Visit Information

It is normal to feel anxious before any surgical procedure. Remember, our surgical teams are highly experienced experts who have performed procedures many times. Take comfort in knowing that your safe and successful operation is our highest priority. We care about your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

If at any time, you have a concern or question, please make the nurse aware of your concerns.

Carefully follow the day-of-surgery preparation instructions described below, along with any instructions provided by your physician.

Do not drink or eat anything after midnight, as instructed. Your procedure will be canceled if you do not follow these instructions.

Take your medications with a small sip of water, if your doctor has instructed you to do so, and be sure to inform your nurse about the medications you have taken.

Please bathe or shower before coming to your scheduled procedure at Northtowns Ambulatory Surgery Center.

DO NOT wear lotions, hair sprays or other hair products, deodorant/antiperspirant or perfume.

Please remove jewelry (including your wedding band) before coming for your procedure. Leave your jewelry, and all other valuables at home, including computers, watches, cell phones and money.

Remove all make-up, nail polish, contact lenses and body piercings.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal (zippers, buttons, etc.) and casual shoes.

Let us know if you wear contact lenses, hearing aids, dentures or other such things so that we may better care for you and them during your procedure. Bring appropriate storage containers and solutions for contact lenses or dentures.

Prior to surgery, a bag will be provided for your personal items, such as clothing, dentures and glasses.

Prior to surgery, you will also be provided with a hospital gown.

Most arrival times are scheduled approximately 90 minutes prior to your surgery. You will be contacted the day before your procedure with the exact time you should arrive.

Remember to bring your health insurance card, photo identification and a method of payment if you have a copay.

A receptionist will greet you upon your arrival to review demographic information, obtain your signature on applicable forms and collect any copay due at the time of your visit.

It is important you arrive on time.

After the receptionist registers you, you will be moved to the pre-op area.

Before your procedure, a nurse and an anesthesiologist will meet with you to explain what will happen and what kind of anesthesia is best for you. They will provide you with an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

A nurse will also review your medical history with you, and your vital signs will be recorded. Pre and post-operative instructions will be reviewed.

A hospital gown will be provided, and you will get an I.D. bracelet to wear until you go home.

You will need to remove any glasses, contact lenses, dentures or hearing aids at this time.

You may receive some sedation medication to reduce your anxiety and make you sleepy.

An intravenous line (IV) will be inserted in your arm or hand vein to provide you with fluids and medications during your procedure.

If you wish, a family member or friend may stay with you during this time until you are ready to be moved to the operating room.

Administered by a highly trained specialist, Anesthesia is a medication that keeps patients comfortable during their surgical procedure.

Your surgery takes place in a state-of-the-art operating room (OR), where a brightly lit, temperature-controlled and sterile environment provides the safest place for your procedure. Your OR team is led by an expert surgeon, and includes nurses, surgical assistants and technologists, anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists.

• At the time of your procedure, nurses will transport you to the OR and will help you transfer to an OR bed.
• The OR team will help you find a comfortable resting position. Please inform the OR nurses if you have back problems or difficulty lying on your back, so we can take special care in positioning you for your surgery.
• The OR temperature is kept low in order to keep equipment at optimal performance, ensure a sterile environment and for the comfort of the surgical team. You may have a warm blanket provided if you need it.
• A cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor blood pressure, and pads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.
• A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood.
• Pneumatic compression stockings may be placed around your lower legs to keep the blood flowing in your legs and to discourage venous thrombosis.
• For safety and sterility reasons, family members are not allowed in the operating room.

We want you and your family to be as relaxed as possible during the waiting period before and after your surgery. Our waiting room offers your loved ones a calm and comfortable environment during your stay. The main reception area staff are sensitive to the anxieties experienced when waiting for patients during procedures. If any questions arise, do not hesitate to ask.

Before you can be discharged to go home, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your blood pressure and pulse must be stable.
• You must be able to drink fluids.
• You must be able to urinate independently.
• You must NOT be experiencing any nausea or vomiting.
• Your surgical incision must not be draining or swollen.
• You should be reasonably comfortable and should not be experiencing excessive pain.
• You must be able to move around without too much assistance.

You will be discharged after you meet all of the above medical criteria. Prior to discharge, the recovery room nurse will review your medications and the doctor’s discharge instructions with you to make sure you understand what you need to do at home.

You can either walk out or use a wheelchair, depending on your comfort level. For your safety and well-being, you must have an adult family member or friend ready to escort you home and remain with you after you arrive home from your surgery.

Be sure to follow all of the post-operative instructions that you are provided upon your visit. Surgery can be very stressful on the body, and rest is extremely important to recovery.

You should eat lightly for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Feeling tired, dizzy or moderately nauseous for a day or so following surgery is normal, and it is normal to experience some discomfort at the procedure site.

In the days following your procedure, a surgery center nurse will contact you at home to help evaluate your recovery. If you need to speak to a nurse before or after the courtesy call, contact the Northtowns Ambulatory Surgery Center, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 716-817-0450.

Be sure to contact your surgeon if you experience any of the following:

• You have a fever over 101° F.
• Your incision becomes red, swollen, painful or has a foul odor.
• You have increased, excessive or unexpected bleeding.
• You feel too sleepy, dizzy or groggy. (Your medication may be too strong.)
• You still experience pain one hour after taking your pain medication.
• You have side effects from your medication, such as nausea, vomiting, redness, rash or itching.
• You are unable to drink or eat without vomiting.
• You have problems urinating.