What to Expect the Day of Your Surgery

1. When you arrive, please stop at the reception desk of the Women's Physician Surgery Center. Our Patient Communications Coordinator will briefly verify the registration information, insurance coverage and payment arrangements, and ask for your signature on the necessary forms.
   
   

2. Next, you will be escorted to your private room where you will stay prior to surgery. This room has been designed to provide for your comfort and privacy. Until it is time for your surgery, a family member or friend is welcome to stay with you. If preoperative testing was not completed prior to your surgery date, your nurse will come to your private room to perform your test.
   
   

3. You will remain in your room until it is time for surgery. During this period, you will be asked to change into a gown and robe and will be visited by your anesthesiologist and nurse. A brief health exam will be done and medical history will be taken prior to surgery. Preoperative medications may also be given at this time and your nurse will review your home-care instructions.
   
   

4. When it is time for your surgery, you may walk with your nurse or be moved to a surgical suite on a transport cart or wheelchair. There, you will meet the surgical team and receive anesthesia. The amount of time in surgery depends upon your particular procedure. Your family member or friend will return to the waiting area.
   
   

5. We believe your family and friends are a very important part of your care. For this reason, your surgeon would like them to remain in the waiting area where they are readily available for him/her to speak with immediately following your surgery. After speaking with the surgeon, they are welcome to relax in the lobby. Please remind your visitors to notify the Center's Patient Communications Coordinator if they are going to leave the waiting area. Food can be eaten in the waiting area as well. Restrooms and a child's play area are located in the waiting room.
   
   

6. After surgery, depending on the type of anesthetic, you may be transported to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit to allow the nurse to observe you closely as the effects of your medication diminish.
   
   

7. You will be returned to your private room once your condition has stabilized. If you have had general anesthesia, you may still be pretty "sleepy," but your friend or family member is welcome to rejoin you. Once you are feeling more alert, your nurse will again review home-care instructions with you and your family member or friend.
   
   

8. When your surgeon or anesthesiologist has determined that you are ready to go home, you will be escorted to the discharge lounge. Your family member or friend can pull their vehicle right up to the covered exit for your departure. It is important that you stay as long as necessary at the Surgery Center; however, we recognize that you will want to return home as soon as possible and continue recovery in the comfort of your own home.