How To Prepare For Surgery
Below you will find useful information to help you prepare for your procedure. Please contact your Pre Op nurse at (228) 696-0818 if you have any further questions. Should an emergency arise after you have been discharged, you should contact your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 911.
We are pleased that you have chosen Mississippi Coast Endoscopy & Ambulatory Surgery Center for your procedure. Our expert team will work hard to ensure that you feel at ease and comfortable while you are with us. Our goal is to provide you with the best, most effective care so that you can return to your normal activities as quickly as possible. The information contained here is intended to provide general information to patients who are here for surgery, endoscopy, or pain management. We hope that it is helpful in preparing you for your procedure or treatment. If you have specific questions that are not answered here, please ask your physician, or call the Pre Op nurse at (228) 696-0818.
About Your Surgery
It is normal to feel anxious or a little nervous before your procedure. If you are highly nervous when you arrive at Mississippi Coast Endoscopy & Ambulatory Surgery Center for your procedure please let your Pre Op nurse know. In the Pre Op area you will be asked the name of your physician and to state what procedure you are to have. This is done to help ensure that you have been properly informed. If you are unclear about your procedure, this is the time to ask questions. We will be happy to ask your doctor to speak to you.
Preparation For Your Procedure
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE, unless you have been given special instructions by your physician.
This is extremely important. You could have serious complications if your stomach is not empty during surgery. Please ask your doctor or call the Pre Op nurse if you have questions about eating and drinking before your procedure. hildren are scheduled as early in the day as possible. If your child is having surgery, please be sure that he or she does not eat or drink anything after midnight. If your child is an infant, our anesthesiologist may have additional instructions for you.
If you or your child are taking medication for high blood pressure or diabetes, contact your surgeon or discuss this with one of our nurses to ensure proper instructions about taking the medication on the day of surgery.
If you develop any changes in your health between your visit to your physician and the day of your procedure, notify your physician. Please report even minor changes such as an elevated temperature, cough, or cold. If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your physician.
For your own safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle following your procedure. Please make arrangements to have someone bring you and escort you home from the surgical center. Parents may want to have an additional adult to assist in accompanying a child home.
Day Of Your Procedure
Bathe or shower and brush your teeth the morning of your surgery. Do not swallow any water. Nail polish and contact lenses should be removed. Dress comfortably. Tight-fitting clothing may feel restrictive following some procedures. Wear sensible shoes to allow safe walking.
Limit the number of people accompanying you. To maximize the comfort of everyone waiting, we request that only one person come with you. Be prepared to give a urine sample at the center.
After Your Procedure
Following your procedure, you will be moved to our fully equipped recovery area. There, our anesthesia and nursing team will closely monitor you. The length of stay varies, and many patients are discharged within 30 minutes after their procedure.
After You Return Home
Your physician will provide you with post-procedure instructions regarding diet, rest, and medication. Our post op team will review these instructions with you and will provide you a written summary to take home. Plan to have someone stay with you for at least 12 hours following your procedure, and pamper yourself during this time. Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving anesthetic medication, we also recommend that you postpone the following activities for 24 hours after your procedure: driving and operating equipment, signing important papers, making significant decisions, and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Preparing For A Pain Management Procedure
Our pain physicians specialize in assisting individuals whose chronic pain has not responded to conventional medical and surgical treatments. During your visit for pain management treatment, you will be examined by one of our physician pain specialists. He or she will take a history and determine what course of therapy would be best to treat your problem. On the day of your pain management treatment, do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless otherwise instructed by your physician. You are allowed to take your daily medications as scheduled except for blood thinners or aspirin.
Getting In Touch With Your Physician
If you have questions after your procedure, please contact your physician through his or her office. Your physician needs to be aware of your concerns and to follow up if you need further care. If you are calling after regular office hours, you can leave word with the answering service and your doctor will return your call. If you have an emergency, please contact the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 for assistance.
Some Helpful Suggestions
Be sure to arrange your ride home before you get to the center. You will not be permitted to drive yourself home after your procedure if you have received any sedation or pain medication. If your doctor has given you a prescription, have it filled before your procedure. Then, after you return home, you will have the medication available when you need it.
It is not unusual to forget small details, so write down any questions you may have and bring them with you. We will be happy to provide you with appropriate information.
Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. We cannot be responsible for safe storage of these items at the center. If you wear eye glasses, contacts, or dentures, bring an appropriate storage case.
If your tongue is pierced, remove the stud. In case of an emergency, the stud can be an obstruction for placing lifesaving breathing instruments.
It is a good idea to have someone stay with you for the first 12 hours after you return home. Rest and pamper yourself during this time.