Do I need to visit the Center before the surgery date?
All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. Some may need blood tests, EKG, or x-rays. These services will be ordered by your physician if indicated and scheduled prior to your date of service at the Surgical Center. Your surgeon will advise where you will have this done.
Some families may elect to bring their children for a preoperative tour of the Center.
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.
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May I pre-register for my surgery?
This is not necessary. The registration process on the day of surgery is very simple and requires only a few signatures.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and the Tuscaloosa Surgical Center at 205.345.5500 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
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What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Loose-fitting button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and a contact case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.
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Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You must refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious, and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your surgery. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.
Children have different fasting schedules than adults - so please check in the Children and Special Needs Adults section.
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Should I take my usual daily medication?
This a totally individualized answer. It depends on the type of medications and which type of anesthesia you will be having. Our nurses will call you prior to your surgery or procedure to go over medications with you. If you do not receive a call from our nurses by 3:00 pm the day before surgery, please call the center and ask for the ‘Pre-op Call Nurse’.
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May I continue my herbal medications?
Possibly, but this is again a very individualized condition. Please consult with our Pre-op Nurse during your phone conference prior to your date of service.
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Will I receive sedation before going into the operating room?
We will individualize each patient's care. Most patients, however, will receive sedation before going into the operating or procedure room. Pediatric patients are most often able to walk or ride in our wagon to the operating room, and in those circumstances preoperative medications are minimized.
Will I be contacted before my surgery?
Yes. We call each patient before the surgery to gather information helpful to us and to hopefully answer any of your questions. Preoperative instructions will be given by the nurse who calls you. You can also call the Center directly with any questions.
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Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make up, hair spray, nail polish or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the Center.
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What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect most surgical procedures. There are a few specific gynecological procedures which may be impacted by menstruation. Call us if you have any questions at 205.345.5500.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia can not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home.
We strongly recommend that all patients have a ride home and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk, or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
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May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
Yes. All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room unless they are having conscience sedation (most GI procedures). Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the Center, and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesiologist. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire. You could also email your questions.
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.
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Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver's license, completed billing forms, copayments
- Bring all medication
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
- Bring a favorite bottle or "sippy cup" for your child
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
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How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain on a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale, or for children, the Faces Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication we will alter the therapy as needed in order to assure your comfort.
The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
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