Surgical Services

Planning Your Surgical Experience
The Staff at Parkland Medical Center understands that a scheduled surgical procedure can create anxiety and a feeling of nervousness. We would like to make your upcoming visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible. The warm and pleasant atmosphere of the hospital and special attention you will receive from Parkland’s healthcare team, will be helpful in reducing the fears and stress you may have. We want to help you prepare for your experience, from surgical preparation to planning your return home.

Before Your Scheduled Procedure
Before you are admitted to the hospital, a pre-admission interview will be conducted and you will be given information and instructions to help you prepare for your procedure. The pre-admission process is designed to ensure that you receive the highest quality of service and care from registration to discharge.

A registered nurse will ask you questions about your medical history and any medicine you are currently taking. You will be asked to provide the names and dosage amounts of each medication including herbal and over the counter medicines. Allow approximately one hour for your interview.

If you are not available during the scheduled pre-admission interview noted in this pamphlet and need to reschedule for a more convenient time, please call Surgical Scheduling at (603) 421.2161.

Preparing For Your Surgery
Our Surgical Services staff advises that you carefully follow the pre-surgery instructions to ensure your maximum comfort and to reduce stress and potential complications on the day of your scheduled procedure.

Discuss with your physician 

• any changes to your physical condition such as a cold, fever, or infection. Please notify your physician before the day of your scheduled surgery.

Do Not Eat or Drink

• after midnight the day of your scheduled surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your physician, with the exception of clear liquids until four hours before your surgery. Clear liquids include: water, apple juice, cranberry juice, black tea or black coffee.
• alcoholic beverages or consume gassy foods 24 hours prior to surgery.

It is very important that you follow these restrictions. If you do not, there may be no other choice but to postpone your surgery.

The Day of Surgery
On the morning of your surgery, you should arrive at Parkland Medical Center at your designated check-in time to allow for admitting and pre-operative preparation. After you are admitted, you will have the opportunity to meet the anesthesiologist. At this time you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Do not bring valuables with you as hospital staff cannot be responsible for personal belongings. Please remove all jewelry, body piercings, and nail polish prior to your arrival at Parkland. If you wear contact lenses, hearing aids or dentures, please feel free to bring them along with cases for storage. You also should bring your insurance cards, personal toiletries, and an Advance Directive if you have one. Children may bring a favorite toy or blanket. These items will be returned to you after your surgery.

Family and Friends
A family member or friend can remain with you until you depart for the operating room. During the procedure, they are welcome to wait in the Surgical Family Lounge. The physician will come speak to your family or friends once the surgery is complete. Parkland encourages family members and friends to ask questions and participate in your care. This will help them understand how to assist you once you are home.

Following Your Procedure
After surgery, you will recover from anesthesia in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. When you are alert and oriented, you will be returned to the Ambulatory Care Unit for further monitoring until discharge. During the recovery period, you will be placed on a heart monitor and blood pressure monitor and will have oxygen available. You will also have intravenous therapy to replace fluids and administer medication.

Patient comfort is a priority at Parkland Medical Center. It is common to experience some discomfort after surgery and pain medication will be provided according to physician’s orders. Your nurse will continually assess your condition and monitor the effectiveness of your pain medication. Your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration will also be watched closely. Your nurse will assist you in getting out of bed once you are permitted to do so.

Discharge Instructions
The length of your hospital stay will depend on your surgical procedure. When it is time for discharge, your nurse will provide you with instructions on how to care for yourself and continue to recover at home. Due to the medications you have received, our Surgical Services team recommends that someone be with you for the day and night following your surgery. Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic, it is important you adhere to the following for at least 24 hours:

• DO NOT drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery
• DO NOT take medications unless prescribed by your physician
• DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages

Please remember to arrange for an adult to drive you home. For your safety, you will only be discharged in the presence of a responsible adult.

Types of Anesthesia
Before your scheduled surgery, your surgeon and anesthesia provider will discuss what type of anesthesia is appropriate for you. The risk and benefits of anesthesia depend on your medical history and your anesthesiologist will discuss this with you prior to surgery. Your anesthesiologist will stay with you through your surgery monitoring how you respond to the anesthetic. Your anesthesia options include:

• Monitored Anesthesia (MAC): is used for procedures that are short or less invasive. You have the option to stay awake during procedures that use this type of anesthesia.
• Regional Anesthesia: is often used for surgery on the abdomen, arms, or legs. By injecting anesthetic into the spine, a portion of your body becomes numb. You have the option to stay awake when using this type of anesthesia.
• General Anesthesia: is used when performing major surgery. You will be asleep during a procedure using this type of anesthesia.

Advance Directives
An Advance Directive allows you to document your desires about how you would like your healthcare handled in a situation where you are unable to express your wishes. The two forms of Advance Directives include; A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare in which you select someone to make healthcare decisions for you in the event you are unable to, and the Living Will in which you indicate what treatments you would or would not like performed in the event you are unconscious.

If you have an Advance Directive, make sure to bring it with you the day of your surgery. If you wish to obtain more information on Advance Directives, contact Parkland’s Social Services Department at (603) 421.2262. Advance Directives must be completed before the day of surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns before your surgery, please call

Pre-Operative Testing
603.432-1500 x3390
Weekdays 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m.
or
Ambulatory Care Unit
603.421.2120
Weekdays 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

In the event of an emergency following your surgery or after normal working hours, please call: Parkland's Emergency Department 603.421.2220.