Preparing for outpatient surgery

In the interest of achieving the best outcomes, as well as maintaining your safety, it is crucial to follow these instructions on the night before and morning of your surgery.

The night before surgery, you should:

• Avoid drinking any beverages containing alcohol.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything, including water, after midnight.
• Avoid taking any medications except those prescribed by your doctor.
• Eat a light dinner, unless otherwise noted.
• Notify your doctor by 8:00pm if you develop a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual pain, congestion or an unexpected issue.
• Sleep on clean sheets.
• Take a shower or bath.
• Take Chlorhexidine showers, if instructed to do so by your physician.

The morning of surgery, you should:

• Avoid eating or drinking anything, unless you are instructed to do so.
• Avoid wearing wear facial makeup or nail polish. If you have acrylic nails, please remove at least one nail so we can better monitor your oxygen level during your procedure.
• Be accompanied by an adult who will be able to drive you home after you are discharged.
• Bring the following items with you:
  • Book to read
  • Container for contact lenses or eyeglasses
  • Cup for dentures or bridges
  • Medications in their original bottles
  • Phone charger
• Brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
• Ensure that any children getting surgery are:
  • Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • Equipped with a bottle or cup they prefer to use
  • Prepared with diapers, wipes, a pacifier if they use one and toys or blankets
• Leave all valuables at home, including jewelry, credit cards and large sums of money, as the hospital cannot assume responsibility for lost items.
• Refrain from smoking, chewing gum or chewing tobacco.
• Take another shower or bath.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as a jogging suit.

Failure to follow these instructions may cause your surgery to be canceled.

Postoperative guidelines

After surgery, we may move you to the post-anesthesia care unit until we can confirm that your condition is stable. Once this is determined, you will return to the outpatient surgery department until you get discharged.

The person appointed as your care partner can stay with you when you return. Prior to discharge, you will be given postsurgical instructions to follow at home.

If you have any questions about your condition once you return home, you should contact your physician, or call the hospital emergency department at (318) 769-5000.

Where do I go when I get to the hospital the day of my surgery?

Proceed to the first floor of the outpatient plaza. Look for the large, lighted “Day Surgery” sign. You will then check in with our admissions clerk at the outpatient surgery window. If you are having surgery at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, please check in at the admitting office in the lobby of the hospital. The Scott Street entrance is open 24/7.

Why do I need to get pre-admission testing?

In addition to giving you the opportunity to ask questions, pre-admission testing allows us to review your health history, including any allergies you may have to medication, food or latex. During testing, we also give you verbal and written instructions about your surgery.

What kind of tests are involved in pre-admission testing?

Pre-admission testing may include blood work, X-rays and electrocardiograms (EKGs). These are based on your health history, the type of surgery you are having and any instructions we get from your doctor. Some people do not have to get diagnostic tests.

What should I bring with me for pre-admission testing?

Please bring any paperwork the physician has asked you to provide, insurance information and reading glasses, if you need them. It is also essential that you bring a list of medications you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter). If you do not have a list, please bring the medication bottles with you. If you have questions, we encourage you to write them down and bring them, as well.

Do I have to remove my jewelry prior to surgery?

Yes. Jewelry poses safety risks in the operating room (OR). Leaving it on can cause burns from electrocautery, infections or injuries from swelling or pressure. For these reasons, we also ask that you remove all body piercings.

Why am I not allowed to eat anything on the day of my surgery?

This restriction is critical for your safety when you undergo anesthesia. If you do not follow this restriction, we may cancel your surgery.

May I take medications on the morning of my surgery?

Certain medications are permitted the morning of surgery, but you must consume them with as little water as possible. You are permitted to take any as allowed by your doctor, but, typically, we allow you to take heart medication, blood pressure medication, seizure medication.

Am I allowed to take my insulin or diabetic medications on the morning of surgery?

No. Going into surgery with low blood sugar can pose safety risks. The outpatient surgery staff will check your blood sugar on the morning of your procedure.

When will I learn the time of my surgery?

The day of surgery. The surgery schedule is finalized the morning before, in order to ensure the most accurate schedule possible. Calling after 9:00am the morning before surgery provides you with the most accurate information and the lowest chance of disrupting your arrival arrangements.

When do I need to arrive at the hospital?

Two hours before surgery. This time frame allows us maximum timing flexibility, as well as the best chances to to adequately prepare you for surgery. There may also be delays in the surgery schedule due to other unplanned circumstances. We encourage you to bring reading material and audio devices to help you relax before surgery.

I have sleep apnea. Will that be a problem?

Sleep apnea is not usually problematic if it is successfully treated, though the anesthesia department might need to place a special breathing tube. Depending on the severity of the sleep apnea and the type of surgery being done, we may need to keep your overnight for an observation period.

What if I have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator?

It is essential for your cardiologist to check your pacemaker before surgery to ensure it is functioning properly. If you have an internal defibrillator, you will need to see your cardiologist before surgery. If you have an identification card for your pacemaker or internal defibrillator, please bring it with you and give it to the nurse.