Information for Patients: Preparing for Anesthesia and Surgery

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

It’s understandable to be a little anxious the day of surgery. It is important to report to your nurse any unusual or illness feelings you’re experiencing to your nurse. Remind us of any special needs such as bladder or bowel control issues or use of any assistive devices like hearing aids or dentures. If employees don’t introduce themselves, ask them to please do so. You have a right to know who’s involved in your care.

You’ll need to have a driver on the day of surgery for the trip home and should not stay alone after surgery. Transportation and personal arrangements must be made in advance, and driver’s name with contact number or location should be given to the admitting nurse for later use.

You must not eat or drink as per your instructions. If you have been instructed to take medications the day of surgery, they may be taken with a small sip of water. You may brush your teeth and spit out any rinse water. Please leave all valuables at home. Come bathed or showered. Remove all body and piercing jewelry before to coming to the facility. Bring any inhaler you use to help with breathing. The anesthesia care provider will explain inhaler use. 

• Pre-anesthetic Interview/Testing
• What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
• Preoperative Holding Area
• What to Expect in the Operating Room
• What to Expect in the Postanesthesia Care Unit
• Admission to a Facility
• Outpatient Surgery
• What to Expect if You Are Going Home on the Day of Surgery
• Pain Management