Do I need to visit the Center before surgery date?

All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. Some may need blood tests, EKG or x-rays. These services will usually be required preoperatively as requested by your surgeon.

Some families may elect to bring their children for a preoperative tour of the Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Some patients may choose to come to the Center before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments. We strongly recommend that you complete all preoperative documentation before the day of surgery.

What if I cannot make my appointment?

Please notify the surgeon and contact us at (201) 574-0566 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.

If you are cancelling your surgery prior to the day of the surgery, please contact the surgeon’s office directly. If you are cancelling The DAY of the surgery or you were not able to reach the surgeon’s office, then please contact the Surgery Center at (201) 574-0566.

Do I need to do anything special the day or night before surgery?

Someone from the surgery center or hospital will call you to discuss pre-operative instructions.
They usually include the following:

• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the day of your surgery. You may brush your teeth, taking care not to swallow any water.
• Follow your doctor’s orders regarding the taking of any medications the night before or the day of your surgery.
• Refrain from smoking after midnight the day of your surgery.
• Notify your surgeon if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever or flu symptom.
• If there is a chance you are pregnant, please notify your surgeon immediately

What should I wear the day of my surgery?

Bathe or shower the morning of surgery but do not apply any makeup. Wear low heeled, comfortable shoes and loose, comfortable clothing such as t-shirts, button-down shirts, sweat pants or baggy shorts that will fit over bandages or dressings following surgery. Do not wear contact lenses or jewelry.

What kind of anesthesia will I receive?

The four main types of anesthesia include general, regional, monitored, and local. The type of anesthesia you will receive is influenced by one or more of the following factors:

• The kind of surgery you are having
• Estimated length and site of the surgical procedure
• Your overall medical condition and health status
• Medications you currently take
• Your surgeon’s preference

With general anesthesia, you are completely asleep and unconscious with total loss of sensation.

In regional anesthesia, the anesthesiology provider injects you with an anesthetic to provide numbness or loss of pain or sensation to the area of the body requiring surgery. The injection is made near a cluster of nerves and is called a nerve block. The most common types are spinal, epidural, or peripheral. You may remain awake and alert or be sedated.

If you are sedated during regional anesthesia, then you receive monitored anesthesia care, also known as MAC sedation or twilight sleep. Monitored anesthesia care involves the administration of drugs to produce sedation and analgesia (insensibility to pain without loss of consciousness). In addition, your surgeon will administer local anesthesia to the operative site.

Local anesthesia is an injection that provides numbness to a small area and is used primarily for minor surgery. It is often administered by the surgeon and does not require the presence of an anesthesiology provider.

You will meet with your anesthesiologist prior to surgery and will have an opportunity to discuss your anesthesia options. Your anesthesiologist will inform you of the advantages, side effects, and possible complications of each. Depending upon the factors above, you may be able to participate in the decision-making and choose which method you prefer.

How long will I stay in the surgery center?

The time you spend in the surgery center will vary depending upon the type of surgery performed, the type of anesthesia that was given, and your individual needs. If surgery is performed in an outpatient surgery center, most patients are discharged within one to three hours after surgery.

What are the most common complications of orthopedic surgery?

Most patients will not encounter problems after orthopaedic surgery. As with any surgery, however, there are potential risks, including: reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, blood clots, nerve damage, lack of full range of motion, development of arthritis, scar formation or re-injury of the joint or soft tissue.

What happens after surgery?

You will be taken to the recovery room and monitored for a period of time. After that you will be taken to a recovery area.

A nurse will review post-operative home care instructions with you, as well as explain any special instructions provided by your surgeon regarding diet, rest, medications, when to follow up with your doctor, and how to use any durable medical equipment such as a sling or crutches your doctor may have ordered.

When you follow up with your doctor, he or she will discuss additional post-operative instructions such as rehabilitation, when stitches may be removed, when you can drive or return to work or school, how long you should use crutches or a sling, how long you should take pain medications and more.

Anesthesia Medication Through Mask

• Younger children usually get their anesthesia through a mask that will carry air mixed with an anesthetic gas. No needles or shots are used while your child is still awake.
• When children are given anesthesia through a mask, it generally takes 60 to 90 seconds before the child is asleep
• Once your child is asleep, an IV will be started so that medication can be given to keep him or her sleeping throughout the procedure, if necessary.
• When the procedure is over you will be taken to the Recovery Room. Only two adults are permitted at the bedside. Other children are not permitted in the recovery room.

How to Comfort Your Child Before Induction

As a parent/guardian, watching your child undergo anesthesia may be an uncomfortable experience for you. Your child may be able to sense your concern – so for your presence to be helpful to your child, you must try to be as calm and encouraging as possible.

There are ways you can help your child, even if you feel uncomfortable:

• Bring along a “comfort” item – such as a favorite toy or stuffed animal for your child to hold during the induction.
• Touch your child to remind your child that you are there. Holding your child’s hand or caressing his or her hair and face will remind your child of your presence. Whisper, talk or sing to your child. The sound of your voice provides reassurance.

Important Things to Remember

• Remove all jewelry prior to arriving at the Center.
• Please refer to the NPO Guidelines for fasting instructions.
• Young children often have loose teeth which can loosen even further or may even become dislodged during surgery.
• Even with a parent/guardian present, the operating room can be a scary place for a child. Do not feel bad if your child gets upset – even with you there to help.
• The main purpose of your presence at the induction of anesthesia is to help your child; therefore, your child’s safety is our primary concern. If you are asked to leave the room for any reason you must do so quickly and quietly. The medical staff needs to focus their full attention on your child.
• If you feel uncomfortable and are unable to stay in the room during induction, please tell one of the medical staff. You will be guided to the pre-op area.

Special Needs

If your child has any special needs or health issues you feel the staff needs to know about, please call, Meadows Surgery Center before the day of surgery and ask to speak with the pre-op nurse. It is important to notify us in advance about any special needs your child might have.