INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SURGERY
 These instructions and guidelines will help you prepare for your upcoming surgery. It is important that you follow each step. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have, no matter how minor the question may seem. We sincerely want you to be fully prepared and comfortable with your upcoming surgery.
As a patient at Peninsula Surgery Center, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Please review your Patient Rights and Responsibilities before the day of surgery.
Before Your Surgery
Once you have been scheduled for your surgery, a nurse from Peninsula Surgery Center will call you to conduct a pre-op interview. The nurse will explain what to expect the day of your surgery; review your medical history and medications; verify that tests, x-rays, or EKG have been completed; and go over financial obligations. At this time we will answer your questions and begin to help you plan your care at home after surgery. If you have not received a call from our nursing staff by 3pm the day before surgery, please call us at (757) 594-1717.
Prior to surgery, a staff member at Peninsula Surgery Center will verify your insurance, confirm that your surgery is authorized and will be covered, and determine the amount of co-payment due. You will need to bring your co-payment the day of surgery. If you do not have health insurance, you will need to pay for your surgery at the time of service. Peninsula Surgery Center staff will contact you about the amount due.
Call your physician immediately if you notice a change in your health between the time you see your surgeon and the day of your procedure.
 The Day Before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- If you are taking medications regularly for heart and lung conditions (such as angina, chest pain, high blood pressure, or asthma) for seizure (epilepsy), or for depression, we recommend that you continue to take your medications on your usual schedule including your day of surgery. These may be taken with a small sip of water the morning of surgery.
- We recommend to most adult patients with diabetes that they do not eat anything after midnight and that they do not take insulin or other diabetic medications the morning of surgery. Please bring your insulin with you the day of surgery.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before and after surgery.
- We recommend no smoking for at least 12 hours before and after surgery.
The Day of Surgery
Every patient MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult who will need to stay at Peninsula Surgery Center during surgery and will drive that patient home when discharged. Failure to do so may result in the rescheduling of your surgery. You will not be permitted to leave the Center alone. For your own safety, if you have received general anesthesia or sedation, it is important that you do not drive for 24 hours following surgery.
What to Wear and Bring
- Wear comfortable, casual clothing (no panty hose please). Low heeled shoes and jogging suits are ideal.
- Remove all makeup and fingernail polish.
- Leave all valuables and jewelry at home. We do not have a safe place to keep valuables; they will be your responsibility.
- Please remove contact lenses, glasses and hearing aids before surgery, and give to the person accompanying you.
- Please bring your medical insurance card(s), a picture ID, and co-payment due (cash, check or credit card). The receptionist will need the information when registering you at the Center.
- Please bring any Advance Directives you have. (What are Advance Directives?)
When You Arrive
Please report to the receptionist at your scheduled arrival time. If you require sedation or general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss and arrange for anesthesia care.
After Surgery
As soon as the surgery is completed, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or "Recovery Area." Our nurses will closely monitor your recovery until you are able to sit up and dress. The length of time you spend in the Recovery Area before leaving will depend on the type of surgery you have and the choice of anesthesia. The length of stay is usually less than two hours.
We prefer that you have one family member or friend accompany you. In order to prevent overcrowding we must limit the number of people. Therefore we ask that you do not bring children or others along. Children cannot remain unattended.
Before You Leave
Please be certain you understand your physician's instructions. The nurses will also instruct you about medication, diet, and rest requirements. The day of surgery and perhaps at the time of discharge you may feel sleepy, tired and dizzy.
At Home
If you experience difficulties or complications once you return home, please contact your surgeon immediately. If you cannot reach your surgeon or have any questions, call the staff at Peninsula Surgery Center at (757) 594-1717 between the hours of 6am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, or after hours please call the Riverside Regional Medical Center operator at (757) 594-2000.
One of our nurses will attempt to contact you 24-72 hours after you go home to see how you are progressing.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your care. We look forward to your visit.
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