Pre- and postsurgical instructions differ depending on your surgical procedure. Your doctor will give you specific directions pertaining to your surgery. Please contact your nurse if you lose your directions and need a replacement copy. Here we have listed some general instructions on what to do before your surgery, and what to expect during and after your operation.

• Food and Drink
• Medications
• Symptoms of Illness
• How to Dress
• What to Ask Your Doctor
• On the Day of Your Operation
• At Home
• Translation Needs
• Cancellation Notice Letter

Food and Drink

Eating or drinking on the day of your procedure may cause your procedure to be postponed or cancelled.

For Surgical Procedures
Children and Adults:

• No food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure.


• No gum, candy or mints after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure.


• You may drink water up until four hours before the procedure. If you choose to drink water four hours before your surgery, you may consume no more than 8 ounces (one cup).

Infants (Up to One Year Old):

• No food or formula within six hours of the procedure.


• No breast milk within four hours of the procedure (no more than four ounces).


• Your infant may drink water (no more than four ounces) up to two hours before the procedure.

For Spinal Procedures

For Gastroenterological Procedures
Colonoscopy: Follow the physician's prep instructions. Do not drink anything four hours prior to your procedure.
Endoscopy: Do not eat food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure. You may have clear liquids (no more than eight ounces) for up to four hours prior to the procedure. Clear liquids are limited to water, clear juices or clear soda, coffee or tea without milk.

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Medications

Consult your physician if you are taking medication for heart, diabetes, blood pressure or respiratory problems. Be sure to bring a list of all medications you are taking to the SurgiCenter the day of your procedure. Please bring your inhalers and any migraine medication to the SurgiCenter.
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Symptoms of Illness

If you develop a cold, flu, sore throat, fever or persistent cough, notify your doctor promptly. Your surgery or procedure may need to be rescheduled for a later date due to risk of infection.
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How to Dress

• Wear casual, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your appointment. Pajamas are fine for children being admitted for surgery.


• When you arrive at the SurgiCenter, we will give you a surgical cap, gown and slippers to wear during your stay. We will keep your clothing and personal items in a bag for safe keeping. Feel free to bring reading materials.

What Not to Wear or Bring

• Please do not wear jewelry or contact lenses. Instead, please bring eye glasses for your visit.


• Do not wear cosmetics or nail polish. These can conceal changes in your skin and nail color that your doctor needs to assess during surgery and recovery.


• Leave your valuables (including credit cards) at home, as the SurgiCenter is not responsible for lost valuables.


• Do not wear perfume or cologne.

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What to Ask Your Doctor

• Are there any specific instructions for food and drink before and after my operation?


• When may I shower after surgery?


• What should I expect the week following my surgery?


• Are there any signs or symptoms I should be aware of following my surgery?


• When may I resume normal activities?

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On the Day of Your Operation

Transportation and Parking
Parking is available just outside of the SurgiCenter, on the lower level of our two-story parking structure. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your discharge from the SurgiCenter. You may take a taxicab only if a responsible adult accompanies you home, or you can arrange in advance for transportation with Roadrunners by calling 650-940-7016.

Admission
When you arrive at the SurgiCenter, you will be guided through the admission process by a nurse. Please bring all relevant insurance cards and a photo ID (such as a driver's license) with you. Please share any changes in your insurance or contact information, if applicable.

Anesthesia and Pre-Op
If your procedure requires only a local anesthetic, your surgeon will provide it. If you are scheduled for general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist will discuss your care with you and administer the anesthetic. Before you are taken to the operating room for your procedure, you will receive an IV for intravenous fluids and medications.

Recovery
When your surgery is complete, you will be taken to a private recovery room where our experienced nursing staff will care for you until you are ready to go home. You will be given discharge instructions and escorted to your vehicle by our staff. Remember, you must have a responsible adult to drive you home.

In the rare occasion that your medical condition should require hospitalization, we will transfer you to El Camino Hospital, where you will continue to be cared for by PAMF physicians.
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At Home

We highly recommend that you arrange to have a responsible adult to stay at home with you the day and night following your surgery. If your doctor gives you a postsurgical prescription, it is wise to get it filled prior to your procedure. Plan to get plenty of rest, which is an important part of healing.

What to Expect After Surgery
After your surgery, your nurse will give you written instructions specific to your procedure. Always follow your doctor's orders regarding rest, diet and medication. If you lose these instructions, call 650-404-8444 for another copy.

There are some general things to expect after a surgical procedure, such as:

• You may experience some nausea, dizziness and/or a sore throat after your surgery. These conditions are typically minor and short-lived, and should not delay your discharge from the SurgiCenter.


• It is best not to drive, operate machinery, make important decisions or sign important papers for at least 24 hours after you have had anesthesia. You should also avoid alcohol during this time.


• A nurse from the SurgiCenter may phone you the next working day after your surgery (unless you specify that this not be done) to check on your progress and to answer any questions you might have.


• If medical problems develop after surgery, contact your doctor immediately. If you have questions, please call us at 650-404-8441 or visit our Web site. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or please go to the nearest emergency room.

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Translation Needs

Patients who do not speak or understand English should inform the SurgiCenter staff of their need for a translator in advance. A translator can be arranged for the admission and recovery process. Last minute requests for translation may require rescheduling of your procedure for a later date.

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Cancellation Notice Letter

Please read our Cancellation Notice Letter, which spells out PAMF's policy on cancelling and postponing surgery.
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