Our Services at South Bend

Surgical Services

Before your admission

It is important to follow all instructions to be sure your surgery proceeds as planned:

  • Have a current list of all medications you take including prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal or diet supplements and any weight-loss products. Include on the list the strength you are taking and how often.
  • Some medications may interact with anesthesia or interfere with the healing process. Talk with your doctor about taking aspirin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Alka-Seltzer, Motrin, insulin or blood thinners prior to your surgery.
  • List any allergies you have to medications, food, or substances such as latex.
  • Contact your surgeon if you have a change in your health or develop a sore throat, fever, persistent cough, a rash or the sniffles. If you smoke, cut down or quit before your surgery. People who do not smoke heal faster than people who smoke.
  • If you are having outpatient surgery and will be receiving sedation or anesthesia, arrange for an escort to drive you home and someone to stay with you for 24 hours after your surgery.
  • Do not drink alcohol for 24 to 48 hours before your surgery. Alcohol can interfere with anesthesia and lead to complications.

The night before surgery

You may receive a call from the nurse before your surgery. Be sure to write down and follow all instructions you receive during this call.

  • Take this opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
  • Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum or mints) after midnight unless instructed by your surgeon.
  • Do not smoke the night before your surgery.

The morning of surgery

  • If your surgeon has instructed you to take medication, take it with only a very small sip of water. If you are diabetic, do not take your insulin or oral diabetic medication unless your surgeon instructs you to. If you use inhalers, bring them with you.
  • You should bathe or shower as normal and brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
  • Do not apply makeup and do not wear jewelry, including body piercings.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • You may wear dentures (do not use denture adhesive), glasses, contact lenses, and a hearing aid but bring cases for them. You will not be able to wear them during surgery.
  • Leave all valuables at home, including jewelry, watches, money and credit cards.
  • Bring to the hospital/outpatient facility your medication list, allergy list and any documents you received to complete.
  • Arrive at the scheduled time, and check in with registration in the front lobby. This is not the time of your surgery. The staff will need time to prepare you for your surgery.
  • If you forget these rules and eat or drink something, be sure to tell the staff immediately. It is very important that your stomach be empty, as it is dangerous to receive anesthesia if you have food or liquid in your stomach.

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