2. The Day of Surgery

What to bring

• Insurance cards.
• Advanced Directive/Durable Power of Attorney for health care if available.
• Guardianship papers if applicable.
• Dress in loose fitting, comfortable clothing which can be folded and stored easily and will fit comfortably over bulky bandages.
• Light reading for adults; a toy, game, pacifier, special cup, book or other comfort items for children to occupy their spare time.

What not to bring

• Checkbook, money or credit cards
• Jewelry, contact lenses or any other valuable. HVSH cannot be responsible for personal property.

Arriving at HVSH

• Please plan to arrive at the Garden Entrance of the hospital as instructed in your pre-op phone call for your scheduled procedure, but no earlier than 6 a.m.
• Upon arrival, please come to the Surgery Center reception desk. You will then be given further instructions.
• Preparations for surgery vary with each patient. As a result you may be taken out of the order in which you arrive. If your escort feels that he/she must leave the building during this time, please notify the nurse.

Before the procedure

When you arrive in the pre-operative holding area, your temperature pulse and blood pressure will be taken along with an interview assessment. Please tell the nurse if you have any allergies and the specific names and dosages of any medications you are taking. Before your procedure you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Dentures, glasses and other prostheses will be removed in the pre-operative area and returned to you in the recovery room. Your personal belongings will be stored.
An anesthesiologist will discuss your health history with you and the type of anesthesia you will receive.
The nurse will start an intravenous line to administer fluids and medication during your procedure.

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3. After Surgery