You may eat and take usual medications the day of testing unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
We encourage a family member or friend to accompany you to your PASE appointment. If you will be discharged the same day as your surgery, it is recommended your after-surgery caregiver accompany you to this visit.
A PASE nurse will:
- Complete a health history
- Provide you with information about the night before surgery, the day of surgery and what to expect after surgery
Remember to bring with you:
- Papers from your physician's office.
- A completed Medical History form provided by your surgeon's office.
- A list of current medications, including the name of drug and dosage as written on bottle, vitamins, herbal supplements, and all over-the-counter medications you take.
- List of allergies and prior surgeries.
- Insurance/Medicaid card(s) and Social Security number.
- Advanced Directive (if completed, please bring a copy and we will put this in your record).
Compliance with these guidelines is necessary for safe administration of anesthesia or sedation. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of your surgery.
Arrival
On the day of surgery, arrive at the Surgery Center 1½ hours before your surgery unless you are instructed otherwise. Park in the ramp located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 8th Street. Enter the hospital through the South Entrance and proceed to the Surgery Center on Level 2.
Diet
- Adults: Nothing by mouth after midnight EXCEPT a sip of water with medications in the morning (unless told otherwise by your surgeon). Never solid food after midnight.
- Children (12 years and under): No solid food after midnight. No liquids 4 hours before scheduled surgery time. Clear liquids such as, carbonated beverages, non-pulp juices, water, or Pedialyte are allowed up to 4 hours before surgery, then nothing by mouth. Breastfed babies may have breast milk up to 4 hours before scheduled surgery time, then nothing by mouth.
Home Medication
If you take daily medication, take your morning dose upon arising with one or two sips of water as directed by your physician. Diabetic patients who take insulin should call the PASE Department at (319) 398-6211 or Surgery Center at (319) 398-6533 for directions on insulin usage prior to surgery.
Attire
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Do not wear pantyhose, jewelry (including wedding rings), makeup or nail polish. Leave all valuables and money at home. Remove all body piercings prior to arrival at the hospital. Only personal care items are needed if you plan to stay overnight.
Physical Status
If a change in your physical status develops (persistent cough, fever or an important change in the conditions you are having surgery for), please notify your surgeon.
Accompaniment
A parent or guardian must accompany your child to and from the hospital. If you are a legal guardian, you must bring the paperwork showing proof of the guardianship arrangement. A responsible adult must be in constant attendance for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
When You Arrive
After you arrive at the Surgery Center, an anesthesiologist will evaluate your general condition and answer your questions regarding anesthesia.
After Surgery
Inpatients: You will be observed in the Phase I recovery after surgery. Your family will accompany you to your room after visiting with the surgeon.
Outpatients: You will be observed in the Phase I and/or Phase II recovery after surgery. You will remain in the Phase II recovery until you are discharged. A relative/friend may wait with you in your room or remain in the Surgery Center waiting room.
An adult must accompany you home from the hospital. This arrangement must be made prior to your surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or go unaccompanied by public transportation after anesthesia has been administered. You must have an adult in constant attendance for (at least) 24 hours after your surgery.
There are numerous reasons why your surgeon and anesthesiologist may advise you to be admitted to the hospital after surgery. Arrange your schedule to accommodate possible admission.
