Patient Information

Preparing for Surgery

• Follow the doctor's orders for taking any prescribed medications prior to your surgery, especially blood thinners, aspirin and NSAIDs
• Make arrangements for a friend or family member to bring you home and to be available after you are home
• Bhatti Surgery Center will contact you to:
  • Obtain insurance and health information and review surgery instructions and special medication orders
  • Verify if the procedure will require you to remove jewelry, acrylic nails and/or nail polish
  • Help you transfer essential medical records from your doctor's office to Bhatti Surgery Center
  • Confirm date and time of surgery

Day Before Surgery

• Notify your surgeon if there is a change in your physical condition.  This includes cold or flu (such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, rash or fever)
• Take a shower or bath the night before or the morning of surgery
• Do not use alcohol or tobacco within 24 hours of surgery
• Take morning medications that have been approved by your surgeon with only a sip of water (If you use an inhaler, please remember to bring it along)
• If you have Diabetes, check your blood sugar in the morning before your arrival.  Follow your doctor's instructions for insulin (they may recommend a reduced or skipped dose).  If you are on insulin, please remember to bring it along.
• Bring appropriate cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or hearing aids
• Collect and bring all paperwork related to your surgery, including your insurance information and list of medications
• Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes
• Leave valuables at home
• Do not wear make-up, jewelry, nail polish or artificial nails, unless otherwise directed

When You Arrive

• Check in with our receptionist at your scheduled arrival time (If you are under the age of 18, you must be with a parent or legal guardian)
• Sign consent forms (Do not sign the forms unless you completely understand the procedure)
• Meet your surgical team to discuss your procedure and anesthesia
• The nurse will record your height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiratory rate
• You will be asked to change into a surgical gown
• An IV may be placed into a vein in your hand, wrist or arm
• You will be asked to clearly identify your procedure site with the surgical team

In the Operating Room

• You will be connected to monitors that will continuously assess your vital functions
• An anesthetic will be administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure
• A staff member will keep your family or friends informed about your well-being

After Your Surgery

• You will be moved to a recovery room, where the nurses will closely monitor your progress
• You may feel confused, drowsy and dizzy.  At the appropriate time, the nurse will help you sit up, stand and walk
• Your nurse will determine when a family member or frienhd will be able to visit with you
• Tell the nurse if at anytime you feel cold, pain or nausea
• You will stay in the recovery area until your anesthetist, recovery nurse, and surgeon are certain you are ready to be discharged
• Your nurse will discuss your home instructions with you.  The instructions will provide information regarding diet, activity, and incision care that are specific to your surgery
• We will ask your pre-arranged driver to transport you home
• We recommend that a friend or family member stay with you for up to 24 hours after discharge

Pain Management

• Your surgeon may prescribe medications to ensure your comfort and well-being during your recovery

At Home

• CALL YOUR SURGEON IF...
  • Pain increases and becomes severe
  • You have a fever above 101 F
  • There is an increase in bleeding
  • There is drainage or unpleasant odor
  • Your incision opens or becomes red, swollen, firm, feels warm or has become increasingly sore
  • You have nausea or vomiting
  • You have unexplained pain or swelling
  • You have change in color, pain, swelling or numbness in your fingers or toes
  • You have a sudden change in vision following eye surgery