Information
Preparing for Your Surgery
After reviewing your medical history, your doctor or the anesthesiologist may recommend specific pre-admission tests. If this is necessary, your doctor will send you to a convenient testing site; his or her office staff will help you make these arrangements.
Please fill out the green or pink health history questionnaire and mail to the Surgery Center promptly.
Once you have been scheduled for surgery by your doctor, the Surgery Center will call you two or three days before your procedure. During the phone call we will ask for information about your present and past state of health, including any medications you currently take. We will also review with you what to do the night before surgery; what to bring with you the day of surgery; and whether you will require a responsible adult to drive you home.
The Night Before Surgery
Try to relax and have a quiet evening. Please abide by the following instructions:
- Do not eat any solid food and limit your fluid intake after midnight. You may have a total of three ounces of clear liquids such as water or apple juice until three hours before your surgery.
- Refrain from smoking, if possible.
- Take medications only as directed during your pre-surgery phone call. Be sure to follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon or family physician regarding taking any products that contain aspirin or blood thinners prior to your procedure.
- Remove all make-up, nail polish and jewelry prior to your arrival.
The Day of Surgery
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. If you wear contacts or glasses, remember to bring your lens case.
- Bring any reports or printed materials given to you by the doctor or laboratory staff with you
- If you are currently taking any insulin, please bring it in the original bottle
- Call your surgeon if you have a fever, cold or sore throat prior to surgery
- Remember to bring your driver’s license and any insurance cards
- Leave all valuables at home. The Hamot Surgery Center cannot be responsible for them.
When you arrive
When you arrive at the Hamot Surgery Center, we will ask you for some additional insurance information and to sign consent forms. The anesthesiologist will speak with you about the anesthesia you will receive. The nurse will ask you some added questions about your ability to care for yourself at home, and instruct you on what you can expect during your stay.
One family member may accompany you as you wait in our holding area and when you arrive in stage II recovery. Nurses and doctors will be checking on you and monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure often throughout your stay.
Going Home
When you are ready to leave, we will give you instructions for what to do at home. When you are discharged, we will escort you to the exit. If you have received any anesthesia other than local anesthesia, we require that you have a responsible adult to listen to your medical instructions and drive you home. You should also arrange for someone to be with you at home throughout the night. We will call you the day after your surgery to check on your progress and ask about your stay.
We are counting on you to follow your doctor’s instruction carefully. If you have any questions or problems after surgery, call your doctor or the Hamot Surgery Center. All of us at the Hamot Surgery Center wish you a safe and speedy recovery.
Contact Information
200 State Street
Erie, PA 16550
814-453-3900
