Your Surgery
Prior to surgery, your physician will give you specific instructions to help you prepare. The following information is a general outline of what to expect prior to and the day of surgery.
Before Surgery
Day of Surgery
Recovery
Post Surgery
Instructions for Family
Before Surgery
Tests
Your physician may schedule a series of tests, including blood and urine analysis, chest X-rays and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Surgery Permit
You will sign a surgery permit. A parent or legal guardian must sign for a minor. The next of kin or legal guardian must sign for a patient who is unable to sign for himself. Guardians must bring proof of guardianship.
Food and Drink
During surgery, it is important to have an empty stomach to avoid vomiting and associated complications. Therefore, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight (including water, gum and candy).
Day of Surgery
Getting Ready
Bathe or shower as usual the day of your surgery, removing all makeup and nail polish. At the hospital, you will change into a hospital gown. At this time, you should remove contact lenses. Notify your nurse if you have dentures or partial plates.
Valuables
The hospital cannot be responsible for your jewelry and other valuables. Please leave them at home or give them to a family member to hold for you until after your procedure.
Medications
You may receive a pre-op medication to help you relax. If you are not given pre-op medication in your room, you will receive it in the holding area. You should not take your regular medications unless ordered by a physician.
Surgery
We will make final surgical preparations in the Surgery pre-op holding area before taking you to the operating room. Once there, your operating room nurse will introduce him or herself, check your identification band and ask a few questions. An anesthesia professional will speak with you and answer questions before administering your anesthetic.
Recovery
Postanesthesia Care/Recovery
After surgery, you will be taken to Recovery where your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse and respiration) will be monitored. This room is designed and staffed to care for several patients at a time. You may be aware of other patients and activities going on around you. This is standard procedure. Patients may not have visitors while in Recovery.
Post Surgery
At Memorial Hermann, we are concerned about our patients’ pain. While we may not be able to take away all of your pain, we want to make you as comfortable as possible. When pain is controlled, you may heal faster, get your strength back more quickly, feel better sooner and improve your outcome. Be sure to talk with your nurses and doctors about pain control.
Instructions for Family
Family Waiting
One or two of your family members may wait in the Surgery waiting area. Usually, your physician will visit with them there after your surgery.
Visitors
Your family will be able to see you once you are settled in a bed.