Pre- and Postsurgical Instructions

Pre- and postsurgical instructions differ depending on your surgical procedure. Your doctor will give you specific directions pertaining to your surgery. Please contact your nurse if you lose your directions and need a replacement copy.

Here we have listed some general instructions on what to do before your surgery, and what to expect during and after your operation.

• Patient Rights and Responsibilities
• Rules for Food and Drink
• Medications You Take
• If You Have Symptoms of Illness
• Pregnancy and Outpatient Surgery Procedures
• How to Dress
• What Not to Wear or Bring
• What to Ask Your Doctor
• Translation for Non-English Speakers
• Transportation and Parking
• Admission Process
• Anesthesia and Pre-Op Steps
• Recovery Period
• At Home Instructions
• Advanced Health Care Directive or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
• General Post-Op Instructions
• Follow-up Phone Call
• Typical Procedure Side Effects
• Contact Information

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Federal regulation requires us to provide you with your Patient Rights and Responsibilities verbally and in writing prior to the day of your surgery. If you fail to receive this notification, we are required to cancel your surgery.

You can access the Patient Rights and Responsibilities here or you may call us at 650-404-8441.

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Rules for Food and Drink

Eating or drinking on the day of your procedure may cause your procedure to be postponed or cancelled.

Adults and Children over age 1:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure. This includes water.


• No gum, hard candy or mints after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure.

Infants up to 1 year old:

• Can have solid food or formula for up to six hours before the procedure. No solids or formula after that time.


• Can have 4 ounces or less of breast milk and water for up to four hours prior to the procedure. No fluids after that time.

For Spinal Procedures

For Gastroenterological Procedures
Colonoscopy: Follow the physician's prep instructions. Do not drink anything four hours prior to your procedure.
Endoscopy: Do not eat food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure. You may have clear liquids (no more than 8 ounces) for up to four hours prior to the procedure. Clear liquids are limited to water, clear juices or clear soda, coffee or tea without milk.

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Medications You Take

Consult your physician if you are taking medication for heart, diabetes, blood pressure or respiratory problems. Be sure to bring a list of all medications you are taking to the SurgiCenter the day of your procedure. If applicable, bring your emergency inhalers and migraine medications as well.
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If You Have Symptoms of Illness

If you develop a cold, flu, sore throat, fever or persistent cough, notify your doctor promptly. Your surgery or procedure may need to be rescheduled for a later date due.
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Pregnancy and Outpatient Surgery Procedures

It is important to know if there is any possibility you may be pregnant. If so, you must notify your doctor prior to your procedure. If applicable, be prepared to tell the staff the date of your last menstrual period.
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How to Dress

• Wear casual, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your procedure. Pajamas are fine for children being admitted for surgery.


• When you arrive at the SurgiCenter, we will give you a surgical cap, gown and slippers to wear during your stay.


• We will put your clothing and personal items in a bag for safe keeping.


• Feel free to bring reading materials.

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What Not to Wear or Bring

• Please do not wear jewelry.


• Do not wear contact lenses. Instead, please bring eye glasses.


• Do not wear cosmetics or nail polish. These can conceal changes in your skin and nail color that your doctor needs to assess during surgery and recovery.


• Leave your valuables (including wallet, credit cards, purse, cell phone, etc.) at home, as the SurgiCenter is not responsible for lost valuables.

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What to Ask Your Doctor

• Are there any specific instructions for food and drink before and after my procedure?


• When may I shower after my procedure?


• What should I expect the week following my procedure?


• Are there any signs or symptoms I should be aware of following my procedure?


• When may I resume normal activities?

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Translation for Non-English Speakers

We ask that patients who do not speak or understand English inform the SurgiCenter staff of their need for a translator in advance. A translator can be arranged for the admission and recovery process. Last-minute requests for translation may require rescheduling of your procedure for a later date.
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On the Day of Your Operation/Procedure

Transportation and Parking

There is plenty of parking just outside of the SurgiCenter, in the underground level of the two-story parking structure. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge from the SurgiCenter.

You may take a taxicab if a responsible adult accompanies you home, or you can arrange in advance for transportation with Roadrunners Transportation Service by calling 650-940-7016.

Failure to arrange for transportation home will require cancellation of your procedure.

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Admission Process

When you arrive at the SurgiCenter, you will be guided through the admission process by a nurse. Please bring:

• your insurance card(s)


• a photo ID


• the name and phone number for the responsible adult driving you home

Please share any changes in your insurance or contact information, if applicable.

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Anesthesia and Pre-Op Steps

If your procedure requires only a local anesthesia, your surgeon will provide it. If you are scheduled for general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist will discuss your care with you. Before you are taken to the operating room for your procedure, you will receive an IV for fluids and administration of medications.
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Recovery Period

When your procedure is complete, you will be taken to a recovery room where our experienced nursing staff will care for you until you are ready to go home. You will be given discharge instructions and be escorted to your vehicle by our staff.

Remember, you must have a responsible adult to drive you home.

In the rare occasion that your medical condition should require hospitalization, we will transfer you to El Camino Hospital where you will continue to be cared for by our physicians.
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At Home Instructions

We highly recommend that you arrange to have a responsible adult to stay at home with you the day and night following your procedure. If your doctor gives you a post-procedure prescription, it is wise to get it filled prior to your procedure. Plan to get plenty of rest, which is an important part of healing.
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Advanced Health Care Directive or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

For patients undergoing elective procedures at the SurgiCenter, life sustaining procedures will be taken if necessary until the patient can be transferred to a higher level of care (such as a hospital).
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What to Expect After Surgery

General Post-Op Instructions

After any procedure, always follow your doctor's orders regarding rest, diet and medication. For at least 24 hours after you have had a sedative medication or anesthesia, you should not:

• drive


• operate machinery


• make important decisions


• sign important papers


• consume alcohol

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Follow-up Phone Call

A nurse from the SurgiCenter may phone you the next working day after your procedure to check on your progress and to answer any questions you might have. Please let us know if you do not wish to have a phone call.
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Typical Procedure Side Effects

You may experience some nausea, dizziness and/or a sore throat after your procedure. These conditions are typically minor and short-lived, and should not delay your discharge from the SurgiCenter.

Constipation can occur after surgery due to decreased activity and use of narcotic pain medications. If you do not have a bowel movement within 48 hours, you may take an over-the-counter laxative of your choice.
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Contact Information

If medical problems develop after your procedure, contact your doctor immediately.

If you have questions not answered on this Web site, please call us at 650-404-8441.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.


Last Reviewed: January 2010
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