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Same Day Surgery
You have been referred to our Same Day Surgery Unit. We serve both children and adults and are prepared to accommodate a wide variety of surgical procedures, which may or may not require an overnight stay.
The physicians and staff at Opelousas General Health System want to serve you efficiently and make your experience as pleasant as possible. Please read the instructions very carefully and make sure that you understand all of the information. Should you have any questions concerning your procedure, please don't hesitate to ask your doctor or the Same Day Surgery staff.
Parking
Parking facilities are located next to the hospital in our new parking garage.
Admissions
If you have any questions concerning the admitting process, please call the Admissions Office at 948-3011, ext. 5181.
On the day you are scheduled for surgery, please go to the Admissions Office located adjacent to the Emergency Center, unless you are instructed otherwise. The Admissions Office opens at 5:30a.m. Please bring all information that the Admit Clerk has requested.
Your doctor will have discussed the procedure with you and the type of anesthesia that is planned. The following information is made available in order to assure that your experience will be comfortable and convenient.
Should you develop a fever, cold, rash or wound on or near the surgical site prior to admission, call your physician's office and notify them as soon as possible.
Procedure performed in the Same Day Surgery Unit vary considerably. Some are complex and others are quite simple.
Precautions and limitations will vary according to the type of procedure you have and the type of anesthesia used.
Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions at all times. If you have any questions concerning instructions, contact your doctor or call the Same Day Surgery Unit at 948-3011, ext. 5200.
General Instructions
Adults:
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (which includes mints and chewing gum) except for previously discussed medications.
- Patients undergoing anesthesia will occasionally require an overnight stay. Please make arrangements in the event this becomes necessary and pack accordingly (rob, slippers, etc.) If you are on a C-PAP machine, bring it with you.
NOTE: You must have someone with you on the day of surgery to drive you home.
Children:
- No food or milk after midnight.
- Clear liquids (Apple Juice, Gatorade, Pedialyte, water) may be given between the hours of 12 midnight to 3AM on the day of surgery.
- Please bring extra diapers and formula if indicated.
- Feel free to bring a favorite toy or blanket to make your child feel more comfortable.
Day of the Surgery
- Bring all of your medications with you!
- Please do not wear makeup, nail polish, hairpins or jewelry. This includes body jewelry. All valuables should be left at home.
- You may bathe and use deodorant, but please do not apply any powders or lotions to the body. These items may interfere with the use of our monitors and tapes.
During Your Stay
- Your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be checked.
- You may have additional lab tests and/or X-rays to assist in determining your treatment plan.
- Use your call bell to summon a nurse if you need assistance.
- Side rails should be kept in the upright position.
- The staff will review your activity level with you.
- A shave or scrub may be done prior to surgery.
- While in bed, your position should be changed every 2 hours unless instructed otherwise.
- You will need to take deep breaths and cough every 2 hours to reduce the risk of pneumonia.
- If you have an IV, it will be monitored by the nurses and removed as indicated.
- You will need to do leg exercises to reduce the risk of blood clots.
If You Have General Anesthesia:
Do not drive or operate a motor vehicle, sign any legal document, or make any important decision for 24 hours. You may feel wobbly or light-headed. Eat light foods for 24 hours. When you are able to tolerate food without feeling sick to your stomach, gradually return to your regular diet. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. We strongly suggest that a responsible adult be with the patient for the rest of the day and also during the night for the patient's protection and safety. Children should rest at home, but may be up and about according to doctor's orders/instructions. | |
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