Preoperative Day
The day you have the majority of your preoperative appointments and tests is called your 'pre-op day'. For your convenience, we will try to make all of your appointments on the same day in logical order with minimal wait time. Unavoidable delays will occasionally occur, as scheduling conflicts arise. In order to minimize the disruption that may result from such events we suggest the following:
- Plan to be on time for your first appointment
- Plan to spend up to 4 hours in your appointments
- Bring your entire pre-op packet with you if you have been given one
- Bring personal reading material
- Leave small children at home, if possible, unless the child is a patient
- Bring a relative or a friend if their presence will be helpful or reassuring to you
- Prepare your questions in advance. You may wish to write them down so you do not forget important questions
- Remember to take time to ask your questions
If your pre-op day schedule includes wait time between appointments, we suggest you pass your time in any of the following locations: the health education center [Map], the hospital cafeteria [Map] or the gift shop [Map].
Pre-op Day Appointments
Your pre-op day appointments will include visits with some, but not necessarily all, of the people and departments listed below. Your visits may not occur exactly in this order.
Your Surgeon
As a final check before your operation, your pre-op day will typically begin with an appointment with your surgeon. When you leave your surgeon's office, you may be given an order form for tests. Please carry this with you to each of your appointments, as the people you see may need to include additional tests if needed.
Pre-op Nurse Educator
If you do not have a visit scheduled with a registered nurse, you will receive a telephone call. It may appear as a "TAV" (telephone appointment visit) on your appointments list. The nurse will ask you questions regarding your present state of health, as well as past health problems. A nursing plan of care will be individually designed for you based upon your answers to those questions. The nurse will also provide information and answer your questions specific to your operation, including any specialized education for your specific surgery and postoperative care.
Anesthesiologist Consultation
The preoperative consultation is a key part of the anesthetic and surgical process. Depending on your age and medical status, your preoperative consultation with an anesthesiologist will either be scheduled one or more days in advance of your surgery, or it may be performed on the day of the surgery in the preoperative area. The anesthesiologist is a physician who will review your medical and surgical history and perform any necessary physical examination that will contribute to your safety undergoing anesthesia. Indicated diagnostic tests will be ordered and reviewed by the anesthesiologist. The type of anesthetic that is judged best for you will be discussed, including benefits, risks, and alternative techniques when appropriate. The anesthesiologist will answer your questions and address your concerns about anesthesia. Appropriate preoperative medication will be prescribed for nurses to administer prior to anesthesia.
Please note: If you are under 50 years of age and healthy, you will most likely not be scheduled for an advance appointment. However, if for any reason you wish to meet with the anesthesiologist in advance of the day of surgery, you are welcome to do so. Please let your surgeon know your desire and he or she will schedule you an appointment. The anesthesiologists are always delighted to see any patient who feels they would benefit from advance discussions and evaluation.
Health Education
You can visit our Health Education department to view a video presentation designed to familiarize you and your family with common procedures related to surgery and hospitalization. A departmental staff member will be available to answer your questions and direct you to other resources that are designed to help you relax and to anticipate a successful surgery.
Diagnostic Tests
The surgeon or anesthesiologist may order specific laboratory tests, X-rays, an electrocardiogram, or other preoperative diagnostic tests. They will use our computerized electronic ordering system for most tests, or give you the appropriate forms for those tests which require them.