Surgery Information

surgery information

Based on the type of surgery you are having and your physical condition, your doctor will decide if you can go home the same day or if you will be staying as an inpatient.

Pre-admission Testing

  • Your doctor will decide if you need any hospital pre-admission testing. If so, you will be instructed to have your testing done prior to your surgery date.
  • Your doctor or nurse will tell you which of your medications you should take on the morning of surgery.
  • If you are taking herbal preparations, weight loss medications, or blood thinners (Ticlid, Plavix, aspirin), please let your surgery team or physician know at the earliest convenience.
  • If you are on the blood thinner Coumadin, talk to your surgeon to see if it should be stopped.
  • If your health insurance company requires claim forms, fill them out in advance and bring them for your pre-admission testing appointment or the day of surgery.

The Day Before Surgery

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery (at least eight hours before surgery). Do not drink water, eat mints or chew gum. It is important that your stomach be completely empty during surgery.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before surgery.
  • Do not smoke the morning of surgery.
  • Notify your doctor of any changes in your health, such as a cold, flu or fever.
  • Before surgery the registration clerk may contact you to verify information such as your age, address and type of insurance coverage. If you have any questions regarding the financial aspects of your care, please call the hospital’s financial counselor at 918-421-8020.
  • If the patient is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign all consents. The hospital requires updated copies of legal guardianship papers. If the guardian is not able to come to MRHC on the day of pre-admission testing or surgery, arrangements can be made in advance. By law, we cannot perform testing or surgery without the legal guardian’s signature and proper documentation.

What to Bring to the Hospital

If you are to be admitted to the hospital following surgery, bring:

  • Small overnight bag with toiletries, robe and slippers
  • Any splints, slings, walker or crutches you have been using prior to the operation
  • Insurance card and any paperwork your physician gives you, such as test results or your medical history
  • List of all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications

Do not bring:

  • Jewelry
  • Watch
  • Checkbook
  • Credit cards
  • Large sums of money to the hospital, unless you are specifically asked to provide payment upon arrival We cannot be responsible for your valuables — please leave them at home.

Day of Surgery

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Your clothes will be safely stored during surgery.
  • Do not wear contact lenses, including extended wear. Dentures or hearing aids may be removed before surgery. Be sure to bring your container.
  • Go directly to the admitting desk.
  • If you are going home after surgery, we require arrangements be made for a responsible adult to accompany you, stay during the surgery, and drive you home from the hospital. Transportation by taxi is only acceptable if a responsible adult other than the driver accompanies you.
  • If you are being admitted to the hospital as an inpatient, you will be assigned to a room after surgery.

Discharge Instructions

It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions when being discharged after your surgery. Your doctor and nurse will review discharge guidelines with you before you leave the hospital. If you have had anesthesia:

  • Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.
  • Do not consume alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping medications or any non-prescription medication for 24 hours.
  • Do not make important decisions or sign any important papers in the next 24 hours.
  • A responsible adult must stay with you for the next 24 hours.
  • Children may appear flushed for several hours after surgery.
  • Plan to rest for at least 12 hours after you get home.

Post-Surgical Care

It is not unusual to feel tired, dizzy, sleepy or slightly nauseated after a surgical procedure. However, call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following problems:

  • Pain not relieved by prescribed medication.
  • Fever over 100 taken by mouth or 101 if taken rectally.
  • Swelling around the incision.
  • Increased redness, warmth, hardness or foul odor around the incision or procedure site.
  • Blood-soaked dressing (small amounts of oozing may be normal).
  • Increasing and progressive drainage from the incision or examination site.
  • Inability to urinate.
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting.
  • Inability to eat or drink.
  • Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath.

Within the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery, a hospital representative may call you to check on your progress. Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. After office hours, your doctor may have an answering service. If you need immediate attention, go to the MRHC Emergency Department. Discharge planning services for medically necessary home care or transferring to an inpatient rehabilitation facility is available. If you have questions about your surgery, contact your doctor or MRHC Surgery Department at 918-421-8685.