Day of Surgery

We want your day of surgery to be as stress-free as possible. As you prepare for your procedure, your surgeon and care team will guide you and answer any questions.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of your surgery, remember to follow the instructions your doctor gave you to prepare for your procedure. You can also use our pre-surgery checklist to keep track of what you need to do and bring with you. Before arriving to the hospital:

• Take a bath or shower, but remember to avoid using powder, lotion, deodorant, perfume, aftershave or makeup.
• Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, but spit out all of the liquid.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions about taking your medications on surgery day.
• Unless your doctor or nurse tells you differently, leave home in time to arrive at the hospital 2 hours before your surgery is scheduled to begin.

Arriving at the Hospital

Remember to have someone else, a family member or friend, drive you to the hospital and stay during your surgery. When you arrive, you will:

• Check in at admissions
• If you haven’t pre-registered, you will register when you check in
• Pay your co-insurance or deductibles if your insurance provider requires them
• Get a hospital ID bracelet. Confirm that your name and birth date are correct

Going Back to the Operating Room

After your paperwork is complete, you’ll go into pre-op and change into your gown, cap and paper slippers. During pre-op:

• Your anesthesiologist may see you beforehand to explain the process and answer any questions.
• Your surgeon will explain the surgery, what to expect afterward, and answer any questions you may have.
• Staff members will attach IVs and monitoring leads if needed. For young patients, these are usually attached in the operating room.

During Surgery

During your surgery, your family or friends will wait in a surgery waiting area. We are dedicated to keeping your loved ones updated through every step of the process, as requested. We recommend at least one person wait in the waiting area in case the doctor or nurse needs to talk with them during the surgery.

When surgery is over, with your consent, your surgeon will alert your family or friends and give them details about how the surgery went and how you’re doing.

After surgery, you will go through our recovery and discharge process. Your doctor will also ensure you have any medications you need to help you manage pain.

Banner Health’s world-renown staff is here to make sure your surgery is as efficient and comfortable as possible. Talk to your doctor if you have more questions regarding your upcoming surgical procedure.