Do I need to visit the Center before surgery date?
No, we will call you the day before your surgery.
Some families may elect to bring their children for a preoperative tour of the Salt Lake Surgical Center.
Return to Top
May I pre-register for my surgery?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to have completed all the registration forms before the day of surgery. We prefer that you simply walk in the day of your surgery and be shown to your room rather than fill out pages of paperwork. For your convenience, we have provided an online registration feature. Due to Federal Regulations we must speak with you prior to the day of your procedure.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. The surgeon’s office will notify us. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
Return to Top
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best and sweat suits. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up. Please remove all body piercings.
Return to Top
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication can be extremely serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some may think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards.
Return to Top
Should I take my usual daily medication?
You will be contacted before your surgery, leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take or not take prior to surgery.
People using inhalers or insulin must bring them to the Center on the day of surgery. Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have regarding your medications at 801-261-3141.
Return to Top
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may affect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about what medications you are currently using.
Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient's care. Most patients walk into the operating room themselves. Therefore, preoperative medication is minimized.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes. We must speak with each patient or patient’s guardian before surgery to gather and provide essential information. You can also call the Center directly with any questions at 801-261-3141. Please make sure the Center has an accurate phone number to assure contact.
Return to Top
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make- up, hair spray, or perfumes.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Center.
Return to Top
What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect most surgical procedures. There are a few specific gynecological procedures which may be impacted by menstruation. Call your surgeon if you have any questions.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt, please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure requires a ride home. The few patients who have procedures performed under local anesthesia alone could possibly drive home if approve by the surgeon.
We require that all patients have a ride home and must have a responsible adult to assist you in your recovery for 24 hours. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia.
Return to Top
May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. The anesthesiologist will visit with you and answer any questions that you might have at that time.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
Return to Top
Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver's license or some form of state issued ID and estimated co-insurance and deductible (if applicable)
- Bring the pre-operative questionnaire that was given to you by your surgeon if you have not already mailed it in to us.
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home for 24 hours
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
- Bring a case for eyeglasses or contacts
Return to Top
How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home.
It is essential that we are able to assess your pain level during your stay. The Pre-Op nurse will inform you of the scale we use in ranking pain.
.
Return to Top