Do I need to visit the Center before surgery date?
All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. Some may need blood tests, EKG or x-rays. Your surgeon will advise where you will have this done.
Some patients may choose to come to the Center before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments. We strongly recommend that you complete all preoperative documentation before the day of surgery.
May I pre-register for my surgery?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to complete your registration before your surgery day. For your convenience, we have provided an online registration form. www.onenethealth.com. If you need assistance registering, please call 402-758-5218. Completed registration prior to surgery provides you with optimal preparedness.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes. A nurse will contact you before surgery to gather information that is helpful to your surgery team and to go over your preoperative instructions. You can also call the center directly with any questions.
Will I need to visit my primary care provider prior to surgery?
All patients will need an up-to-date history and physical appointment prior to surgery. Some may need blood tests, EKG, or x-rays. Your surgeon will advise you on how to schedule this and what is required.
Can I make a payment before the day of my surgery?
Yes. You may choose to come to the surgery center to make payments prior or make payments over the phone.
What if I cannot make it to my scheduled surgery date?
Please notify the surgeon and the surgery center as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled surgery date. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately.
What should I wear to the surgery center?
Please wear loose and comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that you may have dressings that will be large and bulky, so wear clothes that can accommodate such dressings. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and take off. Do NOT wear any jewelry or body jewelry. If you wear glasses, bring them with you. Contact lenses must be left at home or you must bring a case and solution for them. Do not wear makeup, lotions, creams, perfumes/colognes. Nail polish, shellac, dip powder, and acrylic nails must be removed prior to surgery as they put you at risk for infection and hinder our pulse oximeters from properly monitoring you.
Can I shower/bathe before surgery?
Yes. You can take a shower, bathe, and brush your teeth (as long as you do not swallow any water). Do NOT shave anywhere on your body 24 hours prior to your surgery, due to the infection risk if you nick or cut yourself. Your surgeon may have specific instructions on showering and using special antibacterial soaps prior to arriving, so please do as they instructed you.
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 into your lungs during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by the fasting guidelines. These are all based on safety standards. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in cancellation/postponing of your surgery. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think. You will be given specific instructions on fasting by a nurse from the surgery center prior to your surgery.
Should I take my usual daily medication?
You will be contacted by a nurse from the surgery center regarding which medications you may take prior to your surgery. Diabetic patients will be given specific instructions on their diabetes medications. Patients who use inhalers will be asked to bring their inhalers the day of surgery.
What medications need to be stopped prior to surgery?
Herbal medications, herbal teas, over-the-counter vitamins, supplements, and alternative medications need to be stopped 7-10 days prior to surgery and may have harmful effects on you if not stopped in the appropriate timeframe. Many of these remedies can affect blood clotting mechanisms and interfere with anesthetic agents, increasing the risk for serious complications. Diet pills (such as phentermine) must be stopped 7 days prior to your surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as ibuprofen, advil, motrin, aleve, naproxen/naprosyn, aspirin/aspirin containing products, meloxicam, Celebrex, etc. must be stopped 7-10 days prior to surgery unless otherwise advised by your surgeon. If you are taking a prescription blood thinner, please talk to your surgeon or the provider who prescribed the medication for further instructions.
Who may accompany me?
You must have a driver that is at least 19 years of age or older to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours postoperatively. Your visitor will be allowed in your preop room after you and your preop nurse have completed the preop assessment (usually 20-30 minutes). They may also be allowed with you after surgery once you are stable in the recovery room (usually 1-2 hours after surgery).
Pediatric patients must have at least one parent/legal guardian present at all times until the patient discharges, however both parents can accompany their child. Please refrain from bringing children under the age of 19 to the center as guests. Children under the age of 19 may NOT be left alone in the waiting room.
May I drive myself home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia will not be permitted to drive for 24 hours postoperatively. Few patients who have procedures performed under straight local anesthesia could possibly drive home, if approved by their surgeon. It is an ABSOLUTE requirement that you have a responsible driver that is at least 19 years of age or older to drive you home. Patients will NOT be allowed to drive, walk, Uber, Lyft, taxi services, or take other public transportation home after sedation or anesthesia. You must make appropriate arrangements, otherwise your surgery will be postponed/cancelled.
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.
Please bring any special needs equipment with you on the day of surgery. This can be walkers, canes, crutches, knee scooters, hearing aids, glasses, etc.
What must I bring with me to the surgery center?
- Insurance card, photo identification, copayments
- A responsible driver that is at least 19 years of age or older
- Glasses, contact lens case, hearing aids, other assistive devices if applicable.
- Pediatric patients may bring a comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket, bottle, sippy cup, etc.)
What if I have questions regarding anesthesia?
More information available here.