Patient Education
Please review the information below. One section answers questions specifically related to the days leading up to surgery. The other section answers questions related to the day of surgery. Be sure to read through all of the information to help you feel comfortable and prepared in the days leading to your procedure. Be sure to review recommended diet information as well.
Before Surgery
Will I be contacted prior to my surgery by the facility?
Yes. You may receive up to three calls from our staff. You will be contacted a few days before surgery by a member of your health care team. This call will include a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of surgery, and answers to any questions you may have. You may also be contacted by someone in the facility’s business office to address financial matters such as co-payments and deductibles. Finally, you may also be contacted by your anesthesiologist.
WHAT TESTS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE MY SURGERY?
Any pre-operative tests will be determined by your physician or anesthesiologist and communicated to you before the date of your surgery.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE OFFICE THE DAY OF MY SURGERY?
- Please bring photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your surgery.
- Be sure to bring any medications that you may need during your stay at the facility (e.g., inhaler or insulin).
- Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking.
- Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible)
- Please do not bring rings, watches, or other valuables.
Should I arrange a ride to the facility?
Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after surgery. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and for someone to be with you when you arrive.
What may I eat and drink before surgery?
Dr. Zingale or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions before surgery. You must follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or canceled.
SHOULD I TAKE MY ROUTINE MEDICATIONS ON THE DAY OF SURGERY?
You will be given instructions regarding medications by your physician or a staff member. Also, as noted above, please be prepared to list all medications (including name and dosage) you are taking. Bring any with you that may be needed during your stay (e.g., inhaler or insulin).
What can I do to help prevent a surgical site infection?
- Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:
- Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
- Wash all of your body using liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
- Rinse well to remove all soap.
- Dry your body with a clean towel.
- Do not use lotion, cream, or powder.
- Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so.
- On the day of your procedure, make sure that you, your family, and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your health care team at the facility if they have washed their hands.
- After your procedure, make sure that you, your family, and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently. Also, be sure to follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of post-operative medications and bandages.
Are there special considerations for a child having surgery?
We realize that surgery can be frightening for you and your child. The pre-operative call with the facility nurse is a great time to arrange a tour of the facility to ease any fears or concerns you both may be experiencing. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. In the case of young children having surgery, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the drive home. If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit with your physician and the date of surgery, notify your physician immediately. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough, or a cold. If you cannot reach your physician, please call the facility.
WHAT IF I THINK I MIGHT BE PREGNANT?
Please be sure to notify your primary care physician, anesthesiologist, and nurse prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia, and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
Day of Surgery
What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?
When you arrive at the facility, you will be checked-in by a member of our staff. The admission process is usually very quick as we have obtained most of your information before your arrival. This final check allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.
What should I wear?
For your comfort, we encourage you to wear clothing that can be easily removed and stored. Please avoid wearing any jewelry, piercings, nail polish and cosmetics, and leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.
What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?
A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.
What happens after I check-in?
A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment that will include taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you in the pre-operative area to review all pre-operative information and discuss your anesthesia. Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress. We understand the anxiety family and friends may experience while you are having your procedure. We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress and when they will be able to re-join you after the procedure.
What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure on the correct surgical site?
Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding site identification and procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider, and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure and the correct surgical site. In most cases, your surgeon will mark the site before your procedure.
What can I do to help prevent a surgical site infection?
- Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:
- Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
- Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
- Rinse well to remove all soap.
- Dry your body with a clean towel.
- Do not use lotion, cream or powder.
- Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so.
- On the day of your procedure make sure that you, your family, and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your health care team at the facility if they have washed their hands.
- After your procedure, make sure that you, your family, and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently. Also, be sure to follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of post-operative medications and bandages.
Will I see my physician prior to surgery?
Most likely, yes. The nature of most procedures will require that you and your physician confirm both the specific type of procedure you are having as well as the surgical site of that procedure.
HOW LONG CAN MY FAMILY STAY WITH ME BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
This will depend on several factors. However, we believe that familiar faces can assist in reducing your anxiety about the procedure, so please do not hesitate to inform the nurse that you would like a friend or family member to sit with you.
Can my child keep a special blanket or stuffed animal to ease his/her fears?
Absolutely. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. Also bring your child’s bottle or “sippy cup” for after surgery if they cannot drink from a regular cup.
When should I arrive?
You will receive instructions regarding arrival time during your pre-operative phone call. Yu must arrive at the designated time.
What if I think I might be pregnant?
Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist, and nurse before the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia, and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
Can I smoke?
No. We advise against smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.
Specialized Diet Requirements
Dr. Zingale may recommend that you follow a strict diet regimen before or after surgery. Below are examples of diets which may be recommended. Please click on each to view, download and save.