Inpatient and Day Surgery Guidelines
Our surgical team looks forward to providing you with the best possible care.
The following information will familiarize you with what to expect before,
during and after your procedure.
You can also download our Inpatient
Surgery, Day Surgery
at the Dolphin Surgery Center,
and
Day Surgery at 780 Main Street brochures.
Download a copy
You can download each of these brochures right now in Adobe Acrobat Reader format. If you do not have Acrobat, you can download it for free at Adobe.com (Click on the button below.)
Anesthesia
Your anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist play very important roles in your surgery. They will administer and monitor the anesthesia that will let you "sleep" during your operation or "numb" certain parts of your body. Before surgery, an anesthesiologist will meet with you to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for you. Your anesthesiologist will review the importance of avoiding solid foods after midnight and clear liquids five hours prior to surgery.
Your Surgical Checklist
Several Days Before
Avoid aspirin. Check with your surgeon's office regarding how long you should avoid aspirin prior to your surgery.
Monitor how you are feeling. Any unexpected illness - such as fever, cough, sore throat, or sniffles - could postpone your surgery. Please let your doctor know if you are not feeling well up to the day before surgery.
The Day Before
Twenty-four hours before surgery, please do not drink alcohol. It may interfere with your procedure.
The Night Before
Your stomach must be empty prior to surgery. If not, your appointment may be postponed or cancelled. It is very important that you follow these diet guidelines:
- No solid foods past midnight.
- Clear liquids allowed up to five hours prior to surgery. Examples include apple or cranberry juice, water, and coffee (without cream or milk).
- Infant formula and other milks are allowed up to six hours prior to surgery. Breast milk is allowed up to four hours prior to surgery.
The Day of Surgery
- Your physician will specify which medications you may take with only a sip of water. Any other medications you regularly take in the morning should be taken after surgery.
- Hair should be clean and freshly shampooed.
- Please do not use hair products (mousse, gels, conditioners, hairspray) the night before or day of surgery.
- Do not use perfumes, skin cream, lotion or after-shave.
- Do not use deodorant near the operative site.
- Do not shave the operative site.
- Remove make-up, nail polish, hair accessories, and contact lenses before leaving home.
- Remove all jewelry (including any body piercings) before leaving home.
- Bring a small overnight case with your robe, slippers, and toilet articles.
- Leave personal belongings at home. Please do not bring any valuables with you. We can not be responsible for loss.
After Day Surgery
Following your surgery, your condition will be closely monitored by our nurses. As your condition improves, you will be moved from a regular hospital bed into a recliner lounger where you can watch television, eat a snack, read, or just rest. Your recovery time will vary, according to the type of surgery.
The day after your surgery, one of our nurses will call you to ask how you are feeling. You may feel tired or weak for a few days, because some effects of anesthesia last up to 48 hours. Please don't drive a car, operate heavy machinery, drink alcoholic beverages, engage in strenuous activities, or make any important decisions during this recovery time.
Charges and Insurance
You will receive separate bills from your surgeon, anesthesiologist, the hospital, and any other medical specialists whose services you required. Please call the hospital's patient financial services department at 781-340-8054 with questions.
Certain types of elective surgery are not covered by all insurance companies. Some plans require a prepayment and/or second medical opinion. You should check with your insurance company to assure you satisfy any pre-certification requirements.
