Surgery Instructions

WHEN YOU SCHEDULE SURGERY

Your surgeon may request certain pre-surgery tests, such as, but not limited to, blood tests, EKG or x-rays. Your surgeon may also request that you have a history and physical with your primary physician. Please have the test results, history and physical sent to the surgery center or faxed to (301) 388-0503 one week before your scheduled surgery. These must be available for your surgery to proceed as scheduled.

• Avoid all forms of aspirin and Ibuprofen for two weeks prior to your surgery.
• Please discuss all herbal and over the counter medication you are taking with the surgeon and the nurse.

A nurse from Musgrove ENT Ambulatory Surgery Center may call you to confirm your surgery and answer any questions you may have. If you have not heard from us feel free to call (301) 388-0500 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you are scheduled for sedation or general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist may also call to review your medical history and discuss your anesthesia care.

Please review the documents you receive from us and schedule any necessary diagnostic tests and/or a history and physical with your Primary Care Physician BEFORE your scheduled date of surgery.

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY

• Confirm your arrangements for a responsible adult who will accompany you from the center and help you at home.
• Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 24 hours before your surgery.
• Follow your doctor's recommendation regarding your usual medications. Diuretics, blood thinners and diabetes medications may need to be adjusted. If necessary, adjustments will be discussed during the pre-operative phone call.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

• Unless instructed otherwise, do not eat or drink until after surgery.
• Do not smoke, chew gum, or suck on hard candy.
• Bring a list of all your current medications.
• If you use an inhaler, bring it with you.
• Take necessary medications with a sip of water as instructed.
• Do not wear make-up, nail polish or jewelry.
• Leave all valuables at home, except for your photo ID and the patient's insurance card.
• Do not wear contact lenses.
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
• Arrive at the center as instructed.
• You MUST have a responsible adult that can remain with you at the surgery center and be able to drive and help care for you at home.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE CENTER

• You will sign a consent along with other documents prior to your procedure.
• A nurse will review your history, obtain vital signs and have you change into a gown.
• The anesthesiologist will review your history and discuss the anesthesia with you prior to the procedure.
• Your doctor may examine you and complete your history and physical.
• Your family may wait with you until it is time for your surgery.

AFTER SURGERY

• When your surgery is finished you will be moved to the recovery area. A nurse will monitor your progress as you wake up.
• When you are awake a family member may be able to wait with you.
• When you are fully awake, able to sit up and take fluids we will prepare you to go home.

AT HOME

• Follow your doctors' instructions carefully.
• Rest and eat a light diet initially.
• If you have received general anesthesia or sedation do not drive, operate machinery, or make legally binding decisions for 24 hours.
• If you develop any concerning symptoms call your doctor promptly.