Outpatient Surgery
Preparing for Surgery
There are a few things you need to do before your outpatient surgery and those areas are addressed here. However, it is always a good idea to check with your specialist or physician to find out if you need to make any special or additional preparations for your particular procedure.
You will need someone to help you get home after your operation. Make arrangements for a friend or relative to drive you home on the day of your operation. During your operation, there is a special room where your family can wait. The waiting room staff will keep them informed on your progress. If your family is unable to stay, you will be able to call them after your procedure. Your family can then meet you in the recovery area when you are ready for to go home.
It is also important to check your insurance coverage. If your policy does not cover outpatient surgery, or if you do not have insurance, you will need to talk with the Patient Accounts Department. You should also monitor your health carefully before your scheduled procedure. If you develop a cold, fever or other change in your physical condition, please call your physician. Bring a list of all medicines that you take. (see medication toolkit)
Do not bring jewelry, credit cards, large amounts of money or other valuables with you the day of your operation. You will need to have some money with you for prescriptions. The person accompanying you can hold it.
Wear comfortable clothing to the hospital. If you wear glasses, contacts, dentures or a hearing aid, bring along a case to put them in during surgery.
Remove all eye makeup and nail polish before coming to the hospital. If you smoke, stop or at least reduce your smoking.
Eat a light supper the day before your operation and don't drink any alcohol for 24 hours before surgery. After midnight, you should not drink, eat or take anything by mouth. This includes gum, candy, water, coffee, or food of any kind. And remember not to swallow water when you brush your teeth before coming to the hospital.
What to Expect
Outpatient surgery can safely be performed for many uncomplicated or minor surgical procedures, such as teeth extractions, hernia repairs, cosmetic, urological, orthopedic, and gynecological procedures. If you and your physician determine that outpatient surgery is appropriate for you, your doctor will schedule your surgery. A preoperative testing and patient teaching instruction time will be arranged. On the day of your operation, plan to arrive at the University of Michigan Hospital Admissions Office one and a half hours before your scheduled operation.
An escort will accompany you to the pre-op area. There you will change into a hospital gown, remove your glasses, contact lenses, false teeth and other such items. A nurse will check your temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. You will also visit with the person who will administer your anesthesia. Depending on the nature of your surgery, you may have an intravenous catheter placed in your arm and receive medication to make you sleepy. A nurse will be available at all times to give instructions, answer questions and assist your doctor in meeting your needs and concerns. For further information about Outpatient Surgery, please call 734-936-6641.
Going Home
After your procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you may receive oxygen. You will be carefully monitored for about an hour. Of course, how long you spend in the operating room and recovery room depends on the type of operation you have. When you are released from our care, you will receive written and verbal instructions for your care at home. However, you must have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure. You should spend the remainder of the day resting, not driving or operating any machinery for 24 hours. A registered nurse will call a day after your operation to answer any questions you may have. We will do our best to make your short stay as pleasant as possible. For information about leaving the hospital, please call 734.764.0589. Click here for patient services that are available to you once you leave the hospital.
Surgery Waiting Room
Families and friends of our surgical patients may use waiting rooms designed for their comfort. A receptionist can tell you when the patient enters the operating room, arrives in recovery and returns to the nursing unit. The surgeon will meet with you in the Surgery Family Waiting Room to discuss the operation. Family and friends are provided reading materials, a television and beverages. The waiting room for adult surgeries at University Hospital is located on Level 1 in Room 1D201. To reach someone in the waiting room, call 734-936-4388 or 734-936-8503.
