Please follow these steps to make your visit to Lourdes
as easy as possible.
Pre-Admission Testing
Your physician will decide if any pre-admission tests need to be
ordered before your surgery. Not everyone needs testing. Some of
the most common types of tests include: blood, x-rays and EKG
(electrocardiogram). These tests can be done before the day of your
surgery or on the same day, depending on your physician's
instructions. They help your physician assess your body's ability
to have surgery.
Located on the ground floor of the Ambulatory Care Center, the
new pre-admission testing area is a one-stop-shop for all surgical
paitents. Pre-Admission Testing was designed with patient
convenience in mind. An increase in the number of patient rooms
will allow for better flow and decrease patient wait times.
Patients are able to have all of their pre-admission screenings -
patient interviews, education, lab work, EKGs, chest x-rays, etc. -
done in one place without leaving the Pre-Admission Testing
area.
Anesthesia Plan
Prior to your surgery, an anesthesiologist will discuss with you
which type of anesthesia is best for you. There are three types of
anesthesia. If you are having "general" anesthesia, you will be
completely asleep. A second type is called "local" anesthesia and
means a small section of your body will be numb. The third type is
"regional or block" anesthesia for numbing a specific body part.
During regional or local anesthesia, sedation may be given to make
you feel more comfortable.
Travel Arrangements
If you are having anesthesia, other than local, please
make arrangements ahead of time for someone to drive you home after
your surgery. There are many important reasons for not
driving yourself home, including any lingering effects of
anesthesia or medication.
If you live alone, make arrangements for someone to stay
with you overnight and longer if necessary, no matter how well you
may feel. If you have small children, make arrangements for a baby
sitter.
Medication
Before your surgery, ask your physician if you should take your
usual medication such as heart, high blood pressure medication , or
over-the-counter non-prescription drugs. Some medications such as
"blood thinners" that include aspirin or ibuprofen may need to be
stopped several days before the surgery. If your physician tell you
to stop any of your medications, be sure to ask when you can
restart them after surgery.
If you have diabetes and take insulin or a diabetic "pill," ask
your physician for specific direction about how much medication to
take, if any. Some people take less insulin before surgery, other
may be directed to take none. Visit our Diabetes Center to learn more
about Diabetes.
On the day of your surgery, bring a list of the medication,
including doses you take and the times you last took them. Let the
nurse know what your physician has instructed you to do about your
medication.
Visitors
Please limit your visitors on the day of your surgery
to TWO ADULTS.
If a child is going through surgery, a parent or responsible
adult should plan to remain with the child throughout the hospital
stay. We encourage you to bring your child's favorite toy.
"Nothing By Mouth"
You will be asked not to eat or drink after midnight unless your
physician gives you different instructions. During surgery it is
important to have an empty stomach. This includes chewing
gum, candy, breath mints, as well as food and drink.
Do not smoke for 24 hours before surgery. Your
blood cells carry more oxygen during surgery if you refrain from
smoking. You should also notify your physician immediately if you
develop any illness, cold, sore throat, cough or elevated
temperature.
For more information about Outpatient
Surgery, please call 607-798-5321.
