Preparing for Surgery

Our state-of-the-art facility provides the highest quality and convenient outpatient surgery options for patients, in a much more cost-effective setting than a hospital setting. The professional nursing staff, anesthesiologist and support staff have significant training and expertise in ENT surgery.

Please call the surgery center the day before your procedure to confirm your arrival time.

You may call (813) 321-1618 as early as 9:00am.

Because preparing for surgery is very important to assure your safety and the best possible experience, we have listed some important instructions for you to follow. Ignoring these may cause your surgery to be delayed or canceled.

If You Are Having Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight the night before surgery (this includes: chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco).
• Do not bring valuables with you on the day of surgery (this includes: purses, money, jewelry, etc.).
• If possible, make arrangements for child care which will allow you to concentrate on recovering.
• You will be asked to arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to the time of your surgery.
• If you are diabetic, you will be given instructions as to the dose and time to take your medication prior to arriving at the center.
• If you routinely take a medication that thins the blood, you must speak with your surgeon about when to stop this drug and if you may need any blood tests before surgery (i.e.: Aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Naprosyn, Motrin).
• If you are unable to keep your appointment for surgery or are delayed in arriving, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at (813) 321-1618.
• Make arrangements to get transportation to and from the Center as you cannot drive for 24 hours after surgery.
• Make arrangements to have an adult stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

After you have followed the instructions for preparing the day before your surgery, the day of your surgery should run smoothly. It is important to our staff and physicians to assure your safety and the best possible surgical experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How soon should I arrive before my surgery?
A: If you are having anesthesia/sedation, you will be asked to arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to the time of your surgery.

Q: Will my family be able to stay with me while I am being prepared for my surgery?
A: Yes! You may have a friend or family member with you during the preparation for surgery. We prefer that you limit visitors to two friends or family members. If possible, make arrangements for someone to care for your children the day of the surgery. We do our best to provide a calm, quiet area for our patients while they recover.

If you feel you are experiencing any problems after your discharge, call your doctor’s office immediately. If your doctor is not available call the Emergency Room at your local hospital or 9-1-1 if it is an extreme emergency. After your surgery, you will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to check on your progress.

If you have had anesthesia/sedation, please follow these instructions when you get home:

• You must have your care-giver stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may be drowsy or dizzy.
• Rest and relax. You have just had surgery. Follow your doctors’ recommendations for resuming your normal activities.
• Eat a light meal when you get hungry. Eating too much, or heavy foods, may cause you to become nauseated.
• Remember to follow your doctors’ instructions on resuming any previous medications you had been on, as well as taking any pain medication prescribed for you.
• Do NOT drive, drink alcoholic beverages or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

Select Physician’s Surgery Center is a child-friendly facility. Our nursing staff has had many years of experience in caring for children and understand the impact surgery has on them.

To make their day, and yours, a little less stressful, we recommend the following:

• If possible, arrangements should be made for the care of siblings. The child having surgery will need your full attention.
• Encourage your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket.
• If your child uses diapers, a pacifier, a bottle, or a “sippy” cup, please bring that along.
• Parent/legally designated care-giver will be asked to wear an identifying bracelet with the same information contained on the child’s bracelet. You may remove these once you are discharged from the facility.
• Parent/legally designated care-giver shall remain in the pre-op area with the child until the time of surgery.
• Parent/legally designated care-giver shall not leave the facility while child is having surgery.
• Parent/legally designated care-giver may be with the child during the recovery process as soon as Anesthesia/PACU nurse determines it is appropriate.