Surgical Preparations
If your physician determines you are to have an outpatient surgical procedure at Clarke County Hospital, you will be checked into our surgery department.
We have provided several items for you to review in order to prepare you for your CCH surgical experience.
Prior to Your Surgery
- You, your physician and the surgical staff will discuss any past medical condition you have had.
- CCH staff and your physician should be made aware of any medications you take including the name, dosage and frequency.Please be sure to let CCH staff and your physician know any nonprescription drugs that you may be taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
- Don't hesitate to ask your physician to clarify any aspect of surgery that you may not understand.
- Ask your physician if he or she recommends halting any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication before your surgery.
- Many times, physicians have pre- and post-operative instructions, ask your physician to write them for you.
- Ask your physician when is a reasonable time for you to return to work and resume normal exercise routine and activities.
- Arrange transportation home.
- The business office will call to inquire about insurance and other finance-related information.
- The surgery department also will be in contact in order to:
- Acquire information about your expectations of the surgery department.
- Obtain your health-related information such as medications, allergies, previous illnesses and surgeries.
- Answer any of your questions.
The Day of Surgery
We stress it is important that you follow your physician and surgical department's instructions about eating, drinking liquids, taking your medications and smoking before surgery. When anesthesia is used, eating even small amounts of liquids or solids beforehand can cause serious complications. If you do not adhere to your pre-operative instructions, your surgery may have to be postponed.
- When you arrive at the hospital, remember to wear comfortable clothes.
- Following your surgery you may need a prescription. You may want to have a family member or friend to help pick up your prescription on your way home.
- Please shower the night before or the morning of surgery. We urge you not to wear makeup and avoid powders, lotions or creams on or near the surgical area.
- You will want to brush your teeth prior to surgery, but try to avoid swallowing any water. We encourage you not chew gum or candy after midnight the night before your surgery.
During Your Surgery
You are able to have a family member or friend with you in the pre-surgical area before surgery and in the surgery unit after your procedure.
You will have an opportunity to ask the surgeon and staff questions that you may have about anesthesia.
When You Leave CCH
Leaving CCH depends on the type of anesthesia and procedure you have, and how you reacts to both. If you are not feeling well enough to go home, please make your physician or surgical department aware of how you are feeling so they may take the proper action.
Your physician or nurse will give you post-operative instructions about post-surgical care when you leave the hospital.