Pre-operative & Post-Operative Instructions:

In preparation for your surgery:

Do I need to see any other doctor before my surgery?

· If you are a healthy person under the age of 50 you may need only lab work done within 7 days of having anesthesia. If you are over 50 or have any medical problems you will need to see your primary care doctor or cardiologist to have your preoperative laboratory tests and history and physical for medical clearance. When your procedure is booked we will give you specific pre-op instructions.
Medical clearance will not be given in advance to any patient by their primary doctors without an exact date and type of procedure planned.

· If you are under the care of a cardiologist, pulmonologist, hematologist-oncologist or other medical specialist, please
inform your surgeon as additional pre-operative evaluations may be necessary from these specialists.


What paperwork needs to be filled out before my surgery?

· Surgical Informed Consent: You will be asked to sign a surgical consent after you have discussed the benefits,
risks and alternatives to your surgery with your surgeon and have any questions you have answered. You will always see the surgeon in the pre-op area before any procedure, so you will have time to ask any questions you may have left out at that time.
The anesthesiologist will always evaluate a patient in the pre-op area as well, so any specific anesthesia questions can be answered at that time.



How do I manage my medications before surgery?

· If you are taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications (such as Plavix/Clopidogrel, Coumadin/
Warfarin, Pradaxa/Dabigatran Rivaroxaban/Xarelto or Apixaban/Eliquis), you will need to stop taking these medications at least 7 days
before your surgery date. Your surgeon and your PCP will need to work together for optimal management of
blood-thinning medications.

· If you are taking medication for diabetes, make sure to discuss with your PCP how to manage them prior to
your surgery. If you have not received such instructions, please contact your PCP’s office.

· If you are taking medication for high blood pressure in the afternoon or evening, you should take them as
prescribed by your doctor, the day prior to your surgery - but not on the day of your surgery. If you are taking
medication for high blood pressure in the morning, continue them as prescribed, with a sip of water.

· Discuss with your surgeon the management of herbal medications, supplements (like Vit E, Fish oils, Omega 3's, Flaxseed oil) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil,  Aleve, Motrin) prior to surgery as these need to be stopped 7 days prior to your surgery.



Is there any special skin preparation before surgery?

· You do not need to shave yourself before surgery, but do take a shower and wash well that morning.



When is the last time I can eat or drink before surgery?


· Do not eat anything (including chewing gum or candy) after midnight the night before surgery. You may have a sip of water (no other liquids) to take medications on the morning of surgery. You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any of the water.



The day prior to your surgery date:

What do I do if I feel sick the day before surgery?

· Call your surgeon’s office to discuss as your surgery may need to be postponed.


When is the admission check-in time confirmed?

· On the business day before your surgery, the surgery center or hospital pre-op nurse will call you to tell you what time to arrive for your procedure. If your surgery is on a Monday, they will call thepreceding Friday afternoon.


Is the planned surgery start time always correct?

· If your surgery is not the first scheduled operation of the day, your surgery start time may be later than
planned. If this does occur, you will be informed if possible. Many times it will be uncertain how long a surgery is before your scheduled case so we are considerate and understand that every patient is given the time required for an excellent outcome.


What do I bring to the hospital?

· To avoid lost or misplaced personal items, we recommend that you bring only essential items to the hospital such as
glasses, dentures and hearing aids with battery. Leave your valuables, such as jewelry (including rings and watches),
cash and credit cards at home or with your family.

· If you use a walker or wheelchair, one will be provided to you during your stay.


The day of your surgery:

How do I get there?

Surgical Center at Coral Springs (across the street from the Coral Square Mall)
967 University Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33071
954-341-5553

Coral Springs Surgical Center (located in our building on the 2nd floor)
1725 University Drive
2nd Floor
Coral Springs, Florida 33071
954-227-7760

Coral Springs Medical Center (in Coral Springs near the corner of Sample Rd and University Drive)
Broward Health Coral Springs
3000 Coral Hills Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33065
954-344-3000

NW Medical Center (in Margate off of 441 between Royal Palm Blvd and Sample Rd)
2801 North State Rd 7
Margate, Florida 33063
954-974-0400

You must have someone drive you home after any procedure. Taking a taxi home is never allowed.
Transportation should be arranged prior to your date of surgery.


Where do I check in?

· Check in on the morning of your surgery at the Outpatient Surgery Registration Desk if your procedure is at either hospital. You will see a large sign over the entrance and other signs directing you to that side of the hospital as you enter the hospital grounds.

The surgical centers have only one entrance and the Pre-op registration desk is located directly inside.



When do I meet the anesthesiologist?

· Your Anesthesiologist will review the material that your physician has provided. On the day of your procedure, your
anesthesiologist will go over your medical history and the anesthesia plan with you in detail and answer all of your
questions. The Department of Anesthesiology may call you the night before surgery, although this is not necessary
for all patients.

Where will my family or friends wait during the surgery?

· The surgical waiting area is located outside every OR.

· All persons who accompany you on the day of surgery may wait in this area until you are discharged from the Post
Anesthesia Care Unit. Staff will keep your designated contact person informed about how long you are expected to
be in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit and when they can see you.


What happens immediately after the surgery is completed?

· After your surgery you will be transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit near the operating room. Visitor access is restricted in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

· Post anesthesia nurses will keep your family member informed as to how your progress is after your surgery. The usual time in a recovery room is 30-45 minutes for outpatient surgery. It can be longer for inpatients who are already admitted to the hospital.
The recovery nurses will also provide discharge information and instructions if you are scheduled to go home on the day of surgery.

· Once you are discharged from the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. You can have visitors upon approval of
your nurse.