, earrings, toe rings, tongue rings or any type of body piercing jewelry. If these items cannot be removed, they will be cut off prior to surgery.
Do not bring contact lenses. If you need to bring them, remember their storage case.
Avoid using makeup (cosmetics), aerosol sprays, perfumes, deodorants or skin creams. If worn, any make-up, nail polish and lipstick will need to be removed before surgery. Hospital staff needs to see your natural coloring to assess and monitor any changes.
If you are being admitted to the hospital following surgery, bring a small bag containing pajamas, robe, slippers and toiletries.
Admitting
SNGH staff will greet, check-in and give you an identification bracelet.
You will sign a surgery consent form (and other forms) if you have not already.
You will need to remove any makeup, nail polish and lipstick. Hospital staff needs to see your natural coloring to assess and monitor any changes.
Preparation
From Admitting, a nurse will take you to the surgical preparation area, where your blood pressure and temperature are taken.
The nurse will review your medical history and have you change in to a hospital gown.
If necessary, a small catheter will be inserted in to one of your veins to maintain fluid balance during the procedure and to administer medications.
If necessary, staff will wash the incision area and shave body hair needing removal.
Meeting Your Anesthesiologist
Be sure to tell your anesthesiologist (or nurse anesthetist) about any past problems you have experienced with any type of anesthetic.
After reviewing your test results and speaking with your surgeon, your anesthesiologist will speak with you before surgery and ask important questions. The anesthesiologist will explain the anesthesia type or local anesthetic you will be receiving, how it is administered and the risks.
Your anesthesiologist is a credentialed SNGH medical staff member and is committed to providing patients with quality, comfort and exceptional surgical services. SNGH Outpatient Surgery Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art operating equipment and qualified staff specialized in ambulatory surgery and prepared for all emergencies.
Please call (757) 388-2200 for additional information from a pre-admissions nurse.
Presurgery
For approximately 30 minutes before your surgery, you will be taken to the Pre-Surgical Area for final preparations. Your family will be directed to the Surgery Waiting Area and a spokesperson will be appointed to relay information. Your spokesperson should keep the Waiting Area staff informed of his/her location when leaving the Waiting Area.
Operating and Recovery Room
The Operating Room (OR) is staffed with professionals, led by your surgeon, trained to provide a safe and sterile environment. The OR can be cold and blankets are available. Expect bright lights overhead.
Following Surgery
Following surgery, your anesthesiologist (or nurse anesthetist) will take you to the Recovery Room. A professional recovery room nurse will provide constant care for 1-2 hours. As your anesthesia wears off noises may sound louder than usual and your vision may be blurred. You may experience a dry mouth, chills and pain or burning at your surgical site. Do not hesitate to ask your nurse for medication.
The nurse, in coordination with anesthesia staff, will determine your discharge time from the Recovery Room. When you are discharged, a responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Expect a phone call from our staff the day after surgery.
Discharge Instructions
You will receive discharge instructions before leaving the hospital. It is important for you and anyone assisting with your care to understand these instructions. Your nurse will explain and demonstrate special instructions to aid in your home recovery and instruct when to call your surgeon for a follow-up visit.
Make sure to keep your follow-up physician appointment(s) and follow diet instructions from your surgeon and/or nurse.
Please call your surgeon with additional concerns and questions.
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