Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery, whether for an adult or child, can be a very stressful time. The staff at Holly Springs Surgery Center are focused on your safety and care.

You will be sent a patient portal invite via text message and/or email. You will be asked to enter your past and present medical and surgical history. You will also enter all medications that you take on a daily basis including over the counter medications and herbal supplements. It is especially important to list blood pressure, diabetic, and heart medications. After the information is received at our facility, one of our nurses will contact you with instructions about taking medications prior to your procedure and other important information you may need to know for your surgery.

Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to have a few minor tests prior to your surgery to further assure the safest of outcomes for you. You will receive instructions for any tests from either the health history nurse or your surgeon’s office. The results from these tests will automatically be forwarded to your surgeon and our surgery center.

Prior to the day of surgery, if there are any changes in your physical condition, please notify your surgeon’s office. The doctor may choose to postpone your surgery.

If you are having any anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone accompany you and stay at the surgery center, drive you home after your surgery, and stay with you overnight.

The Day Before Surgery

The center will call you with your arrival time. Because preparing for surgery is very important, to assure your safety and the best possible experience, we have listed some important rules for you to follow. Ignoring these may cause your surgery to be delayed or cancelled.

If You Are Having Anesthesia/Sedation:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight the night before surgery (this includes: chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco).

  • Do not bring valuables with you on the day of surgery (this includes: purses, money, jewelry, etc.).

  • If possible, make arrangements for child care which will allow you to concentrate on recovering.

  • If receiving anesthesia or valium, please have a responsible adult to drive you home.

  • You will be asked to arrive at least 1 1/2 hours prior to the time of your surgery; however, this may be up to 2 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia you are receiving. A nurse from Holly Springs Surgery Center will call you with your arrival time.

  • If you are diabetic, you will be given instructions as to the dose and time to take your medication prior to arriving at the center.

  • If you routinely take a medication that thins the blood, you must speak with your surgeon about when to stop this drug and if you may need any blood tests before surgery (i.e.: aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Naprosyn, Motrin).

  • If you are delayed in arriving, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at (919) 762-4030.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, we ask that you:

  • Bring a list of all current medications (including vitamins and herbals) the dosage and frequency.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and simple shoes to make getting dressed after your surgery easy. Do not wear jewelry.

  • Bring your insurance cards and driver’s license for the admitting process.

  • There is a snack area with coffee or tea available to those waiting for patients.

  • Escorts need/must/shall remain in the building while the patient is in surgery. If an emergency occurs and you must step out, please tell the receptionist.

You will be asked to remove dentures and contacts when getting ready for surgery, so please bring your cases with you.

Your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and operating room nurse will visit you in pre-op. They will re-verify information and answer any questions you may have. You will be in pre-op for about an hour. After your surgery, you will be taken directly to the recovery room where you will again be monitored by nurses.

The Recovery Room

Your escort will be allowed in the Recovery Room with you when it is appropriate. For the privacy of you and other patients, limited visitors are allowed in the recovery area. You will be offered crackers and a light beverage. The length of time you will be in the Recovery Room is dependent on the type of procedure and anesthesia you had, your pain level, and your ability to tolerate fluids.

Once you are awake and alert, the nurse will review with you and your care-giver the instructions written by your physician which you are to follow at home. You will be given a copy of your discharge instructions to take home with you.

Please note: Everyone reacts to surgery differently. In some cases, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital following the surgery for specific medical reasons. If the need arises, be assured that this decision will be made in conjunction with anesthesia personnel and your surgeon. You would be admitted to Wake Med Cary.

When You Go Home

Please follow these instructions when you get home if you have had anesthesia/sedation:

  • You must have your care-giver stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may be drowsy or dizzy.

  • Rest and relax. You have just had surgery. Follow your doctors’ recommendations for resuming your normal activities.

  • Eat a light meal when you get hungry. Eating too much, or heavy foods, may cause you to become nauseated.

  • Remember to follow your doctors’ instructions on resuming any previous medications you had been on, as well as taking any pain medication prescribed for you.

  • Do NOT drive, drink alcoholic beverages or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

  • If you feel you are experiencing any problems after your discharge, call your doctor’s office immediately. If your doctor is not available, go to the Emergency Room at your local hospital or call 911 if it is an extreme emergency.

After your surgery, you will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to check on your progress.

If Your Child is Having Surgery

Holly Springs Surgery Center is a child friendly facility. Our surgeons perform several different types of children’s surgeries each year. Our nursing staff has had many years of experience in caring for children and understand the impact surgery has on them.

To make their day, and yours, a little less stressful, we recommend the following:

  • If possible, arrangements should be made for the care of siblings. The child having surgery will need your full attention.

  • Encourage your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket.

  • If your child uses diapers, a pacifier, a bottle, or a “sippy” cup, please bring them along.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver will be asked to wear an identifying bracelet with the same information contained on the child’s bracelet. You may remove these once you are discharged from the facility.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver shall remain in the pre-op area with the child until the time of surgery.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver shall not leave the facility while child is having surgery.

  • Parent/legally designated care-giver may be with the child during the recovery process as soon as Anesthesia/PACU nurse determines it is appropriate.

  • Children over the age of 2 years may have nothing to eat or drink after midnight.