Pre-Op Testing
Prior to your surgery, you will be sent for blood work and a urinalysis in our clinic lab. If your physician has ordered an EKG, it will be performed at South Georgia Medical Associates. Any x-rays ordered will be scheduled for you at South Georgia Imaging Center and will need to be completed as scheduled in order for the report to be ready prior to your surgery date.
Pre-Op Telephone Interview
One to three days before your surgery, a nurse will complete a telephone interview with you to make an assessment of your physical status and to plan your care. Please feel free to ask the nurse any questions you may have regarding your treatment.
Night Before Surgery
On the night before your surgery, you may not have anything to eat or drink after 12 midnight. You also may not have anything to eat or drink on the morning you come to the surgery center. This includes water, juice, coffee and/or gum. You will receive specific instructions if you need to take routine medications. In addition, you should not smoke 24 hour prior to surgery. For your safety, our policy requires that a responsible adult accompany you home after checkout.
Day of Surgery
You will be asked to arrive at the ASC at a specified time. Please make sure you arrive promptly. Your care person will need to be present in our center during your entire stay which will only be 3 hours on average. Once checked in, you will be taken to the Pre-Op holding area and asked to change into a surgical gown. Your temperature, pulse and blood pressure will be taken and your IV started. Your care person will be allowed in this area after we have you settled in. Your belongings will be locked in your own patient locker. Even though you will have your own locker, please do not bring any valuables (jewelry, cash, etc.) to the surgery center.
You will meet and talk to the surgical nurse and anesthesiologist/certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) who will provide your care during surgery. While you are waiting for your surgery to begin, we will help you feel as comfortable as possible. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have at this time. As soon as your surgeon has arrived and your operating room suite is prepared, you will be taken to the operating room. At this time, your care person will be asked to wait in the waiting room area.
Anesthesia
During your surgical procedure, you will be administered a form of anesthesia planned for your comfort and given with your physical condition in mind. An anesthesiologist or CRNA will administer the anesthesia. The anesthesiologist is a physician specializing in anesthetics and how they affect the body. The CRNA is a registered nurse educated in anesthesia.
Operating Room Suite
Upon entering this room, you may notice it is cooler. Warm blankets are available for you. The staff members in this room are dressed in scrub clothes, hats and masks to ensure the most sanitary environment possible. Your surgical nurse will remain during your entire surgery to coordinate your nursing care and act as your advocate.
Acute Recovery
After your surgery is completed, you will be transferred to the recovery room. This is an area staffed by nurses with specialized skills who are equipped to care for your immediate postoperative needs. Upon admission to the recovery room, you will be placed on a cardiac monitor, have your blood pressure taken frequently and may be given oxygen for your comfort. You will also be asked to take deep breaths. Pain medication is available if needed. Once it has been determined you can leave the acute recovery area, you will be moved to an area designated as extended recovery in the surgery center.
Extended Recovery
The nurses will continue to check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature, as well as any IVs or dressings you may have. At this time, your care person may join you at your bedside. For your own well being, please do not try to get out of bed, go to the bathroom or eat or drink without first asking the nurses. Your doctor will leave specific instructions regarding these activities, and following them will ensure a quicker recovery. Please tell the nurses if you are in any pain.
Prior to discharge, you will be expected to use the restroom, and the nurses will offer you something to drink. You and/or your care person will be given detailed, written instructions for resuming activities, returning to work and taking medications, if appropriate. You will also be given a follow-up appointment with your physician.
A member of the ASC will call you the day after your surgery to check on your recovery status and to answer any questions you may have. If for any reason, your doctor feels hospitalization is necessary after surgery, you will be admitted to a local hospital for further observation. If you have any questions regarding your surgery or your surgery center stay, please call the nursing staff at the ASC at (229) 241-2800, ext. 300 during surgery center hours.
