Patient Education

FAQs:

How do I schedule surgery?
Decide on a few dates you would like, and then call Jennifer, to schedule at 407.354.1202. She will work with you to get the desired date and time for your surgery.

What tests do I need before surgery?

  • Blood tests such as complete blood count, electrolytes, liver function tests, and PT, PTT may be    necessary, depending on your age and medications.
  • An EKG within six months of surgery is necessary if you are older than 50.
  • If you have an abnormal EKG or history of heart disease, you may need a stress test or echocardiogram. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
  • A chest X-ray may be necessary if you have a history of lung disease or smoking.


Where should I get my pre-operative tests?
You should be able to obtain your pre-op testing at your primary doctor’s office. If not, the tests may be ordered by the surgeon and performed at the hospital

What are the general instructions I should follow before my surgery?

  • You will need to stop taking any medication that will thin the blood, such as Plavix, Ecotrin, Ticlid, Persantine, etc. This includes Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, or any other anti-inflammatory medications except Tylenol. This also includes St. John’s Wort, Ginko, and other herbal medicines. You should stop these medications 10 days prior to surgery.
  • If you take the blood thinner Coumadin, special arrangements will be made. You will stop this 3 or 4 days prior to surgery.
  • If you are having colon surgery, you will need to cleanse your bowels starting the day    before. We will give you separate instructions for this.
  • You should take NO FOOD or LIQUIDS by mouth after midnight the night before surgery, if you are to receive any anesthesia other than local.
  • You may take your high blood pressure medication with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
  • If you are a diabetic, please call your surgeon to find out how much insulin or medication to take the day of surgery.
  • You should expect a call from the office prior to surgery to confirm the time of the operation

Where should I go the day of my surgery?
You should report to Dr. Phillips Hospital patient registration, 2nd floor of the Hospital two hours before your Surgery You will register there, then go to Same Day Surgery, where you will wait until it is your time to go into the operating room.

Where do I recover after outpatient surgery?

After the procedure you will go to the recovery room to wake up. You will be discharged when they feel you are stable, usually in 2-3 hours. If you will be receiving any IV sedation or anesthesia, you will need someone to give you a ride home.