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- Someone from the outpatient surgery department will call you two days in advance of your procedure to give you instructions about it.
- You will be asked to call the outpatient surgery department (412.749.7310) between 2 and 3 p.m. the day before your surgery to verify your arrival and procedure time.
- Call your doctor if there is a change in your health, such as a cold or fever. Your surgery may need to be delayed.
- On the day of surgery, do not wear makeup, nail polish or jewelry.
- Arrange for someone to take you home after same-day surgery. The effects of anesthesia can make driving dangerous. You must plan to have someone stay with you at home throughout the night after surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything prior to surgery. Follow your physician's instructions. Do not use chewing gum, chewing tobacco or hard candy prior to surgery. This is crucial for the safe use of anesthesia.
- You may meet your anesthesiologist on the day of your surgery. If you have specific concerns, call anesthesia services at 412.749.7130.
- Plan to arrive for surgery at or before your scheduled time.
- Family and friends may stay with you until you are taken to the operating room. Then they should wait in the family surgical waiting area. A volunteer there will keep them informed about your progress.
- With local anesthesia, it can take up to 30 minutes to recover after surgery. Other types of anesthesia require a longer recovery time.
- You will be monitored in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit until it is safe for you to be discharged to the outpatient area.
- In the outpatient area, you will be given assistance and light refreshments as you recover. Your family can join you there.
- Your doctor and anesthesiologist will determine when you are ready for discharge.
- A nurse will review the surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Report anything unusual to the doctor. If you have any problems, go to the nearest emergency department.
- Sometimes after surgery, patients are admitted to the hospital for overnight monitoring. If this happens, please send your valuables home with your family.
