Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery, whether for an adult or child, can be a very stressful time. The staff at the WakeMed Surgery Center – Cary are focused on your safety and care.

Pre-Registration

Once your surgery has been scheduled, you will need to complete the pre-registration process.  

You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire through the portal on the website. Once you have registered, it is very important that you include both past and present health history including all the medications and over the counter products you are currently taking.

One of our Registered Nurses will contact you to review your past and present medical and surgical history. The nurse will also ask about all of the medications that you take on a daily basis including over the counter medications and herbal supplements. It is especially important to know your blood pressure, diabetic, and heart medications. The nurse will then review instructions about taking medications prior to your procedure and other important information you may need to know for your surgery. 

Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to have a few minor tests prior to your surgery to further assure the safest of outcomes for you. You will receive instructions for any tests from either the nurse or your surgeon’s office. The results from these tests will automatically be forwarded to your surgeon and our surgery center.

*Prior to the day of surgery, if there are any changes in your physical condition, please notify your surgeon’s office. The doctor may choose to postpone your surgery.

If you are having any anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone accompany you and stay at the surgery center, drive you home after your surgery, and stay with you overnight.

The Day Before Surgery

A member of our staff will call you with your procedure and arrival times. Because preparing for surgery is very important, to assure your safety and the best possible experience, we have listed some important rules for you to follow. Ignoring these may cause your surgery to be delayed or cancelled.

If you are having anesthesia/sedation:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery, This includes chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco unless otherwise instructed.
• Do not bring valuables with you on the day of surgery. This includes purses, money, jewelry, etc.
• If possible, make arrangements for childcare which will allow you to concentrate on recovering.
• If receiving anesthesia or sedation, please have a responsible adult to drive you home.
• You will be asked to arrive at least one hour prior to the time of your surgery; however, this may be up to 2 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia you are receiving. A nurse from WakeMed Surgery Center – Cary will call you with your arrival time.
• If you are diabetic, you will be given instructions as to the dose and time to take your medication prior to arriving at the center.
• If you routinely take a medication that thins the blood, you must speak with your surgeon about when to stop this drug and if you may need any blood tests before surgery (i.e. aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Naprosyn, Motrin, Predaxa).
• If you are delayed in arriving, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at 984-345-2650.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, we ask that you do the following:

• Bring your reading glasses if needed. You will have forms to complete and sign.
• Bring a list of all current medications, including vitamins and herbals; the dosages; and how often you take them.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes to make getting dressed after your surgery easy. Do not wear any jewelry of any kind.
• Bring your insurance cards and driver’s license for the admitting process.
• Escorts are asked to remain in the building while the patient is in surgery. If you must step out, please tell the receptionist.

You will be asked to remove dentures and glasses/contacts when getting ready for surgery, so please bring your cases with you.

Your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and operating room nurse will visit you in pre-op. They will re-verify information and answer any questions you may have. You will be in pre-op for about an hour. 

After your surgery, you will be taken directly to the recovery room where you will again be monitored by nurses.

The Recovery Room

Your caregiver will be allowed in the Recovery Room with you when it is appropriate. For your privacy and the of other patients, limited visitors are allowed in the recovery area. You will be offered crackers and a light beverage. The length of time you will be in the Recovery Room is dependent on the type of procedure and anesthesia you had, your pain level, and your ability to tolerate fluids.

Once you are awake and alert, the nurse will review with you and your caregiver the instructions written by your physician which you are to follow at home. You will be given a copy of your discharge instructions to take home with you.

Please note: Everyone reacts to surgery differently. In some cases, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital following the surgery for specific medical reasons. If the need arises, be assured that this decision will be made in conjunction with anesthesia personnel and your surgeon. You would be admitted to WakeMed Cary Hospital.

When You Go Home

Please follow these instructions when you get home if you have had anesthesia/sedation:

• You must have your caregiver stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may be drowsy or dizzy and unsteady on your feet.
• Rest and relax. You have just had surgery. Follow your surgeon's recommendations for resuming your normal activities.
• Eat a light meal when you get hungry. Eating too much or eating heavy foods, may cause nausea.
• Remember to follow your surgeon's instructions on resuming any previous medications you had been on, as well as taking any pain medication prescribed for you.
• Do NOT drive, drink alcoholic beverages or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
• If you feel you are experiencing any problems after your discharge, call your provider's office immediately. If your provider is not available, call the Emergency Room at your local hospital or 9-1-1 if it is an extreme emergency.

After your surgery, you will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to check on your progress.