Frequently Asked Surgery Questions

More than 600 patients come each month to the Edwards Surgical Pavilion at the Medical Park campus for procedures ranging from arthroscopic joint surgery to pediatric and adult ophthalmologic and ear/nose/throat procedures to gynecological surgery. Patients anticipating surgery and their families are encouraged to take a special "pre-op tour." Please call 443-481-5700 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make tour arrangements.

These are the questions most often asked by outpatient surgery patients, and their answers.

Q. When and how will I find out what time I am scheduled for surgery?

A. We ask every patient to call 443-481-5700 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. the day prior to surgery for instructions on the time to report and the estimated duration of their procedure. Because surgeries vary in length, it is impossible to accurately predict the exact duration of each procedure. Therefore, we ask that patients remain flexible the day of surgery. Some cases may be rescheduled for earlier or later times, in which case patients will be called at home.

Q. Why can't I eat or drink prior to the operation?

A. There is a risk of aspiration of stomach content into the lung while under anesthesia. There are some exceptions for small infants and patients under monitored anesthesia care (ie not general anesthesia). Patients will be given that information by their physician prior to surgery.

Q. Why do I have to be there an hour and a half ahead of time?

A. The pre-op phase is a time for patient and family education, a phase of outpatient surgery that is crucial to assuring positive post-op outcomes. This educational phase takes time and requires family involvement. Most patients are distracted at this time, and may not retain all the information being given to them. We rely on family members to reinforce what is taught both before and after surgery.

Q. What are some of the things that go on during the pre-op phase?

A. Physicians leave orders for specific preps, antibiotics and intravenous starts for each patient, It addition, each patient is given a complete physical assessment prior to surgery. This physical assessment is key to safely taking patients through surgical experience. Patients and family members will have the opportunity to speak to their surgeon, anesthesiologist and caregivers prior to entering the operating suites.

Q. Why do I have to have someone with me before and after surgery?

A. Family involvement is crucial. Patients recover in the comfort of their home instead of the hospital and family members must understand post operative instructions and care procedures because patients themselves will still experience the effects of anesthesia after they return home.

Q. What are some of these effects?

A. Drowsiness, nausea, ambulatory unsteadiness and lightheadedness are some of the possible conditions. Because anesthesia can sometimes cause memory lapses, patients are instructed not to sign important documents or operate machinery (including driving a car or cooking at the stove). Basically, patients need someone to be watchful of them upon their return home after outpatient surgery.

Q. Will I be pain free?

A. No. However, your physician will order post-op pain medication to keep the pain at an acceptable level. It is important to follow the physicians directions on the use of post-op pain medications and to report any complications or side effects immediately.

Q. Will I see my doctor after the surgery?

A. Every attempt is made for surgeons and family members to confer after surgery.

Q. What happens when I leave the operating room?

A. The patient recovers in the post-anesthesia care unit under the supervision of registered nurses, and will remain there until the patient meets the criteria for discharge. This is a short period of time and family members may stay with them. The average time spent in this setting is two hours.

Q. In summary, what can I expect from the time I arrive until my departure from the Edwards Pavilion?

A. Patients can expect high quality medical care and efficiency from the staff and physicians at the Richard I. Edwards Surgical Pavilion. Most patients complete pre-op preparation, surgery and post-op recovery in as little as four hours. During this time they have completed registration and insurance verification, preparation for their surgical procedure, surgery and post-op recovery in the early stages. The remainder of the post-op recovery takes place in the comfort of the patient's home.

Q. If I have a question or problem after returning home, who do I call?

A. Your physician will instruct you to call his office with any questions or problems. In addition, staff at the Edwards Surgical Pavilion are available from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You will also be given the number to the main campus of Anne Arundel Medical Center, which is accessible 24 hours a day. Every attempt is made by the department of anesthesia and the staff at the pavilion to make a follow-up phone call to the patient the day following the procedure. Due to confidentiality, we are not able to leave messages on answering machines but we make three attempts to reach the patient or a family member directly. Exceptions to this are patients whose procedure takes place on Friday, who will be contacted on the following Monday.

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