DAY OF SURGERY
COVID-19 GUIDELINES FOR DAY OF SURGERY
Under the authority of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Officer of Health Order, we have some strict guidelines in place that you will see on your arrival to our facility.
For patients scheduled at Kerlan-Jobe Surgery Center please read through these guidelines to understand what to expect on the day of your surgery.
You can expect to hear from us by phone a day or two after your surgery, within 7 days and around 14 days to assess your condition. If you have any questions or concerns prior to that day, please don’t hesitate to contact your physician’s office.
PLEASE READ THROUGH OUR 2020 COVID-19 GUIDELINES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED PROCEDURE
Please have your designated person drop you off one and a half hours prior to your surgery start time at the circle drive main entrance.
To get into the building, you will be required to have on a personal mask or cloth covering both your mouth and nose.
Building security may ask screening questions before you proceed to the main elevators in the foyer.
Take the elevator to the third floor; on exiting the elevator you will be greeted by a member of our team who will take your temperature and have you complete a health screen/survey. After completing the screening you will be escorted to our lobby.
As an extra layer of protection, you will notice our entire staff will be wearing surgical masks, hats, goggles, gloves, gowns, and boot covers. You and your driver will be offered, and be required to wear, a new disposable mask for your safety, while you are with us.
As soon as the surgical team is ready for you, you will be escorted to our pre-op area.
Our surgical staff will keep your designated point person informed of your progress.
After you have recovered in our post anesthesia care unit (PACU), where they will take excellent care of you, we will take you and your point person to an area where we can provide you both with your discharge care instructions.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF SURGERY
ANESTHESIA
Anesthesiologists are specially trained doctors who work with your physician to provide anesthesia (sleep medicine) during your surgery. Your anesthesiologist will call you the day before and answer any questions you may have. You will also meet and speak with your anesthesiologist the day of surgery. Be sure to talk to your anesthesiologist about any medications you are currently taking, even over-the-counter drugs. Your anesthesiologist in consultation with you and the surgeon will determine the appropriate type of anesthesia. Those of you having pain management or “local only” procedures will not receive a call the day before.
OPERATING ROOM
The nurse from the operating room will come and check on you before your surgery to confirm you are ready for the procedure. Your nurse may ask you to repeat answers to questions you have already answered as a safety check. Your nurse and the anesthesiologist will accompany you to your surgery room. You will be put to sleep by the anesthesiologist (some procedures such as hand or pain management procedures do not require sedation in all cases). Your surgeon is preparing himself for your surgery during this time. When you are asleep, the surgery will begin and end. Many people who wake up after surgery in our recovery room are not even aware the procedure is finished.
RECOVERY
Immediately following surgery, you will be taken to our recovery room where specially trained nurses will closely monitor your breathing, blood pressure and pulse. The amount of time you spend in the recovery room depends on the type of surgery and/or anesthesia you have had. Some patients spend as little as a half hour in the recovery room; others may spend up to 2 hours or more.
AFTER SURGERY
For your safety and well-being, you must have a responsible adult family member or adult friend drive you home after surgery and stay with you overnight. The nursing staff, using your physician’s discharge criteria, will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition. HOWEVER, you may still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, and/or nauseated. These are possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12-24 hours.
AT HOME AFTER SURGERY
Dizziness and nausea are normal after receiving anesthetic – you should wait 24 hours after returning home before you:
Drive or operate equipment
Eat a large meal
Consume alcoholic beverages
Sign important papers
Take medication not approved by your physician
Stay at home alone
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
LEAVE US PHONE NUMBERS WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED the afternoon before your surgery and the day of your surgery. There are many factors that may change the time your physician would like you to be at the Surgery Center. The Surgery Center Anesthesiologist will call you the afternoon or evening before your surgery to confirm the final time you need to be at the Center for your surgery – Don’t forget to check your cell or home phone. If there is a cancellation or a delay on your day of surgery, we may ask you to come in earlier or later depending on the situation. Please be available to our staff by phone.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK (this includes water and chewing gum) after midnight the night before surgery unless otherwise directed by your anesthesiologist. Your surgery will be postponed if you ignore this precaution.
BATHE OR SHOWER on the morning of surgery to minimize the risk of infection.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH on the morning of surgery, but DO NOT SWALLOW ANY WATER.
DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL 24 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY. REFRAIN FROM SMOKING 12 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY. These substances can cause you to have adverse reactions to anesthesia and medication.
WEAR LOOSE COMFORTABLE CLOTHING and shoes.
LEAVE JEWELRY AND VALUABLES AT HOME (Do bring your insurance card, credit card and government issued photo identification such as a driver license).
REMOVE CONTACT LENSES AND ALL MAKE-UP BEFORE ARRIVAL.
HEALTH CHANGES should be reported immediately to your surgeon, even if the changes seem minor, such as fever, cough, rash, or a cold. Please notify your physician if there is a possibility that you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
BRING ANY AND ALL PAPERWORK your physician may have given you regarding your surgery.
ARRANGE FOR A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO DRIVE YOU HOME AND STAY WITH YOU FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS FOLLOWING SURGERY. For most, the effects of anesthesia and sedation will make you drowsy for that period of time.
PLEASE MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHILDREN not having surgery.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS should have two adults available to take them home – one adult to drive and one to attend to the recovering child. We encourage you to bring his/her favorite toy for extra comfort. Children may be brought in wearing their pajamas. Please bring an empty bottle or “sippy” cup if your child cannot drink from a cup.
ARRIVE ON TIME so that your surgery may begin as scheduled.