Thank you for choosing Doctors Outpatient Surgery Center for your outpatient surgical procedure. We take our responsibility to you and your family very seriously.
This section of the website is intended to help you prepare for your upcoming surgery. Please take a few minutes to read the information and be sure to let us know if you have any questions that we have not addressed.
Be prepared for your upcoming stay with us, please scroll down and open any of the FAQ toggles below.
After you are checked in, and an ID band will be placed on your wrist for identification, you will be brought to the pre-op area where the nurse will begin your pre-operative assessment, which will include taking your weight and vital signs. The nurse may also start and IV if it is required for your procedure. This will be used to administer medication and fluids during your surgery and while you are recovering.
You and your family, or escort, will stay in the room until it is time for your surgery. An anesthesiologist will discuss your anesthesia with you and answer any questions you may have. When it is time you will be escorted to the operating room by an OR nurse.
After surgery your escort will rejoin you in the recovery area.
When you are taken into the operating room, you will be welcomed by our OR team who will begin by asking you to say your name and date of birth. They will begin to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. If you have questions, feel free to ask them anytime during this process. The amount of time that you spend in surgery will depend on the type of procedure you are having. If you are having general anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will let you know when they begin to help you sleep. You will be breathing in oxygen through a mask. During surgery, the anesthesiologist will be constantly monitoring you and keeping you safe. While you are in surgery and recovery, your family or escort will be kept informed of your progress.
After your procedure is done, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where specially trained nurses will monitor your condition as you begin to recover from anesthesia. You will return to the pre-op room to join your family/visitors. You will remain in the PACU until you are no longer requiring oxygen, you regain alertness, and your pain managed.
You will be given instructions for postoperative care and any medication prescriptions you will need to take after you are released from the surgery center. When you and your healthcare team feel you are ready, you will be discharged to go home
You may have concerns or questions about your stay. Check out the answers below.
You will be contacted by your pre-admission nurse to discuss which medications to take the day of surgery. Diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your blood sugar at the Center. You should be contacted before your surgery leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take.
People using inhalers can bring them to the Center on the day of surgery.
Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. Please call us with any questions you may have.
You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home. You may not be alone the first 24 hours.
Many patients are apprehensive about anesthesia and surgery. If you are well informed, you will be better prepared and more relaxed. Talk with your anesthesiologist and ask questions. Your anesthesiologist is your advocate and is experienced in making your surgery and recovery as safe and comfortable as possible.
To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we ask that adult patients be accompanied by one person.
When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone.
Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.