Surgery Tips

At Alpha Surgical Center, the safety and wellbeing of our patients is our number one concern.

We understand surgical procedures can be stressful for both patients and their loved ones. Knowing how to prepare and what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help lessen the anxiety and improve your overall experience.

Preparing for Surgery

Our doctors and nurses will give you personalized tips to start preparing for surgery a few days in advance. These tips may include changes in diet and lifestyle.

If you are scheduled for a procedure you will receive an automatic text message to fill out pre-admission forms. Please contact the facility if you did not receive the text message or need assistance filling it out at 346-336-7272.

Pre-Surgery General Tips

Your procedure will likely require anesthesia, and therefore you should not drive yourself. Please arrange to have someone accompany you on the day of your surgery.

To improve your procedure’s outcome and shorten your recovery time, we recommend you stop smoking and drinking alcohol a few days before your surgery. Alcohol and tobacco products can cause adverse reactions to anesthesia and interfere with post-operatory treatment.

Don’t eat or drink after midnight on the night before your surgery. Please speak to one of our pre-op nurses if you have special medical conditions or any concerns.

Avoid using unnecessary lotions, makeup, and heavy perfumes.

Personal hygiene is crucial to minimizing the risk of infection. Therefore, on the morning of your procedure, please bathe and brush your teeth as you usually would, be careful not to swallow any water.

Don’t wear jewelry.

Speak to your physician if you notice any changes in your health, including fever, rash, cough, or symptoms associated with respiratory illness.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heel shoes.

Please arrive on time to avoid delays.

Remove contact lenses.

Notify your surgeon if there is a possibility you may be pregnant.

The Day of Your Surgery

You should expect a call from our nursing staff before your surgery to clear any concerns, review your pre-surgery instructions, including your arrival time, and to review your health questionnaire.

Please arrive on time to ensure your procedure begins on schedule.

A nurse will visit with you when you arrive at our facility to answer any questions and address any last-minute concerns.

Check-in and registration will take place upon your arrival. Please remember to bring your insurance card and a valid ID such as a driver’s license

After registration is complete, a nurse will escort you to one of our pre-operative rooms to change into a patient gown and prepare you for surgery.

Your surgeon will visit with you while you are being prepped for surgery.

Family members or the person accompanying you must remain in our waiting room.

After Surgery

The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.

Immediately following surgery, our staff will move you to our post-operative area and monitor your signs. You will remain here until you awake from the anesthesia and are feeling comfortable.

You can expect to feel lightheaded and sleepy for a few hours until the anesthetic wears off completely.

When you are ready to leave, you and your family members will receive detailed written instructions for your at-home care

While recuperating at home, it’s imperative you follow all doctor’s recommendations regarding medication, diet, rest, and activity.

Please expect a call from one of our post-operative nurses one or two business days after your procedure to follow up on your progress and address any concerns.

For your safety, we advise you to follow these general recommendations after receiving anesthesia (also refer to your discharge instructions):

  • Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours
  • Avoid eating heavy meals and follow any dietary recommendations from your physician
  • Don’t smoke or consume alcohol for at least 24 hours
  • Do not take any medications that were not discussed and cleared by your physician
  • Avoid signing important documents or making life-changing decisions for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery
Remember to speak to your physician or one of our nurses if you have any questions or concerns regarding your procedure/surgery.